He was a mangy puppy in a box of straw at a flea market. He looked at me and I knew I was his Mama. He was wild and hyper and wiggling and wagging. I put him in my hoodie and carried him around the flea market. He quickly fell asleep with his head peaking out of the head hold of my hoodie, just below my chin. And he slept there until we left and the whole ride back to our family’s home. And that was the start of our journey. My Lucius. The greatest gift my husband ever gave me.
Lucius was born in Kentucky. My husband and I were visiting family that lived there, and we decided to visit a flea market. I did not know that day my world would change.
He spotted me as I walked past, and he bounced me, trying to escapte the little cardboard box filled with straw he was in. I felt love at first sight. He told me that I was his mama, and we were going to be the best of friends. He was 5 months old; I was 28. It took me nearly an hour of following my husband around the flea market begging to take this dog him, because “he’ll be an awesome dog.”
I could tell he likely had some kind of health issue; I could tell this was a backyard breeder making money on dogs at the flea market. I consider him a rescue because, as it turned out, he had sarcoptic mange, which had to be treated right away, much to the chagrin of my husband and our bank account. He also developed hypothyroidism and chronic kidney disease in his early adult life. I know I had to be the one for him–there was no one else in that backyard breeder’s world or that dusty flea market that would obsessively care for him like I have for the last 15 years. And he has repaid me in endless joy and laughter.
When he was younger, a puppy, he was so excited in the mornings. I coined the term for that his “super happy good morning!!” He was so happy to see us every morning, he had to tell us “super happy good morning Mommy and Daddy!!!” He was a very energetic puppy; like a little lightning bolt of energy. It made treating his mange a challenge. I still remember holding tiny Lucius close to my chest when I would take a warm shower with him to wash off the sulphur treatment and soothe his itchy skin.
He was always smart and loyal and fun and happy and willing to please. He still is.
He had a tiny little job to do here with me for these years. And now he’s almost finished. I know I have given him the best life. I know I have done a good job. He has taught me so much about patience and the insignificance of the small things, the meaningless of any given moment unless it’s joyful or fun or loving or beautiful.
Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement is committed to keeping our site accessible to everyone. We welcome feedback on ways to improve the site’s accessibility so it is easy for everyone to navigate.
©1998–2025 Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement,
a certified nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Built by ELYK Innovation. Powered by Wordpress.
Webinar: A Conversation on Pet Loss with Author E.B. Bartels
Join us for this exciting event
In honor of Rainbow Bridge Memorial Day (August 28), we are offering a 20% discount on Silver and Platinum memberships throughout the entire month of August. By joining us, you will have the unique opportunity to create a lasting online memorial for your pet, complete with photos and stories you can cherish.
Navigating Pet Loss & Grief, hosted by Moose’s
March, this webinar is designed to support pet
owners through the difficult journey and depth of
pet loss, anticipatory grief and understanding
guilt. This webinar will also provide 3 key
takeaways for the management of grief,
Featuring insights from renowned experts
Colleen Rolland, Association of Pet Loss and
Bereavement and Dr. Nancy Curotto, Pet Loss &
Bereavement Specialist. Attendees will have an
opportunity to ask questions of the experts.
We understand that the holidays can be a difficult time for pet parents missing their fur babies. APLB will be extending our hours this year to help you – we’ll get through this together.
Sun Dec 24: 2 – 4 pm EST
Sun Dec 24: 8 – 10 pm EST
Mon Dec 25: 8 – 10 pm EST
Tues Dec 26: 8 – 10 pm EST
Wed Dec 27: 8 – 10 pm EST
Fri Dec 29: 8 – 10 pm EST
Sun Dec. 31: 2 – 4 pm EST
Sun. Dec 31: 8 – 10 pm EST
Mon Jan 1: 8 – 10 pm EST
Sat Dec 9: 7- 9 pm EST
Sun Dec 10: 7- 8:30 EST
Sat Dec. 23: 7 – 9 pm EST
This year the Association of Pet Loss & Bereavement (APLB) is participating in Giving Tuesday, December 3rd. Giving Tuesday is a global generosity movement, unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world.Â
Please give generously. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those grieving the loss of their cherished pets.
This year the Association of Pet Loss & Bereavement (APLB) is participating in Giving Tuesday, on December 3rd. Giving Tuesday is a global generosity movement, unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world.Â
Please give generously. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those grieving the loss of their cherished pets.