Yesterday we had to let the last of our founding terriers go. Like all Smooth Fox Terriers, she had her own personality. She was a bit of a diva. Her younger brother Oscar was always reminded by her that he came second. She demanded to be fed first. If you were patting Oscar, she’d muscle him out of the way and demand her attention. She especially liked men and would walk up to any man she saw — a vineyard worker, the UPS man, Ranch Manager Louis — and paw at his leg requesting her share of pats and chin scritches. Early on, we had an inkling she might grow up this way, so we gave her a name to match the attitude: Lady Lucinda Davinia Doglington-Smyth.
Lucy was a good traveler. And for a good number of years, she accompanied me on my annual roadtrips.

In her younger days, Lucy was my co-pilot on roadtrips. She concentrated on rating the thread count of sheets in the motels.

We traveled all over the West. Here’s Lucy at 11,000 feet on Wheeler Peak in Great Basin National Park.
Besides her many appearances in this blog, Lucy had other brushes with fame. There was the time she stole a rawhide chew toy from the Dachshund owned by Madeleine and T. Boone Pickens. There was also the time she volunteered to patrol the Louvre as an Art Heist Prevention Dog. Of course, she was always ready for her close-up should Tom Ford decide to cast more Smooth Fox Terriers in any upcoming movies.
A month ago, investigating some long-term bladder problems, the vet discovered cancer in her kidneys that had spread to her lymph nodes. He thought the cancer might be slow growing and we could manage it over time with antibiotics and pain killers. But, in the end, the pain was too much. I had her up to three times the recommended dosage of her opioid and she still became uncomfortable. So we arranged for a home vet visit to let Lucy go in her own bed.
On her last morning, we did all the things we love to do on an early Saturday. We watched AM Joy and barked at the Republicans. We went for a walk down the vineyard road. We walked belly deep in clover, found some fox poo and wee’d on it. Then we ambled back home and had some dog biscuits.
The vet gave Lucy a very calm and comfortable send-off. And it’s worth noting, she ate 20 soft chicken jerky treats before she went.
So now Two Terrier Vineyard is down a terrier. It’s a little too early to talk about getting a new pup to fill our quota. But not extremely early. Because once you have one of these wonderful little dogs, your heart grows by — in the internationally recognized unit of measure — the exact size of a Smooth Fox Terrier. And only another Smooth will fill that space. So no dog will ever replace Lucy, just as no dog replaced our founding terrier Charlie. But eventually a new Smooth Fox Terrier will fill that heart-space in a different way.
So vale, Little Lucy, you ruled Rancho Los Dos Terriers with a furry paw of iron and you went out on your own terms. You’ll be buried above Lake Charles — named for your brother — where all our terriers have splashed and played. And I won’t be surprised to see light imprints of your little terrier paws some muddy morning. We are always revisited by the Smooth Fox Terriers that we have loved.
What a beautiful heartfelt sentiment for Lady Lucinda Davinia Doglington-Smyth. Thank you for sharing her with us, Lisa, and thank you for sharing this wonderful memory blog. <3 Godspeed Lucy.
Tears are running down my cheeks at this lovely tribute to a wonderful dog. My heart goes out to all of you, knowing what a big hole you have now in your family. But so many wonderful memories! Rest in peace little Lucy.
What a lovely honor and tribute you have given. I am sure it makes Lucy smile. The years of love will Always exist for both of you. I am so very sorry for your loss, and appreciate the shared bonds and the journey with Lucy. Love you, Susan
Beautifully fitting post for a much loved family member. She was loved and obviously loved you in return.
We’re so very sorry – rest in peace beautiful, sweet Lucy.
Reading this with little Django curled up ON my feet. I remember when we went to pick him up in Nevada and I was Googling SFTs during the tedious ride. Your funny post about why Obama needed an SFT popped up and made me laugh. I knew we were making the right decision to bring this goofy guy from his sad situation to a happier life in Seattle. I have followed your endearing terrier tales since fhen, and think Django would have been the dude to Lucy’s diva. She had a wonderful, but all too short,life. Godspeed, Lady Lucy, now reunited with your big brother and chasing squirrels over the rainbow, in the sunlight, forever ??
I’m sorry about your loss of Lucy the Terrier. That was a wonderful tribute to her.
Thanks, Pam. And a snout kiss to Django. Lucy had quite a long life. 15 years. About 105 in people years.
Django thanks you! Don’t know where the question marks came from at the end of my post; they were meant to be cyoot little doggy emojis. “God loves a terrier! “
My heart breaks for you, the heart break is our burden to bare for the uncompromising loyalty, companionship and love the give so freely. They live on in our hearts, my condolences to you and your family.
You were one of the very first Smooth Fox Terrier owners I started to follow back in 2008/09 on Flickr.
At the time I had just adopted my very first SFT and was so excited that there were others out there with these incredible creatures and loved theirs as much as I loved my Miss Pepper.
I distinctly remember a picture of Lucy with a blue Hermes scarf and I was in love. A couple of years later of moved on from Flickr to instagram and signed up for your blog and kept up with Lucy and Oscar and their wild adventures on the vineyard.
I am so sad to see that Lucy is gone and cried a bit when I read your description of her last day. It is hard to explain but I have such an affinity for these dogs I have never met ( maybe because at their core, they all have the same personality). There are many SFTs I follow on Instagram and as a few have passed on from old age. or cancer or accidents this past year and I shed a tear each time and love my SFTs a bit more and kiss them a few more times.
Last year I adopted SFT #2. My first one is now 8 and will always be the boss ( like Lucy)
Thank you for sharing a bit of your life and Lucy and Oscars’ adventures with us. I always look forward to your blogs and hope to read a bit about their adventures.