In Loving Memory: Lulu My Favorite Pug

My favorite Pug, Lulu, passed away on Saturday.  Lulu was my sister’s heart dog for 15 years.  Although we are so sad to have lost her, the joy she created is what we will remember. All photos are by Alice G Patterson Photography unless otherwise noted.

From Alice:  “Just four days shy of celebrating her 15th Gotcha Day, my sweet Lulu is gone. She was three months old when I brought her home. I tried crate training her, but it wasn’t long before she was sleeping in the bed with me.  I would tell her at least a hundred times a day how cute she was and how much I loved her.  For the first seven years, it was just the two of us.

Photo by Sonia Lovewell

We lived in California, and she shared almost every adventure with me. She loved to ride on the center console of my Honda, on what felt like hundreds of road trips in California. As a puppy, she was adventurous and climbed rocks on camping trips.  There was even a tree she could climb in Alamo Square Park (San Francisco).

In LA, we found ourselves on the same exercise schedule as Bob Barker walking up Runyon Canyon.  I remember trying to urge Lulu to not stop and smell everything because I found it entirely humiliating that Bob Barker (who had to be in his eighties at this point) was passing us on the trail!  She would go crazy on the California beaches, running as fast as she could, digging holes in the sand, and looking for anything to get into.  For Halloween, Lulu inspired me to make homemade Pug costumes for my then boyfriend, his daughter, and me. We were all Pugs and took Lulu along for trick or treating.

At seven years old, she gave Franny (my rescue dog) the cold shoulder for a month.  One day I came home, and they were sleeping side by side, and they were best friends ever since.

The next year we moved to Central New York, and I added a Pomeranian to the family.

I would get lots of comments when I walked all three of my dogs together, which I did at least a couple of times a day.  Then it became apparent that Lulu wasn’t able to go on walks anymore because of her arthritis. So slowly the walks came to an end because I didn’t have the heart to leave her behind.

Despite having several major health issues, including cancer, she loved life right up until the very end.  Just the day before she passed, Lulu was heading the pack in formation behind me as I chopped carrots (her favorite snack).

I think it must have been a stroke, but Saturday morning she gave a bark, wheezed, and collapsed into my arms when I picked her up.  I cradled her for four hours before we went to the vet’s office.  It was clear that it was her time.  I’m so thankful I was with her and that she did not suffer much.  I held her in my arms and her passing couldn’t have been more peaceful.  Lulu was always friendly and never forgot a person or a place. For everyone that knew her, loved her, helped me take care of her, or gave her a treat, I want to thank you.

My heart is heavy but also so full of thanks for that little dog that made me laugh a million times, snuggled with me when I was sad and taught me what true devotion is.   Forever in my heart.  Rest in peace, my little co-pilot.”

Lulu’s custom pet portrait is from Noble Friends.  

Thank you, Lulu, for making our lives funnier and happier!  I will miss your curly tail, big bright eyes, and sweet soul.   There has never been a better dog than you.

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About Alice G Patterson Photography:  Based in Syracuse, New York, Alice specializes in dog photography, senior portraits, and commercial photography.