Lucaya
January 25, 2001 – June 4, 2012
Lucaya, a.k.a. Luke, Duke, Dukie & Hammy, entered our family as an 8 week old, energetic bundle of joy! He was super cute: all rust colored with a beautiful white star on his chest. We just loved that star, perhaps because it was a constant reminder of him being our shining star.
Luke was a very complex boy; he could be very alpha “bad butt”, but also would curl up under the covers like a kitty. His only “bad” trait was wanting to share love all the time. He was extremely loyal, brave and strong. We always said he would take on a mountain lion in order to protect us.
Lucaya was our “first born”. We got him for our first wedding anniversary. Soon after we welcomed our first non-furry child. Luke fit right in with our new addition. He had no problem adapting when we moved from Maryland to Colorado, or when we had our second child.
Luke always had minor health issues his whole life: newborn giardia; adolescent acne; bronchitis and separation anxiety (because he loved us so much). Later on he was a two time cancer survivor: melanoma of the iris and rhabdomyosarcoma of his rear leg. Subsequently he had to lose this leg. As an inspiration he continued with his long walks and hikes in the foothills. He never let it slow him down.
Unfortunately his last cancer metastasized to his lungs, but he was a fighter until the end. There was only a very short time that he was debilitated. It was apparent what we needed to do. As hard as it was to let him go Home to Heaven was the best decision we made, in order to let him go peacefully in his own home with his family surrounding him.
Lucaya truly was the best dog! He exceeded all expectations and we couldn’t have asked for a better friend/partner/family member. He is, and always will be, loved and missed immensely. He was our rock star. We love you to the heavens and back Lucaya!
The Carlesimo Family