February 1999 - September 24, 2009

I adopted Luca on April 8, 2006, and he gave me the best 3-and-a-half years of my life. Luca always loved being held and petted - I remember petting him through a two hour movie, and when I got up to take the movie out the of DVD player, he asked for still more pets. And Luca loved Greenies . . . he would just go crazy over them, and he would eat them with such grace, savoring every bite on his favorite rug.

Luca went everywhere with me . . . he would ride in the back of my car and everyone would love to see his beard poking out of the back window. He loved to go running with me through the woods; he would rub his back on ground ferns spread throughout the forest floor. Luca was my training partner, and he helped me run two marathons. He also loved the freedom of going to the beach and running and running on the sand. He did not like sand in his paws though, so he would spend time grooming his feet afterwards. And he did not like water, but occasionally he would cool off if I would hold him in the water.


Even though he was sick his last year with lung cancer, he always had the most loving spirit and seemed like such a puppy. People who would meet him on walks were amazed at his youthful disposition. He would stop to enjoy every smell on our walks, and he loved marking his territory. He would greet other dogs with respect, and even though he was not very playful, you could see that he really enjoyed the playful side of other dogs.


Luca was always a gentle spirit . . . he taught me so much about the simple pleasures and living in the moment, and he taught me about animals and how they have such unique personalities and love. He was really attached to me, and he would stay by my side no matter where we were. His love was so deep and pure, such a gift to me. He gave my life such richness. Luca will forever remain in my heart.

Lloyd - September, 2009