Died April 4, 2001

Our dear Darcy was a distinguished gentleman Cocker. The wag of his full tail was testimony to that. I'm sorry to report the he has left us, in my opinion, long before his time. 

It amazed all of us that Darcy was able to show so much poise and grace, because it was clear that he had been badly abused and neglected before he came to us. He was then dumped in horrible condition at one of the worst shelters imaginable. He had no chance there; I remember they told me he was "too old." He was also filthy, malnourished and ill. Shelters simply don't spend their time on animals like Darcy. I'm glad that we do. It was worth it, even though we lost the battle in the end.

The biggest problem for Darcy was that he came to us infested with ticks. Ticks can infect dogs with everything from Lyme's Disease to Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever to Erylichia. Darcy tested positive for the latter. He was very sick for a long time, but we thought he'd beaten it with the treatment he received. We learned that this is something that needs treatment for the rest of the animal's life. Darcy never fully recovered. He fought valiantly, and his foster mother fought just as hard for to save him, but in the end, it was not to be.

Darcy's foster mother was heartbroken. She told me he asked so little from life. We don't think Darcy knew a moment of love or kindness until he came into her care. We so wanted to give him all that and more for rest of his life. I believe he knew he was loved and valued in his foster home, and there is some consolation in that. I just wish it could have gone on longer. Much longer.

These poor creatures are so innocent and so victimized. It makes me furious and sick when they come to us in such bad shape, and it's clear that has been their lot in life. We try so hard to turn things around for them, and when we lose them, a part of us goes with them, feeling lost, too. I guess that is the best way I can express my frustration and pain over Darcy. Unfortunately, it doesn't begin to do him justice.

Rest in peace, precious boy. I hope one day we'll see you again.