LUCY

We had to let Lucy go today. We didn't want to -- you never want to -- but it was time, and she let us know, the way old dogs let you know.

She was the best dog. I know people always say that about their dogs, but she was. She loved everybody she met. But above all she loved us, and right to the end, when she could barely stand, she'd manage to hobble and lurch her way to wherever in the house we happened to be, so she could be with us.

We had her almost 17 years. She was the soul of our house. There's no place I can look and not see her. So I guess she's still with us in a way, and that's a kind of comfort. But right now my heart is breaking.

Goodbye, girl. I love you.