Lucy may not have been a Champion of any kind, but she sure deserves more recognition. I don't think a day went by that she was not in pain, but she never let it show. Diagnosed with hip displaysia by the age of 4 months, she was given a life expectancy of, at the very most, 5 years, if we were lucky. I contacted her breeder who said there was no way that any of his dogs could have hip dysplasia. Now that I know better, how could he possibly know that? He didn't have either of the parents ofa'ed prior to this breeding. This ever caring breeder said that I could send him a copy of the x ray and if he was satisfied he would take her back and have her destroyed. I not so politely told him what to do to himself and never heard from him again. I can only hope that he never had another litter! I never had any plans on breeding her so she was already spayed.
When I decided to get Lucy, I only wanted a pet. I had no visions of a Westmisnter BOB or any title of any kind. Technically I was a new dog owner as I was new to living on my own. All of my dogs in the past belonged to the family. I did what I thought everyone did and picked up the paper! I found a litter that was ready to go home that was not to far away. I went to see them and Lucy picked me right away. It didn't matter to me the conditions of the kennel or of the other dogs, it was love at first sight! I remember thinking how lucky I was to have found such a beautiful, good natured girl. She potty trained easily and quickly and seemed so smart! When I walked her, people would constantly stop me just to see Lucy, everyone knew her name, she was the happy go lucky puppy that everyone thought was just beautiful. She won everyone's heart the minute they saw her. I felt so lucky!
Then she stopped walking. I carried her home and called the vet. It was closing time, but he said to rush her in. He did x-rays. He called me the next day with the news. I was devastated. Severe hip displaysia was the diagnosis. He suggested that I call either Ohio State or Michigan State because they would be the only ones that could handle that type of surgery. I packed my bags and took my precious Lucy to my families life long vet for further advice. At that time, surgery would cost up to $2500.00 per side (both were horrible). They asked for cash up front, told me that she would spend up to 3 months in a crate and there were no guarantees that she would be any better. Our family vet suggested to forget the surgery and keep her as comfortable as possible. For us, that was great advice.
I guess it was because she had the problem so young that she adapted so well. She played hard but would stop before she hurt herself. The Frisbee and the hose were her favorite toys. Visiting grandma and grandpa was her favorite thing to do. She was the perfect dog. She adapted to any situation, apartment living, constant travel, several moves, and new people. When I met my husband, she graciously accepted him and it was love at first sight with my step daughter. When our first child was born she spent hours protecting his crib, same when our daughter was born. They were her kids too. Lucy loved everyone she met and everyone loved her.
Lucy outlived her life expectancy and made it to a ripe old age of 10! The hip displaysia didn't kill her. It was the complications due to constant pain. Her spine fused together, arthritis in her front, and muscles finally giving out.

A long time ago, I promised Lucy and myself that I would tell her story. If we could prevent just one more dogs painful existence. It is with Lucy in mind that I judge my and everyone else's breeding programs.

Why do people breed:

My dog is beautiful! Lucy was beautiful...

My dog can hunt! Lucy could hunt....

My dog has a great personality! Lucy's was the best!...

Some irresponsible breeders would have bred her....