Lacey’s Mom, Does She Really Have it Going On!?

Upon his dog passing away, a little boy once asked his dad,

“If the whole purpose of life is to learn to love, and dogs already know how to do that, is that why they don’t live as long as us?”

OH God… I have toyed with the idea of bringing up Lacey, because it is VERY emotional for me, but I would be a fraud writing about “My Life” and not talking about her.

Before I do, let’s reminisce on some of the most iconic pop culture doggie/parent duos first…

Jessica Simpson and Daisy Duke Simpson-Lachey:
Just like our beloved Nick and Jessica, we came to love Daisy on the show “Newlyweds”. Nick gave Daisy as a surprise to Jessica at one of her “In This Skin” concerts, and it was love at first sight, until an evil Coyote took fate into his own hands.

Yeah this one burns, F*** coyotes man. 

Andy Cohen and Wacha: Their dynamic is EPIC, and I’m glad Wacha seems to be adapting to new baby Ben!
Weird Brag… Wacha was with Andy when I met him for the first time, so I got to meet them both! I actually recognized Wacha first and then Andy.

Bethenny Frankel, Cookie, Biggie and Smalls: When Cookie was having a seizure, my heart sank. I even DM’d B with some inspiring words (since she’s my idol). I was balling my eyes out when she was talking about Cookie being her family once she passed away on RHONY. I felt that, and felt that hard.

Lisa Vanderpump, Ken and Giggy: Even with that alopecia he’s still the most stylish dog in Beverly Hills, (Beverly Hills SHEE SHEE SHEE.)
Again with the Weird Brag… When I met LVP and Ken at SUR in June, Giggy was there (as usual) and I got a picture with him and Ken.

Finally, let’s give homage to the girl who invented being FAMOUS for being FAMOUS…

PARIS HILTON AND TINKERBELLE: LEGIT, NO OTHER WORDS NEEDED.

Animals man, their purpose in life is to love you UNCONDITIONALLY. 

They sense fear, sadness and pain. We are 1000% unworthy of all animals, but especially dogs (in my opinion)! Animals accept you for YOU, they love you NO MATTER WHAT.

Growing up, SHOCKER…I was different than peers my age. As an adult, I found this to be a positive, but as a tiny little Merey, being left out or feeling like you don’t have a place in the world, that hurts deep, and leaves scars you will never forget. 

Shout-out to all my WARRIORS who have felt the same way, or currently feel left out, or like they don’t belong. If it helps at all, YOU HAVE A PLACE WITH ME!!

Ok, back to Lacey (SORRY, ADD/ADHD Brain)…

The day we put Lacey down was single-handily the worst day of my life. I had her since I was 10 years old, and at the time of her (passing) I was 25. More than half of my life was spent with her.

I was left with the sad reality: What was life without her? She was all I had in my younger years?

She never failed to love me and I always LOVED HER.

I couldn’t bear the thought of putting her down. I spoke with many friends and family members who share my same love for dogs. My sweet mother MJ, who took care of Lacey like no other person I’ve known, sat me down to talk about the harsh reality of Lacey’s deteriorating condition.

She explained to me that we needed to give her humanity, as she couldn’t speak for herself. Lacey loved her family dearly, and her gift in life was to love us, but she was tired and was ready to have peace.

I kept convincing myself that she would never die. I mean this girl beat cancer TWICE, survived TWO ACL surgeries, a thyroid condition, and not to mention, she was basically from a puppy mill (rough topic).

* Update* I was recently informed that the “breeder” never cashed our check for Lacey. My take? “The best things in life are FREE.”

Lacey had cancer and was taken to the oncologist countless times. Initially the cancer was removed through surgery, but it quickly came back, and with her age(15) we knew we couldn’t put her through anymore suffering.

To end this sob story, I knew that when my girl lost her appetite, I would know she’s ready. Because like her mama, we can eat even when we have the flu. Unlike “The Devil Wears Prada,” I am only one virus away from fitting into that dress.”

The morning we scheduled the “end” Lacey didn’t touch her breakfast.
This was literally the first day that she wouldn’t eat. Not only did she not eat, but when we brought her out to my mom’s car, SHE SPRINTED. Any other time, we would almost have to drag her. She typically couldn’t get up the stairs and would slip when walking. On her trips to the oncologist in the previous months, both of my brothers would have to force her into the car. 

This day was different.
Once we entered the car, instead of shaking out of pure anxiety and nerves, she softly rested her head on my shoulder and SNORED… For the first time in MONTHS she was sleeping peacefully. I watched as my mom cried silently in the mirror.

Lacey showed us she was at PEACE and READY TO GO.
She loved us all she could, but now it was time for us to SHOW HER our love in return. 

My family surrounded our Queen in the “room”. The vet came in expressing condolences and offered Lacey doggie cookies. I quickly said, “Oh, she has no appetite,” but before I could get the words out, that Queen jumped up and housed all 10 of the cookies!

I realized that while she may have been hungry in the morning, she was too tired to fight anymore, and she wanted to SHOW US SHE WAS READY.

Once she was sedated, we again heard her loud ROAR of a snore.

My dad, who is a night owl, would often stay up late with Lacey at his side. When we told him about her snoring, he said that due to her ongoing pain, that was probably the best she slept in YEARS. Let me clarify. This wasn’t your XANAX/AMBIEN sleep. This was the sleep of a soul truly at peace. You can’t even explain it, you just feel it.

I still feel her with me in my dreams.

Our family surrounded her, held hands, told stories of what she meant to us, and held her while she passed onto the RAINBOW BRIDGE. She gave her whole life to make us happy, and in her final moments we held her because of how happy she made us.

RIP my Queen. We will meet again. Watch over me please. Thanks for always making sure I never felt alone.

My Queen now has wings. 

GOD I am balling my eyes out right now. Lacey Grace Gormley you are a FREAKIN’ ROCKSTAR.

“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.”

END SCENE. I AM A MESS.

Vibes,
XO

Forever Lacey’s Mom