Goodbye to Little Lemon: Remembering Luc, the original Sidewalk Dog
April 6th, 2010
Luc, sleeping peacefully in his mom's lap on his last day.
Once upon a time there was a little red doggie who wasn’t very good at playing fetch, going for walks or roughhousing with other doggies. He was very, very good at cuddling, though, and he gave his mom joy every time she looked at him. She didn’t care that his chronic illnesses slowed him down or that she had to give him medication throughout the day, or that when he wanted attention, he danced like Elaine from Seinfeld: limbs akimbo, enthusiasm unfettered. She loved him very much.
His name was Luc (a.k.a. “Lemon”), he was the original Sidewalk Dog, and he had to move on to the big dog park in the sky last weekend—a place where he can always catch a tennis ball, where he has super-smooth dance skills, and where—just as on Earth—all the girly dogs have big crushes on him.
Ali Jarvis, Luc’s mom and Sidewalk Dog’s founder and owner, was used to Luc’s health problems. He came from a puppy mill posing as a reputable breeder, and since puppydom, his list of ailments grew to such unpleasant things as genetic neuromuscular disease, advanced dental disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. But through medication, he was able to stay comfortable and happy for most of his 5-year life. Unfortunately, his little lungs were ravaged by disease, and he had to be euthanized last Friday. Immediately, members of the dog community, both local and national, expressed their sympathies. Local artist WACSO even immortalized Luc in one of his signature line drawings.
Local artist WACSO captured Luc's essence perfectly, down to his little skunk stripe.
Luc was the inspiration for Sidewalk Dog. Because he needed medication every few hours, Ali had to bring him with her wherever she went. The warm welcome that stores, shops, businesses, offices and restaurant patios gave Luc opened Ali’s eyes to the wealth of dog-friendliness that Sidewalk Dog was founded upon.
“The night before [an ultrasound that determined Luc’s condition couldn’t be treated], I had a couple little talks with him, like I’ve often had, asking him to let me know if he wanted to be done and that it was okay,” Ali said. The next afternoon, after they got the bad news, Luc’s breathing went downhill rapidly. “That felt more than coincidental, like he’d heard the news about his lungs and decided he needed to be done. It might sound weird, but I hear stories like this all the time—of animals giving clear signs when you ask for it—and it seems like that’s what Luc did.”
Pet Crossing Animal Hospital & Dental Clinic’s Dr. Cheryl Roth, who took care of Luc toward the end, took a personal interest in his case, going so far as to try to arrange to put him on a doggie transplant list, but to no avail.
“Some patients flicker through a hospital without making much impact, but Luc has touched Pet Crossing and its staff in ways not explained with words,” Dr. Roth said.
Even though our Lovely Luc is gone, we at Sidewalk Dog know that his legacy lives on with the company, with each happy dog that gets to hang out with its owner at a restaurant patio, a dog park, or a shop.
“He was such a sweet little companion for me for these past five years,” Ali said. “I never minded all that I had to do for him—I got so much more in return.”
—Meredeth Barzen
**Editor’s Note: Ali would like to thank her friend Lisa Weikle, who stayed with her all weekend, providing support, transportation and friendship during this hard time, as well as everyone at Pet Crossing Animal Hospital & Dental Clinic for the loving care they’ve shown Luc over the last year, especially Dr. Kate Knutson, Luc’s primary vet, who consulted with Dr. Roth toward the end. She’d also like to thank Bob Dalton of Pet Cremation Services of Minnesota, who came in on his day off to personally attend to Luc, Michael Trautner, who helped with Luc’s health problems during the first few years of his life, and Sarah of Sarah Beth Photography, who dropped everything to take some last-minute photos of him.
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April 6th, 2010 at 9:17 am
Dear Ali,
Luc touched everyone’s heart and soul that he met. His sweet, quiet nature told the world to notice me as I pass through your life. I am honored to have known Luc. I thank him for his inspiration to you of Sidewalk Dog. He brought a community of dog lovers together. How many dogs can claim that honor?
Take care, Elaine Garley
April 6th, 2010 at 9:27 am
Oh little luc
I was so lucky to cuddle with him while his mom and I had coffee last year. So sorry for your loss Ali.
Megan
April 6th, 2010 at 10:29 am
Much love to Ali. This article made me weep thinking of the dogs I’ve had to say goodbye to. So glad Luc is at peace, and sending much healing Ali’s way.
April 6th, 2010 at 12:10 pm
Ali – My heart breaks for you. Having a good “dog support” system in place is so important as letting a dog go is one of the hardest things one has to do in life.
April 6th, 2010 at 8:10 pm
Sorry for your lose. When one parts ways with someone they love; its tough. Losing pets is just as hard. I lost a few pets in my life. Its hard. I hope Ali is doing okay.
Andrew
April 6th, 2010 at 8:51 pm
This breaks my heart. I can’t even imagine only having my little guy for 5 years. 10-15 years is too short as it is.
So sorry for you.
April 7th, 2010 at 5:37 pm
Ali – Meredeth wrote such a touching tribute to little Luc. He certainly deserves to be remembered for the special animal that he was, and you did so much to make his life as normal and happy as anyone could hope for. I hold in my memory a day some years ago when I got to play with him in the tall summer grass at Hilltop Drive. Later that evening, he slept for awhile in my lap, his furry paws sprawled across me. I’ll really miss him.
April 7th, 2010 at 5:43 pm
Ali – What a wonderful tribute! Words can’t express the sadness I feel for you, having helped my dentally-challenged Gomer across the bridge a few short months ago. I expect that your “big dog” and my “little dog” are sharing medical stories, running free and breathing easy. Know that he will never be forgotten… by any of us who had the pleasure and honor of knowing him.
April 7th, 2010 at 6:15 pm
Ali
it was such a pleasure seeing you a couple of weeks ago at Bone Adventure with Luc. You noticed that I fell in love with him immediately, right? It’s too bad I didn’t have Wally with me. They would have bonded immediately! I am thankful to have met Luc. He touched my heart in just that brief 15 minutes you and I spent talking. I will remember him fondly!
B
April 10th, 2010 at 10:34 pm
I didn’t meet little Luc, but he was clearly an inspiration.
My heard goes out to you and everyone he so affectionately touched.
April 11th, 2010 at 10:54 am
Ali: condolences on the loss of Luc. Thanks for taking such good care of him and giving him a grand life.
Your friends at Home for Life Animal Sanctuary
April 14th, 2010 at 5:04 pm
Dear Ali,
I’m so sorry that Luc had to leave so early. I feel that I know him personally even though I never met him. He has helped so many people with his videotape and you have reached out to people with dogs in need as well. Together we made a real impact on the Cavalier community in such an important way. He will be remembered. Hugs to you too.
April 19th, 2010 at 7:24 pm
Dear Ali & Meredeth,
My heart broke just reading this post. To Ali, my deepest condolences for the loss of your beloved little Lemon. It sounds as though you & Luc managed to pack in a lot of life over those precious 5 years. To Meredeth, thank you for posting a beautiful tribute to a very special dog.
Cold nose kisses xxx
April 28th, 2010 at 1:48 pm
[...] to name a few.” TCARC, headed up by the lovely and talented Dr. Julia Tomlinson, worked with Original Sidewalk Dog Luc to strengthen his back legs. Dr. Julia Tomlinson of Twin Cities Animal Rehab [...]
April 30th, 2010 at 7:52 am
Dear Ali,
I’m fighting the tears. So grateful for Luc & you. Your dedication to the cause of all canines large and small is a beautiful thing. Luc will be in our hearts and puppy prayers.
Susan & Curious George.
April 30th, 2010 at 7:59 am
Dear Ali
I’m so sorry that you lost dear little Luc. I started crying reading this post. I met Luc only a few times but it touched my heart. I’m sending you all my sympathy. He is now in peace and joined my Sasuke over the rainbow bridge…. Thinking of you and sending you all my strength. Tendrement. Dominique
June 9th, 2010 at 9:57 pm
Dear Ali,
Words cannot express how sad I am about precious Luc. He really touched my heart even though I only met him a few times. He was a very lucky guy to have you as his mom – and for you to have him for 5 years, even though it is much too short. Thank you for your impact in the community for dogs and for highlighting the love of a Cavalier. Luc is running free and at peace.
Heather and Jack Henry
August 12th, 2010 at 4:04 pm
[...] at Sidewalk Dog have a soft spot for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels like Luc, the original Sidewalk Dog who passed away this spring. So when Annie Seberson of Totally Kids Furniture and The Bean Bag [...]