Lucy came into my life in February 2019 when I adopted her from Greenhill Humane Society. In no time at all, she became my best friend and a true companion, seeing me through some difficult times in my life. She was the most beautiful cat I could have ever imagined, both inside and out. I named her after Lucille Ball, and she truly lived up to her namesake. Lucy was loving, friendly, mischievous, intelligent, curious, and vibrant. She loved to talk, chirp, and perch on her cat tree, but most of all, her favorite spot was on my lap, with a blanket, relaxing in the evenings. Lucy was already an adult when I adopted her, and unfortunately a year after I took her home, we learned that she had mammary cancer, which is a very grim diagnosis for a cat. Despite this, we fought for her life with two consecutive surgeries to remove the cancer, which ended up giving us two more wonderful years together. Very sadly, the cancer snuck its way back without much warning, and Lucy passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on May 18, 2022. Since then, my grief has been overwhelming and all-consuming. I miss my little shadow more than words can express.

Despite the sad circumstances of Lucy's loss, I am determined to find ways to honor her memory in a positive light. To this end, I am giving to the Pet Memorial Program to support the success of OSU veterinary students, who will go on one day to hopefully help cats like Lucy. Though Lucy is gone, her memory will stay with me forever and I am forever changed because of her unconditional love.