This is my much loved dog Lucy. We took her from the dog shelter in 1989 when she was not much more than a nearly grown pup. Today I had to say goodbye. She was old, going blind and deaf, very lumpy, didn't walk well and was becoming incontinent. In short her quality of life was such that it was kinder to end it, however hard a decision that was (and believe me it was hard). I was privileged to have her in my life for 14 years. She was a such a good dog and I shall miss her enormously. If you've never owned a dog (or other pet) it is difficult perhaps to understand the sense of loss and grief their departure brings. I await her ashes - these will be scattered in a favourite spot; one where she always was wild, exuberant and ran free as if she hadn't a care in the world. If dogs can smile, it is in this place that Lucy always smiled.