Chiot’s Rest
Our gardens were named after Lucy, the original chiots. “The Chiots” name was inspired by the French section of the dog food bag and the name stuck. Chiots, which we pronounce “chee-oats”, means puppy in French. There were many nicknames: Stinky Chiots, Brown Chiots, The Brown Wonder, Big Brown, The Luce, etc. She was a large part of the gardens, always being out and about with me as I weeded and worked, following me here and there. Yesterday was her final day in the garden, now instead of our garden being a place where the Chiots can run, it’s a place where the Chiots can rest. A place where she can rest her weary, painful joints and enjoy peace.
Over twelve years ago we stopped the local dog pound on a Friday afternoon and spotted a lovely lab/hound mix with a few puppies. The puppies were born at the pound, their mama was dropped off a few days before she had them. We knew right away by the mom’s temperament that the puppies would end up being wonderful dogs. With all the craziness that is the dog pound, barking, jumping, running, whining, she was standing quietly at the front of her kennel watching us, almost begging us to take one of her babies to give them a nice home. That day a little brown chiots came home with us, she rode in a cardboard box on my lap and she whined the entire way back to the house. She was covered in ticks and fleas, so we settled her into a kennel in the garage.
At only 10 pounds and around 7 weeks old, she was a wee little thing. That night she got very, very ill with parvovirus. After reading that 95% of puppies with this virus die, we mourned the loss of our puppy and called the vet, who told us to try to keep her hydrated over the weekend and to bring her in on Monday if she survived. She managed to make it through the weekend and Monday morning found us at the vet’s office with Lucy in a box. They kept her for a few days and gave her IV fluids and we picked her up a few days later, full of spunk and energy. She only weighed 7 lbs at that point and was super skinny, but she had pulled through, we had our puppy. We knew then she was going to be a tough dog, and she proved she was, many times throughout her life.
Lucy was a terror as a puppy, as most dogs are, digging up flowers, making a mess and generally being way too energetic for her own good. I’d be up every morning walking with her for miles trying to use up some of her boundless energy. That never really happened until a few years ago.
Lucy was also a lover of cats, always enjoying when they slept and snuggled with her. She loved rubbing her nose in their soft fur. Luckily all of our cats have always loved Lucy, except Dexter, who was leery at first but learned that she wasn’t so bad after all since she warned of visitors and other things with her barks. Every now and then you can even find Dexter sneaking in a rub on Lucy’s legs.
Dressing up was also one of her favorite things, which is good because her cousins LOVED to dress her up. She had many costumes throughout the years and loved every single one.
Chasing and biting at snowballs was a favorite winter activity. She really enjoyed winter and seemed to have extra energy whenever there was snow on the ground.
Lucy also loved hanging out with her cousins (my sister’s kids). We got her six months after our first niece was born, they have known Lucy all of their lives and have loved playing with her. One of her most favorite things was to go trick-or-treating with them every Halloween. No doubt they will feel her loss deeply as she is woven throughout their childhood memories.
Lucy’s arch nemesis was the UPS man, she’d sit in the front yard all day waiting for him to drive by. When we finally came she barked ferociously and then jumped in his truck to greet him with glee. I’m fairly certain he liked her as much as she liked him. He had dogs of his own and we even gave him homemade dog treats every year at Christmas.
Lucy ended up being a large part of our lives. She traveled with us, walked with us and was involved in many of our adventures. She stole everyone’s heart when they met her “She’s the best dog” everyone always said after being around her. They all loved “The Luce” and so did we. Though we are sad she is gone, we are happy that she is no longer in pain. The last few months have been tough for her and for us. We knew when she stopped wagging her tail constantly that the pain was getting worse, even with increased doses of her pain meds. Last Friday she had a stroke or a seizure and it became very difficult for her to walk. We knew, and she knew. We gave her the weekend of her life, she feasted on bacon, cat food, popcorn and ice cream. She laid in the cool grass under her favorite tree and talked to her cousins via FaceTime.
We took her on a last car ride, something she loved very much. Monday morning our vet put her to sleep, right in the back of the car. It was fitting really as it was one of her favorite spots. “Wanna go to gramma’s” was one of her favorite things to hear. She’s get excited and jump into the back seat. Though for the past couple years there has been no jumping into the back seat, she still gets very excited when she thinks it’s time for a ride. She was laid to rest in one of her favorite spots, the very spot she’d spend hours sleeping while I worked in the garden. Next spring we will plant a tree here to always mark this special place.
So long old friend, we’ll miss having you in our lives. You were larger than life, woven through almost every memory we have from the last twelve and a half years.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Pets leave huge holes in our hearts when they pass, don’t they?
to Natalie's comment
Sorry Susy (& Brian). Sad news. I know you will miss her much.
to Greg's comment
Susy, I’m so sorry to hear that Lucy has passed on. You have written so much about her and put so many pictures of her in your posts over the years that I actually feel some loss along with you. Pets never live long enough. She was very fortunate in having a loving home like yours to live all the years of her life. Her memories will reside in your heart for all the years to come. It is a very sad day when pets are lost to old age. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Have the best day that you can with many good thoughts about Lucy.
to Nebraska Dave's comment
So sorry, Suzy & Brian. Thinking of you in the days to come.
to Christi {Jealous Hands}'s comment
It’s been a rough week for pets. Samson will greet her with a ‘meow’ and show her around the garden in the sky. *hugs* sent y’alls way.
to Misti's comment
Sorry for your loss. Chiots was lucky to have you for an owner. Saying goodbye is hard, and I know you will miss her. You have lots of good memories of her.
to bonnie knox's comment
I’m so very sorry! My heart goes out to you both! ♡
to angie h's comment
What a good dog she was! Thinking of you both–I know that she leaves a big hole in your lives and hearts. Thanks for sharing her with us.
to Wendy's comment
Susy and Brian, I’m so sorry for your loss. I have a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes, because I’ve come to love Lucy too, through your blog and podcast. That lump is extra-big because we had to help two of our older kitties to their final rest in the same way this summer. Lucy was a great dog, she trained you guys well. :) Hugs to you both.
to DebbieB's comment
Hi Susy and Mr. Chiots :)
My heart is breaking for you both…I’m sending good thoughts your way to ease your pain.
to Jaye Whitney's comment
Oh man, so sorry to hear this. She had a wonderful long life with you guys and I’m glad she got to “retire” to such a beautiful new place with you to spend her last few years. Hugs.
to Sara's comment
…Good Morning Susy and Brian, I am so sorry to hear of Lucy’s passing. It is always hard when we lose a pet, they never live long enough do they? She had a wonderful life there with you both and left this earth a happy and contented soul. Please find comfort in that and all the memories that you have of her.
…Keeping you both in my thoughts and prayers.
…Peace and blessings to you both and Lucy too.
to tj's comment
I am so sorry for your loss.
to Deairdre Miller's comment
So sorry for your loss.
to Melanie J.'s comment
I’m sorry for your loss. Sounds like Lucy was a wonderful dog.
to Julie's comment
Dear Suzy and Brian,
I am so very sorry to hear your sad news. I send prayers and blessings for you both.
I have followed your blog for a very long time. I have a ton of blogs that are on my own blog that I follow, but your the only one that comes to my email every time you post. Your the first email I open every morning.
I lurk a lot, (sorry for that) but have lived vicariously through your life. My friends and family sometimes roll their eyes because I bring up your blog and names all the time. “Oh Suzy at Chiots said…….”
I want to thank you so much for all that both of you do. You have inspired me to live a better life. That in itself is such a blessing. And I thank you for that.
Prayers for you beloved baby.
Pamela
to Pamela's comment
Dear Suzy and Brian,
Sorry to hear about your loss. From you post today, including past post, it is obvious that you both gave Lucy an awesome life filled with love. This is something you can carry with you forever, it can warm you durning the times you need it to. It can be a great comfort that you can visit her at her final resting place, as this was a great comfort for me during the times I have lost beloved pets. Blessings for you both.
Louise
to Louise's comment
Losing a furbaby is hard. I’ve always felt that when you get them they capture a piece of your heart and take it when they go. But as time passes that hole is filled with the wonderful memories of the life and times of the furbaby who loved unconditionally. Hopefully, as Lucy crosses the Rainbow Bridge she will frolic with others who gave their owners so much enjoyment. And I hope cats and dogs get along well there.
to Joy giles's comment
love and prayers to the Chiots family!!! Lucy had a wonderful life and obviously you were blessed by her!!! <3
to Sheila Nielsen Rocky Top Farm's comment
Oh no sorry to hear sad news, it’s never easy to say goodbye to our pets when the time comes. :(
to Mich's comment
I’m so, so sorry for your loss. She was a lucky girl to have had such a loving, sweet family. I hope her passing was gentle – my Callie will undoubtedly be on the other side, waiting to greet her.
to Cate's comment
I was hoping for a different outcome. I’m sorry! It’s awfully quiet and out of sorts for a while when we lose a member of the family.
to Robin's comment
I’m sorry for your loss of Lucy. It’s always hard.
to M Wms's comment
What a beautiful tribute to Lucy!
She was a most fortunate dog to be in your life, full of adventures, good healthy food and lots of love, and you were lucky too.
I think I take too any photos of our dogs, your lovely and touching post reminded me that there cannot be enough, for one day they have leave us.
Rosie and Pippa are resting at the lake, they loved to swim. We kayak past them often. Lucy will be well under her tree forever.
Hugs to you both, we know too well how hard this is.
Marina
to Marina's comment
My deepest sympathies. It’s so hard losing wonderful dogs, especially when they’re a part of your family..
to Laura D's comment
Oh Susy and Brian, sending you hugs and thoughts of comfort. What a wonderful tribute to Lucy, thank you for sharing her whole story and photo album. There are five Great Danes out there in the eternal garden to welcome Lucy and show her around. Hugs to you.
Melanie
to Melanie in California's comment
So sorry for your loss. They are family.
to Kay's comment
When the post title popped up in Feedly, I instantly knew what I would be reading. Sincerely sorry for your loss.
to Rachel's comment
I’m sorry for your loss. I’ve enjoyed the photos of her all these years on our Christmas cards and your blogs, etc. Will miss seeing her there. Enjoy your wonderful memories.
to judym's comment
This may help in the sorrow of losing a dear pet.
Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together….
Author unknown…
to willemina's comment
I am so sorry for your loss. I often admired what a beautiful happy-looking girl she was over all these years I’ve read your blog. I think a tree in her honor is a wonderful idea.
to Colleen's comment
blinking back the tears. rest in peace, precious friend.
to Trish's comment
That is one of the nicest tribute to a beloved pet I’ve ever read. I’m sad for you, but very touched. Glad you had so many years together.
to Meg's comment
I’m so sorry for your loss you two, the Luce had a very whole and filling life!
I also loved how this post was done… it was great seeing a timeline of her life in photos. Beautiful dog she is.
I’m mainly happy that she was able to get to Maine with you two! And I can’t wait to see the dogwood flourish in her name! ♥
to Donna Astle's comment
what a beautiful tribute. I’m so sorry for your loss. I know Lucy will be sorely missed.
to kara's comment
I know this time, I’ve been there too. We buried our special friend, near her two cat friends who left before her, and a mulberry tree shades her final resting place. Whenever the leaves fall or the fruit come into season, we are reminded life goes on but that she is still remembered.
Macy used to be our shadow in the garden too, and loved cats. I feel your pain, but know that while Lucy will be dearly missed, it was her time to pass from the seasons as gracefully as the leaves fall from the tree.
to Chris's comment
Thank you for sharing your beautiful girl with us. I’m going to go hug my pup now. Sweet dreams Lucy.
to Jessica's comment
Deepest condolences to you and your family in this time of passing.
to Laura Baum's comment
So sorry for your loss. It always amazes me how dogs can become a part of someones family. (I’ve never had a dog and my husband is even fighting me on getting a cat….)
I love marking the tree for her. RIP Lucy.
to Caroline's comment
What a wonderful tribute to a lovely dog. Is it karma that we just got a LGD and named her Lucy? She is half Anatolian, 1/4 Great Pyrenees, and 1/4 heeler. I might have never gotten her if I had not read all about your Anatolian guard dog. Our new Lucy is so smart and is already doing a good job at learning the art of poultry protection.
I know you will miss your Lucy. But you understand, better than most, that the life of our chosen animals is so much shorter than ours. And that to love is to also expect the loss at some point. And that there is always another to love when the right time comes.
to ann roberts's comment
Having taken my dog on their “last ride” more times than I care to think about, I understand. You know what you are doing is right but it hurts so much to let them go. A tree is such a good memorial to a great dog. Now to wipe away the tears.
to Jennifer Fisk's comment
So sorry for your loss. Our animals are so much a part of our lives.
Carol
to carol's comment
I am very sorry for your loss! What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful dog! It’s wonderful that you have so many beautiful photos to chronicle her life!
to Katherine Cook's comment
RIP sweet Lucy.
to Nita's comment
I am in tears- what a wonderful friend you have all had in Lucy! I love this post for its tenderness and the pictures of Lucy as she aged. I miss her too via the internet, big hugs to you both as you grieve.
to PennyAshevilleNC's comment
So sorry for your loss. This is a beautiful tribute.
to Brad's comment
Beautifully said. What a treat to have such a good companion for so many years. You brought Lucy as much joy as she brought you!
to Tommy's comment
I’m so sorry! What a special dog.
to Lee's comment
Goodbye, Lucy. Rest in peace in your garden.
to kristin @ going country's comment
Truly Sorry you guys…..rip sweet sweet girl.
to amy's comment