Saturday- A Little Personal – Lucy and Twiggy Have a Tough Talk

~ John W. Howell

Please be aware this post is about a serious subject.

Hello, friends of Lucy and Twiggy. We have all enjoyed the adventures of these two, and in some ways, we have become family interacting with their experiences. It is fitting for you to know that Lucy has been diagnosed with inoperable cancer. There is nothing that can be done but to keep her comfortable. She is on medication that keeps her pain-free and eating and drinking normally. It is a matter of time, now unknown, before we will have to let her go. We feel that to have Lucy disappear and then explain after the fact would not be faithful to the time you have invested in her stories. Although this information is hard to communicate, I think we owe you transparency regarding her condition. The stories will continue for as long as possible, and we won’t be mentioning cancer again. Lucy is talking to Twiggy.

“So what did the doctor say?”

“She said I have inoperable cancer, Little One.”

“What does inoperable mean?”

“Well, it means they can’t fix it.”

“If they can’t fix it, what’s going to happen?”

“It means I’m going to be taking a trip.”

“Trip? What kind of trip?”

“I’m going to go and find Bailey over the Rainbow Bridge.”

“I don’t think I understand. When will you be back?”

“Well, Little One, I won’t be back if I find Bailey.”

“Won’t be back? I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“It is the way life is, though. There is a circle that we all move in.”

“If it’s a circle, can I go with you?”

“No, that’s not how it works. You have a full life ahead of you. Besides, mom and dad will need your help.”

“Please let me go with you, Lucy.”

“Twiggy. You have your job to do here. Don’t worry when it is your time. I’ll be waiting for you.”

“Promise?”

“You have my promise, Little One. Now let’s get mom to give us a treat.”

“I love you, Lucy.”

“I love you, Little One.”

144 thoughts on “Saturday- A Little Personal – Lucy and Twiggy Have a Tough Talk”

  2. A measure of how invested we’ve all become in this pair is the tears that came to my eyes reading this. Here’s hoping that ‘sooner or later’ is much, much later, and that the days you have left with Lucy are good ones.

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  5. I am sorry for all of you, John. I fell in love with Lucy from the days of the Lucy and Baily show. She is special and she will be missed. I know how hard this is. Please give her a hug from us.

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  9. Oh John, I am so, so sorry. Having just said goodbye to my precious Lola in early November, I feel your pain at this impending loss so deeply. Holding you all so close to my heart…

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  10. I have tears in my eyes as I type this. I am so sorry and please know you, your family, and Twiggy will be in my prayers.

    The exchange between Lucy and Twiggy is beautiful.

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  12. I am so sorry, John. It’s some comfort to know that the vet is giving Lucy medication to keep her from suffering. I’ve become very fond of Lucy; I’ll miss her when the time comes. Thank you for telling us what is happening. It must have been very difficult for you.

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  16. John,
    Very sorry to hear this news.
    I always got a chuckle from both dogs in the backyard on their discoveries, etc.
    Hopefully she will be with us for a long time.
    Prayers to you and Molly
    Tom

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  18. Sad to hear this, John. 😦 I’ve experienced this several times, and it caused a lot of pain, even though I know it’s part of the circle of life. Deep condolences to you and yours. 😦

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    1. Thank you, Teagan. We have been blessed with wonderful years with our pets. It is hard to say goodbye but while they are here we love them unconditionally. Our memories of them always help us through the rough parts. Hugs

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      1. Thank you John Ruby is thirteen, a good age for a working Lab, she was a guide dog for a blind lady. I believe you call them assistance dogs. Ruby had a rare cancer last year in her leg and recovered but now riddled with arthritis she is finding things challenging. They are our babes aren’t they 💜💜💜

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  23. Oh, John, this is such sad news to read. I know it is so hard for all of you. Enjoy the time that remains and I wish comfort and love for Lucy until you must let her go. Sending you all so much love and caring.

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  25. Oh, dear John! I’m so sorry to leatn about her diagnosis. Anyway, let’s enjoy these precious moments left. And hope that her soul will return back again afterwards. Nothing ends, it’s just a new turn of existances.🙂🍤🍤🍤🍻

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  29. Oh my dear John. I am having trouble typing this as the screen is all blurry. I can only thank you from the bottom of my heart for the heads up so that we can wish a sweet and painless time for Lucy (and Twiggy and you and The Producer) as she walks towards that Rainbow Bridge. Sending you all my love and shall, even more, cherish what you share from these two that we have grown to love (as we did Bailey).

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      1. Yeah, you’re right. We do wish. But then, I guess that’s what makes them so special – knowing that despite this, they are all the more precious to us.

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  32. Oh my, John… I’m so sorry. Our pets are such gifts, little beings of neverending love and wonder. My heart goes out to you and your family. We had to say goodbye to our little Bella in September. When the time comes, she, as Bailey, will greet Lucy with abundant love. It is my hope that you have many blessed and pain-free days together until that time comes. Much love and hugs to all.

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    1. Thank you, Natalie. We will do our best to make sure Lucy continues to live her life. I’m sorry for your loss of Bella and the thought of all our pets having a huge playground brings a smile.

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  33. NOOO!!! Oh, John, I’m typing this through tears. Though I’ve never met Lucy, I feel like I know her. Her interactions with Twiggy (and Bailey before) have always captivated me, and it’s impossible not to fall in love with her sweet face. I know you’re heart-broken over this news, my friend, but I trust Lucy will let you know when it’s time for her trip. I’ve always said I’d rather have one less day with a pup than force them to stay with me longer…in pain. Thank you for explaining all this — I know it’s hard, but you’re right, harder for her to just disappear. Hugs to all of you!

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    1. We are heartbroken but will not compromise Lucy’s care for the sake of our emotions. In some way not telling everyone about her condition seemed disrespectful. It would be like she was just being used as a prop and I can’t have that. We had 12 wonderful years with her and lots of memories. Thank you for your helpful words, Debbie.

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  36. OMG, John. Tears in my eyes reading this. Lucy & Twiggy are a favorite part of your family. So sorry to know about Lucy’s cancer. I’d actually hope that dogs communicate the way Lucy & Twiggy did. Including Bailey was important. I know dogs sense illness and miss each other to the point of giving up themselves when one crosses the Rainbow Bridge. It happened to my two dogs, within 3 days after the first one died, the second one gave up. Well, within two weeks, we had a new family of dogs, 5 month old Border Aussie siblings. Still, we’ll miss our little dogs forever. 🧡🐶🐶🧡 Christine

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  37. We are all tearing up, John, as we have become attached to these two. I am so sorry to hear this. Such a sweet exchange between them. In the end “I love you” says it all. I remember Bailey – glad Lucy will have a friend over the Rainbow. Twiggy will sense something, I think.

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    1. I think you are right, Jo.Twiggy checks Lucy over quite a lot now. I think she knows. We will keep Lucy comfortable until she is ready. Thanks for the tender feelings.

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  38. I’m sorry to hear these sad news, John, and my feelings and thoughts are with you. I know from my own experience how hard it is to have to let a four-legged friend go. Thanks for letting me know before the unevitable happens. I wish all the best for Lucy for as long as possible. I know you’ll make her comfortable as long as possible and then caringly guide her to the rainbow bridge and across.
    All the best,
    Pit

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  40. I feel so bad for all of you, having been through this a couple of times with dogs we’ve owned. It’s hard each time, and yet I’ll do it again. As one of my best friends said to me once, “Of course, I’m going to be sad. My dog gave me ten of the best years.”

    Wishing you and your wife and Twiggy many happy memories.

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  41. Though an inevitable journey, it’s the hardest one gets to undertake ! And you’ve given such beautiful words to the silent exchange between Lucy & Twiggy, John! Hoping her strength & your affection continue to hold fast till the rainbow ends! Wishing healing energy to you all !

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  42. Sorry to hear this, John! I hope the time she has is painless and happy. As you rightly guessed, I am one of the many who have looked forward to these exchanges each time I come back to your blog. Each time they have brought a smile on my face. Stay strong.

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  43. I am heartbroken over this news John. Lucy feels like a member of MY family thanks to you and your wife sharing all her adventures. My thoughts and prayers are with Lucy and Twiggy and you guys.

    I love you

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  44. Oh John!
    I had a dream about this several nights ago.
    I thought…this is stupid! Why am I making up sad stuff?

    😢 Best to you! You have my mail. If you need to vent, want support, talk ( I can send my #) anything… you know where to find me.
    OX 😢 OX 😢 OX 😢 OX

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    1. Sometimes it is a matter of sensing things and before you know it the dream appears. I am doing fine, Resa. We are taking it a day at a time making sure Lucy is comfortable. She is now but we have no idea how long that will last. I do know where to find you and so appreciate your offer of support. I will certainly take you up on your generosity should it become necessary. For now just those OXes are comfort enough. OX OX OX OX. 🤗

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    1. You and I agree with that, Diana. I wish there was another way but this life of ours has it;s highs and lows. Someone once said the lows are there so we can appreciate the highs. Lucy is comfortable and happy so we will try to keep her that way until it is time to say goodby. Thank you for your lovely words.

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