My New Avatar

[KathieI]

Let me introduce you to my wonderful dog, Lucy. She is my new avatar. She will be 13 years old next month and his hanging by a thread. I'm hoping she can last a little longer but its been a fight for the past 2 or 3 months to keep her going. She's not in any pain, she just has aged terribly since we got here a year ago. Perhaps the move was just too much for her to adjust to. I think she's more depressed than anything because she used to love to run outside after the birds and squirrels but unfortunately here in TV, she doesn't have a yard and she's too frail to take to the DDRR. I thought I'd share her with all of you before she leaves me. Everyone, say hi to Lucy....

[ssmith]

Oh Kathie I do understand...our pets don't ask for much and they bring such joy. Enjoy her while you can. I have a 13 yo Sheltie that is deaf and aging but does still LOVE her walks...have had to say good bye to previous Shelties over the years...so hard...so enjoy
Susie

[English Ivy]

Hi Lucy. It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm sorry your move to The Villages has been difficult for you, but I know your Mom is doing everything she can to make you comfortable and give you the best life possible. You take care, Lucy, and Kathie too.

[tkret]

Kathie,

My greetings, indeed, to Lucy. It IS tough and as you may recall I had to put down my chow-shepherd 6 weeks after moving to TV. With great sadness and reluctance I followed the advice of a veterinarian I took him to after our move.
Thankfully, Lucy is not in any pain or discomfort. Depressed? Why not get a San Diego Chicken outfit and let her chase YOU around the house. When it's time, you'll know and, hopefully, that won't be for a very long time,yet. In the meantime note the advice of SSMITH who wrote, "enjoy her while you can".

[Bettiboop]

I noticed Lucy's cute picture right off! Thank you for introducing her to us. I'm sorry to hear she is not doing well. I wish I was there to give her some snuggles...and to hug you too. I know what you are going through with having to prepare to say goodbye.

[MSNPA]

Kathie,
I just know you are the best dog mom. Peace be with you whenever she does leave this world. As I said before and I'll say again, there is nothing as wonderful as a pet.

[oatmealgirls]

hi Lucy, You are a sweetie and make a great avatar. Kathie, I agree with the others, you're a good dogie mom, by giving Lucy all the love she needs:)

Thoughts are with both of you!

[angel222]

Hi Kathie...I know how hard you are trying to help her along here...you're such a caring doggie mom. Enjoy her as long as shes not in pain. We should arrange a playdate with her and Precious!

[mikeandnancy1112]

Hi Lucy:coolsmiley:

Let me introduce you to my wonderful dog, Lucy. She is my new avatar. She will be 13 years old next month and his hanging by a thread. I'm hoping she can last a little longer but its been a fight for the past 2 or 3 months to keep her going. She's not in any pain, she just has aged terribly since we got here a year ago. Perhaps the move was just too much for her to adjust to. I think she's more depressed than anything because she used to love to run outside after the birds and squirrels but unfortunately here in TV, she doesn't have a yard and she's too frail to take to the DDRR. I thought I'd share her with all of you before she leaves me. Everyone, say hi to Lucy....

[Peazoup]

Lucy,
I know you and I know your mom. I also know that you couldn't be in a more loving home.

[carm310]

Kathie, What a great idea to honor Lucy! Wishing you both ongoing love and many more happy memories to cherish! Carm

[debokla]

Kathie,
I love Lucy....she is the sweetest dog! You two hang in there. We are thinking of both of you.
In my next life, I'm coming back as your dog, except you either have to stay home with me sometimes or at the very least, teach me to dance so I can go with you!

[Barefoot]

Biggins and Lolli Pup send a loving woof to Lucy.

[chelsea24]

Hi Miss Lucy! I have had the honor of meeting you in person. What a beautiful girl! All my kitties are waving their paws "Hi". Hope to see you soon.
much love, chels :)

[bestmickey]

Hello sweet Lucy! Pixie Dust and prayers for you and your mom.

[JeanneBeannie]

Hi Lucy, you sure are a cutie pie!! Hang in there and enjoy lots of cuddling time with your wonderful Mommy, she sure loves you very much. We would love to visit with you, maybe a little walk or just sniff each others butts what us doggies are so well known for. Then lick your sweet face with lots of kisses!! Cant wait to meet you Lucy!!!
Love,
Murphy and Bubba
Oh...and our Mommy too!

[graciegirl]

Hello Lucy. We met briefly a couple of times because your mom had you penned in the bedroom at her parties.

I know that you are enjoying your siblings and your mother and I wish I were there to give you a little rub down.

I am so glad you have been with your mom for your life. You are sweet and good and dependable and warm and loving and trusting.

We love you Lucy. Stay with us for a while longer.

[j22jay]

Hello sweet Lucy,
You have been such joy and light to your mom for 13 years. It makes my heart hurt to know you are having difficulty as you age. Perhaps I will have to come over and hold you for a bit. If possible, could you just hang in there until Nonie and JB arrive? Take good care of your mom - she loves you so much.

[nONIE]

Lucy, you are a precious little angel that heaven sent down for your wonderful mom to love and enjoy. I hope I get to give you lots of lovin before you decide to leave this world. Your mom has given you the best life any doggie could possibly want and I know you love and appreciate her. Thankyou little sweetheart for being there for your mom for all these years.:kiss

[Opulence]

Let me introduce you to my wonderful dog, Lucy. She is my new avatar. She will be 13 years old next month and his hanging by a thread. I'm hoping she can last a little longer but its been a fight for the past 2 or 3 months to keep her going. She's not in any pain, she just has aged terribly since we got here a year ago. Perhaps the move was just too much for her to adjust to. I think she's more depressed than anything because she used to love to run outside after the birds and squirrels but unfortunately here in TV, she doesn't have a yard and she's too frail to take to the DDRR. I thought I'd share her with all of you before she leaves me. Everyone, say hi to Lucy....


Dear Lucy - how wonderful to meet you! We all know you are loved and that Kathie is devoted to you. Isn't that all any of us can ask of life? So you are a very special girl and a fortunate one indeed. When the time comes, Kathie will be right by your side, I'm sure. Once you pass over the Rainbow bridge, you will run free, & you chase all the squirrels & birds you could ever want, without pain or hinderance I am delighted to have met you ole girl & trust that instinctively you know what a wonderful, loving relationship you have with Kathie.

Betty

[sschuler1]

Kathie - we are renting a courtyard villa until Nov. 5th. If you want to bring Lucy over for a run in the yard, she will be safe here.

[Julie]

Dear Little Lucy,

I am so glad your person decided to introduce you to all of her friends and their pets at TOTV. That avatar picture sure does make you look like the most elegant of pooches. You are lucky to have had Kathie all of these years. I agree with Betty when she says once you cross over the Rainbow Bridge in the sky everything will be even better than what you had here (hard to imagine I know).

Regards,

Buddy (and Julie)

[rshoffer]

Woof... Hi Lucy.... I'm real depressed too. My master brought me to this place over a year ago and I hate it... It's too hot, people give me dirty looks just because I look like Marmaduke and weigh 110 lbs, I used to live in the mountains and could run freely in the woods for hours, I could swim in the ponds around our home and not worry about those things he calls gators, I loved it when I could jump and play in the snow. There is not a single thing about this place I enjoy. Keep up your spirits Lucy. Maybe we can meet and woof about the good old days.

Maverick

[champion6]

.

[carm310]

Woof... Hi Lucy.... I'm real depressed too. My master brought me to this place over a year ago and I hate it... It's too hot, people give me dirty looks just because I look like Marmaduke and weigh 110 lbs, I used to live in the mountains and could run freely in the woods for hours, I could swim in the ponds around our home and not worry about those things he calls gators, I loved it when I could jump and play in the snow. There is not a single thing about this place I enjoy. Keep up your spirits Lucy. Maybe we can meet and woof about the good old days.

Maverick

Hey Maverick!

Marmaduke is the best!

[Julie]

*

[Boomer]

Hi Kathie,

I just wanted to let you know that I understand exactly what you are going through right now with Lucy. Even though we have given our quite elderly dogs wonderful homes for all these many years, this part is never easy. Annie is 15 and a half now.

Boomer...and from Annie, too.........

Hi Lucy...from Annie....Someday we will meet where we will run and play.

[SUNNYMARYANN]

Hi lucy, i wish regis and logan could have you over to visit us and run free in our back yard. Chase some butterflies and dragonflies with them too. You have earned your relaxation years.

[Shirleevee]

Oh Kathie, thank you form sharing your love for Lucy. She is adorable!

[KathieI]

Update on Little Lucy..... took her to the wonderful, Dr Valdez today who gave her a very thorough exam and we pulled out all the information on previous tests and Xray's. One thing I love about Dr. Valdez, is he really listens to us and he LOVES HIS animal patients. Her heart is excellent, she's had no additional seizures for the past 2 months, he gave her a liver enzyme test and another XRay of her spine and kidney and says she looks very good for an old girl. We may just get more time out of her yet... ISN'T THAT EXCITING!!! :bowdown:
About the boredom, he recommended I take her out in the golf cart and drive her down to LSL or to the polo fields and give her another viewpoint of Florida living. I thought it was a great idea and am going to try it very soon. He spent over an hour with her and I left feeling very comfortable that she isn't in any pain and with some new meds and her new ventures, I might get her to hang around for a little while more.

Maybe I should get her a boyfriend???? Nooooo, Lucy, your mom first, then you!!! (kidding)....

But I'd like to thank everyone for all the love and attention you have given us, I read them all to her and she stared at me kinda sheepishly wondering if I had lost my sanity.....
Lucy is a wonderful companion and I'm so glad I had her all these years and if I keep up the work, we may have her around a little bit longer.

So if you see this one eyed, graying mini Schnauzer walking around the square one night, please say, Hi Lucy!! She will be sure to give you a lot of kisses....

[carm310]

Kathie, I am so happy you have received some good news! Maybe we will see both of you when we come down the week of Thanksgiving. ~ Carm

[ssmith]

see avatar of Lucy...is it just me...kath by your name that is all I see...perhaps I am not set up to see it...but I did see your old Avatar...well glad for the good report on Lucy... Susie

[JeanneBeannie]

I am so happy that you got a good report on Lil Lucy today! I wish I was there already to do the happy dance with you :pepper2: and give you and Lucy a big hug!!
Lucy is such a popular little pooch, I am sure she will have lots of playmates to have fun with! :a040:
Murphy and Bubba are on their way Lucy!! :crap2:

[Bettiboop]

I'll definitely be looking for Lucy at the square when next I am there!

[Julie]

Maybe I should get her a boyfriend???? [/SIZE] [/SIZE]

I showed Buddy Lucy's picture and he says he's definitely up for the job!

:0000000000luvmyhors

[jojo]

Kathie, I'm just catching up on TOTV and am happy to know that Lucy is doing better. Bring her out when we're out and about.

[KathieI]

Kathie, I'm just catching up on TOTV and am happy to know that Lucy is doing better. Bring her out when we're out and about.

Yes, JoJo, I just took her over to the bocce courts to watch the gang play and then we drove down to LSL and I showed her around and introduced her to the lake and the square. She seemed to like it and I'm trying to convince her that TV is as good as SoCal was. She's a very determined Schnauzer, though, and very head strong. We'll see!

Julie, we'll introduce Buddy to Lucy when you get here. We can have a bridal shower and wedding ceremony. Seriously, they have them here in TV (only in TV, right!!)

[sschuler1]

Glad to hear the news, Kath! I know that you have been really worried for a while about your Lucy. The offer is still open if you want to bring her over here for some "off the leash" time.

[oatmealgirls]

Well my guy wants to be in on the pet avatar thing, and says to be sure to say hi to Lucy for him :). He's also woofing to me saying to be sure to tell her how much he loves riding in the golf cart!!

[champion6]

Kathie, that's wonderful news. Enjoy!

[Julie]

Julie, we'll introduce Buddy to Lucy when you get here. We can have a bridal shower and wedding ceremony. Seriously, they have them here in TV (only in TV, right!!)


Anything for a party! Check out my avatar, that is Buddy wearing his lei when we had a Hawaiian luau. :D

This photograph isn't Buddy but, I think it's a good representation of what he may look like in a tuxedo.



http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_b0IcNBnCr-s/R8cZ9cj2BBI/AAAAAAAAAJs/pi6UA1au864/s400/tuxedo.jpg

[otherbruddaDarrell]

Nice pix.

[nONIE]

Kath,

So happy to hear of the good report on Lucy. She sure is a sweetie! My two couch potatoes Clara and Georgie are sending slurpy kisses her way.

by the way, do you know if Dr. Valdez is taking new patients??? Im overdue for my pap smear! :1rotfl:

Seriously, I need to get in with a vet as soon as I get to TV. My poor old georgie is limping these days.

[KathieI]

Kath,

by the way, do you know if Dr. Valdez is taking new patients??? Im overdue for my pap smear! :1rotfl:

Seriously, I need to get in with a vet as soon as I get to TV. My poor old georgie is limping these days.

If you said that to Dr. Valdez, he would FAINT!! :faint:

Yes, I'm sure he's taking new patients.. just mention my name and you'll get right in, I'm sure.

[JeanneBeannie]

Nonie....lol lol you are hysterical!! Good one! :1rotfl:.

Dr. Valdez will have two new patients, Georgie and Murphy. I have read many posts and you speak very highly of him...my kind of Vet! :thumbup:.
Actually...now that I am thinking, it would probably be wise if I make an appt. now so my son can help me take them. Murphy and Bubba are inseparable...sometimes it can be a pain in the arse tho lol :faint:.

[Boomer]

Hi Kathie,

I am glad the vet had good news for Lucy. It sounds like she is going to be around for some more nice times. He had some good ideas for ways to perk her up, too.

I was getting worried about Annie a couple of days ago. She seemed to be slowing down more than usual. But yesterday she actually ran. Yep. She ran. At 15+ years, she does not do much running anymore, but every once in a while, she does. Yes, it is a stiff-legged run, but a run all the same, and it makes me smile.

I would like to share a little dog psychology theory with you, on the chance that it might help Lucy. But I am not a dog shrink or anything like that.

Anyway, this theory is actually something that my dad always said. He said that dogs like to have jobs.

He did not mean that the dog has to pull a sled or investigate a crime scene. He just meant that he thought there was something in just about every dog that made it happiest when having a job. The job might be reporting that the mailman had arrived or that the neighbor's cat had invaded the yard. I trained my last dog to retrieve the newspaper for us from the end of the driveway. (Sometimes I had to return the neighbor's newspaper though.)

Kathie, when I read about Lucy seeming sad, I got to thinking that maybe even though you were ready to retire, Lucy was not. It sounds like she had a good job in California, patrolling your yard for squirrels and keeping them under control. And then you up and moved her to a retirement community and it might have been before she was ready to retire. Oh dear.

Soooo, maybe you can help Lucy get back into the workforce. Could you convince her that she has a new job?

Maybe if she thinks that she is the one taking you for a golfcart ride, that could help. Perhaps when she is not looking, put her leash somewhere near you, but pretend not to notice it. Set her up to see it and to call your attention to it. You know what I mean. A scene where Lucy sees the leash and you "don't" and Lucy has to say, "Hey, Kathie, get up off your behind. You need to go take a ride and you will feel a whole lot better. Now, get up!"

Annie still works, but it is kind of a semi-retirement. She has cut back on the size of her responsibilities. Now she reports potential yard intrusion by the tiny, little dachshund who lives next door. She watches out the window for him. At our last house, she watched out the window for trespassing deer and she actually ran them off. She seemed to know what time to expect them and she was ready. (I did not let her out until the deer had heard her bark and turned around to leave. Annie would then run outside, as far as her Invisible Fence would let her, and she would shout, "AND STAY OUT!") Annie has cut back in scope now, but she is still working. She also reminds us when it is time for us to have lunch and dinner. And also when it is time for her to take her arthritis medicine.

Annie would like to tell Lucy that when planning to return to work, Lucy must, first of all, make certain that the terms of the contract are all in her favor. Lucy will know how to do that I am sure. These old girls are wise and will have things their way. And I know that when Lucy is on the job, you know that you will show clearly that you are really impressed and, of course, you will make happy noises and give ear scratches so that Lucy knows it is a job well done.

Well, enough dog psychology theory from me. I hope it helps.

Annie is sending a picture for Lucy. (I am not good with pictures and this one looks like it is the size of a billboard, but I don't know how to get it smaller.) In the picture, you will see that one of Annie's jobs in retirement is to guard Mr. Boomer's shoes.

Boomer

http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac11/CincyGal/Roompictures346.jpg

[KathieI]

Awww, Boomer, Annie is beautiful.. I just love that picture. I think your advice is excellent and its just what I did.

Took Lucy for her FIRST golf cart ride last night and she was in HEAVEN!!! She guarded the front seat and me and took in all the sights, she just loved watching the guys golfing at dusk, and loved Walgreens and all the peeps in there. She loved the breeze blowing into her face and was amazed at what was happening all around her and she had no clue. It was the best thing I could have done for her. When she got home, she reported everything to her brothers and they were sooooo jealous. But your right, she wasn't ready to retire and was living a very full life. Now its my job to create that full life for her again.

Thanks Boomer, Lucy is so happy you suggested this.

[MayBFabulous]

I've been reading TOTV for close to a year now and never really felt compelled to put my 2 cents in until now.Animals are near and dear to my heart (also many others judging by the large response to this thread....).
KathieI , I too am a HUGE fan of Dr. Valdez--he's such a gentle caring man and you feel as if your pet is his only patient when he's with you .
Boomer,that was a wonderful observation you made about our pets and retirement.Your girl Annie is so sweet , and the fact that she still wants to work after 15+ years proves she's had a very happy, loving home life.
I now have a Shih Tsu and he LOVES his rides in the golf cart--going to the mailbox--washing the cars-- putting out the garbage ---and , of course,
weeding....but his time is mostly spent on lizard patrol......that is by far his favorite job!!!
Kathie and Boomer , Mr. Wagglebutt and I wish you more happy, healthy, loving years with your "girls".

[graciegirl]

Annie is very sweet and pretty, Boom. Is she resting on the floor of your new addition that you were talking about last fall? Nice floor too.