Best friend. A brave, calm greyhound. You were a bit of a loner; you needed the peace of your basket from time to time. But the joy was all the greater when you decided to sit with us on the sofa. And you were certainly very attached to your 'pack'. Especially when traveling, it was clear that you made sure everyone was close by. For twelve years, you were the center of our family, a symbol of togetherness, for whom the children would quickly pop back in because they had forgotten to cuddle you.
And you were smart. You knew four tricks: paw, sit, lie down, and spin-spin. The latter was spinning around your axis in two jumps. Mom has taught you that. If someone did not have a treat with them and asked for a paw, you would just look at them questioningly, as if you wanted to say, "how come?", "why?" But if you had a piece of salami, you performed all your tricks one after another without being asked, determined to get your favorite piece of meat.
You could talk too. At least, that is what we started to believe in ourselves after all those dialogues we put in your mouth with your 'greyhound voice'. In the end, you could barely walk anymore. When we recently prepared your medication with a tasty slice of pâté, you walked a small circle with difficulty, bravely. We understood immediately: it was a turn-turn. Your last one. The only trick you could still manage.
Rest in peace, Lucca.
Thank you for twelve years of friendship, companionship, warmth, and humor.
We miss you so much.
Fam. Van Hoyweghen - Van Royen.
Lucca (née Fina)
June 15, 2012 - April 3, 2026, Good Friday.