08/19/2021
Autism has and always been a challenge. Communication is monumentally more difficult, and social situations regularly cause overstimulation. I’ve always looked on the bright side of life, and I do the same thing with Asperger’s. I’ve often described my traits as my hidden superpowers, and I’d say Lucy was one of my superpowers as well. She has gotten me through the toughest parts of my life and helped me navigate the world of autism for nearly the last ten years.
I got Nala two years ago just a week before my dad died, with the plan to retire Lucy so she could live out what we hoped would be many many more years of happy retirement, but unfortunately she developed cancer a couple of months ago, and I made the very easy decision to relieve her pain once it began last week.
I’m extremely grateful for my friends and family who helped me take care of her over the last month, and who have been with me in the last couple of weeks as well. went with me to capture a few final moments with my best friend, took photos earlier that afternoon of the two of us on the front porch (those photos coming soon), kept an eye on her during the final week when I needed to take short breaks from the emotions of it all, .k.jackson was the best sister for sending messages from another hemisphere because she wasn’t able to be in the states, was checking in on me constantly managing to turn my tears into laughter, and just thank you to everyone who has reached out because there have been so many. The biggest thanks goes to Dr. Alford and the incredible team at Animal Care Center in Stanford. His attention to detail, personal touch, and genuine care for his patients and their families has turned my pups into lifelong patients.
Lucy touched the lives of 26 Make a Wish families as well during her time functioning as my Service dog, so I know how much she meant to a lot of different people as well. She was a special pup and she will certainly be missed!