Luca came to us as a rescue 6 years ago. His owner was no longer to keep him. I was going to foster Luca (then Lucia) as there was a home in Columbia Maryland that wanted to adopt him. That family did not respond again so we decided to keep Luca at that time. He was a little nippy when we got him but that soon passed. He was a little leg lifter and we decided he needed to wear a belly band in order to not destroy furniture. He accepted this happily and would even bring the band to us if we forgot to put it on him. This solved the problem and we were all happy. At the time that Luca arrived we had a Maltese rescue named Jack Frost that we got about a year before Luca arrived.
Jack was the “guide dog” for our little blind Yorkie named Teddy. Jack died from kidney failure in fall of 2006. At that time Luca could sense that Teddy was lonely and needed some help. He stepped up and became the “guide dog” for Teddy. They always played together and slept together and would lick each other until they were wet! When Teddy would go outside, Luca was right by his side and would bark if Teddy got near anything in the fence that Luca thought would hurt him. He was careful to always walk with him and take care of his brother. Luca was a very kind little dog to the other dogs and his family.
He loved to run to the door and bark with the others and he loved to eat. When he arrived he was a little over weight but with running around as much as he did he soon lost some weight and was very active. Then about 3 years ago Luca was diagnosed with kidney disease and we started a special diet for him. He did very well
with the diet and was quite healthy.
A couple months ago he began to fall and seemed weak in his back legs. His appetite was not as good so we changed food. The vet said that his kidney disease was progressing and we were on the downward side of his life and he probably had little time left. He seemed not to be feeling well at all so we took him to the vet where he made the final journey of his life to the Rainbow Bridge. He went quickly and
peacefully with me holding him.
Just before he fell asleep I said bye bye to him and he wagged his tail and closed his little eyes. It was a very sad thing for us to do. It was so cold here that day and he had his little navy blue fleece coat on. We buried him in his little coat in the backyard with the others. He will be so missed. Many tears were shed for Luca and his best buddy, Teddy, is at a loss right now and keeps looking for his friend. This is so sad. We are knowing that Luca had a good home here and that he loved it here. We always loved him and took care of him.
He enjoyed us and the grandchildren and his doggie brothers and sisters. Today I found his little belly band that had snowmen on it and had to cry once again. I know that he is waiting for me along with his brothers and sisters Jack, Louie, Hannah, Genie and Whitney and the others at the Rainbow Bridge. I know his little legs are able to run once again and I am sure he is young and happy once again. Luca, you have been a joy to us and the house is not the same.
We are trying to give Teddy lots of extra attention and hope that one of your sisters will step up and be his “eyes” for him like you and Jack have always been. Rest in peace “little buddy”. We miss you so much You will always be in our hearts and we will remember your funny little noises you would make when you ate and the little dirty face as you always liked to dig into that canned food.
Your little blanket is still on your bed and will stay there for awhile. Good bye Luca and may you always be happy. We will meet again.
You will be with us always,| ♥Luca♥ |
| Vicki and John Manker |