August 7 2024


We don't realize just how horrible it is to take our pet for granted until they're suddenly gone.

I had vowed to not fail Lucky in his final weeks or months the way I felt I'd failed some of my other pets. Unfortunately, I hadn't vowed to make every day of his life as wonderful as I reasonably could. I should have made a plan and made sure to follow through.

He left me unexpectedly, just when I thought he'd be around for one or two more years.

Though I gave Lucky a wonderful life overall, I wish I had established routines for more regular walks and more regular snuggling time on the couch.

But I named him Lucky for good reason, as it turns out.

Thank God for Lucy and Aldo -- who invited him into their home for full-day visits approximately 200 times during his final three years of life, during my outdoor work season. At their home, Lucky got no fewer than two walks per day, along with tons of affection and lounging in special places with them. They refused to accept anything in return. They loved Lucky.

I know that Lucky would choose those 200 full days with Lucy and Aldo -- along with the life I gave him -- over having me do everything perfectly -- and no Lucy & Aldo; and it's not close.

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Lucky was eight years old when I rescued him as an abandoned dog while on a road trip in Idaho with Bart in 2019. We adopted each other instantly and I immediately named him Lucky.

This is the day I rescued him:



This is in Des Moines five days later,
on the way home:




Here are eighteen pictures of Lucky
with Lucy and Aldo at their house:


Ten pictures from the fall of 2021:









Their son Angelo

















Summer 2022



Sometimes, when I came to pick up Lucky, he would sweetly resist leaving. He would say, "No, I think I'll just stay here." Below, is a picture from 2023 of one such instance. Lucy, Aldo and I were in the driveway, beckoning him to come and get in my truck:



October 2023





Five pictures from 2024:







In 2024, Bucky was (and still is) also
a regular at Lucy's and Aldo's house:



June 10, 2024




July 14, 2024




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