Hi pals. 
Many of you may already know that I haven't been feeling my best as of late. I know mamma has been keeping you updated on Facebook about my faulty kidneys. The kidney disease was diagnosed nine months ago. After two hospital stays and some really low times, I bounced back, much to the delight and surprise of my humans! I've had nine additional months of earthly delights. Nine additional months of car rides, belly rubs and tasty treats. Nine additional months of napping on the laps of my humans as they wrote. Nine additional months of love, sweet love, that's the only thing that there's just too little of. (song moment, I digress) My humans and I are so grateful for the past nine months and of course the several years before that where we shared a beautiful life together. And what a beautiful life it was! 

I was there when my mamma met my pappa at The Tea Garden on Melrose in the summer of 2008. I was there when pappa proposed to mamma underneath the lampost in Italy. I was there when they eloped on a sailboat. I was there on their honeymoon. (geez, these two really couldn't get enough of me.) 
I've been on the red carpet! 
I was on the cover of a magazine! 
I appeared in a documentary! 
I have a blog! 
And of course, the Italy trips (bella Italia!) six of those total. I love my Italian family and they love me. My zio e' zia (uncle and aunt) let me sail Sicily and Venice on their boat with them. My friends here in the states, I adore every single one of you. You invited me to your parties. (Joselle, I heard i'm your favorite dog. And you, it should be known, are my favorite Joselle.) Simone and David always welcomed me into their home and Nikki was always giving me extra hugs. I remember when Melisa and Jason took great care of me when mamma went to India. Libby sent me a beautiful blankie all the way from Australia! Those are the humans who popped into my head right now but please know that I love every single one of you who gave me all of that virtual Facebook love and the in person hugs. I remember when many of you came over for parties at the Hollywood Bungalow and even some of you non dog people gave me some luvin. To all of you, I thank you for being a part of my life. 

I'm still here, (obviously, how else could I write this?) but I know that my days are numbered. I spent a few days back in the hospital and this time I didn't come out feeling much better. I've lost my eye sight (whatever, I mostly use my nose to see) but I can't walk or stand any longer. Am I in pain? I wish I could tell you this with certainty. This is something my humans would really like to know. They suspect that I might be. If they continue to suspect that I am in pain... within the next few days it will be time for me to move on to the big grassy field in the sky.

I may be close to my last cookie but don't be too sad for me because I had a 100% kick ass kind of life. I'm totally okay with taking the long nap now. Although my humans are having a very difficult time with this, which is to be expected, humans get attached, I understand. But, you see, dogs are very spiritual and wise (yes, even the goofy ones.) and we know a secret (that's not really a secret.) we know that we're all just passing through anyway and that while we're here we need to fully enjoy every single moment. Why do you think dogs are equally as excited to hop into the car to leave the house as we are to hop back into the car to come home? Because all of it is grand! It's all a gift. All the comings and all the goings. And I, for one, am deeply grateful for all of it... and for all of you. 

Before I go I'd like to leave you with this; while you're here, surround yourself with love and feel and express that love with all of your being. Don't miss an opportunity to tell and show others how much they mean to you. 
Don't dwell on poop, flourish in play. 
Be grateful for breath, life, and most of all, each other.
And above all... enjoy the cookies. 
Don't forget to enjoy the cookies.

Until we meet again.
Ciao for now,
The Lucy