Lucy was not just a good puppy, she was a great puppy. For almost 17 years she was a happy, four-legged member of the family. Never fussed. Never chewed a shoe. Always ready for an adventure but equally happy lounging in the sun. Honestly, I don’t know that I’ve met many dogs that were as low-maintenance or content as Lucy was.

Meredith gets credit for picking Lucy out of the litter at the Junior Humane Society adoption event (she was the quiet, relaxed puppy in a sea of crazy ones). A whopping $35 later, we had a third member of the family and the adventures began. Lucy Pickles Wiktor was her legal name but she answered with her tail wagging to Lucy, Luce, Lucifer, Pickles, Puppy, or just a whistle. Not six months old, Lucy made her first of four cross-country automobile trips as we moved to California.

We spent the first few years in California adventuring as a family of three. The daily walk through the neighborhood or the hike in the hills brought us smiles all the same. Sophia joined the crew in 2011 but Lucy did not mind. She was happy for the company on the walks and didn’t mind the occasional free snack that fell off the highchair.

Will joined the crew in 2012; Lucy would remain the oldest and wisest “non-adult” in the family for quite some time. She completed her second trip across the country and took in the sights and sounds (and seasons) of Virginia for a few years before traveling back to SoCal (cross country #3).

Back in SoCal, Lucy spent her days inside and out. Sometimes a patient friend while a human worked on a project. Sometimes exploring the outdoors on adventures both big and small. Sometimes just quietly working on nap number seven of the day. The kids began to outpace Lucy on some adventures but she wagged her tail just the same.

In 2022, Sophia, Lucy, and I pilled in the truck for yet another cross-country adventure. Lucy was as eager as always to be a part of the crew. She happily settled into life back in Virginia and always appreciated when her owners found the perfect sunny spot for her bed. Towards the end, her walks grew shorter and her naps a bit longer but I doubt I’ll do much better when I’m pushing the equivalent age in human years.

Sadly, Lucy took her last walk this month.

We were sad to see you go Lucy but we are glad to have had you in our lives for as long as we did.
You friend, were a great puppy.