Lucy Dog

Lucy Dog Letarte joined her Ross–Letarte forever home in 2013 at about eight weeks of age. She was born in a “high poverty area” in South Carolina on June 11, 2013, and brought up to the DC area by a (hopefully reputable) puppy rescue group where her chosen family first met her outside a pet store in downtown Hyattsville.

She proved herself a strong-willed and fiercely loyal family member, making sure we were well protected against squirrels, deer, and delivery drivers, especially her arch-nemesis, our mail carrier, Keith. Although she never sought formal schooling, she walked her girls to and from elementary school daily, and occasionally she met them during their walks home from middle school.

As a young dog, Lucy enjoyed occasional visits to area dog parks, but as she aged she found herself preferring to romp with friends in neighborhood backyards. While never fond of car rides, she did enjoy family trips and vacations to New England and hikes throughout the region (at least once the car ride was over).

Her background was a mix of beagle, cocker spaniel, chow-chow, and “other,” and she reflected the traits of all her ancestors. She loved little more than sniffing her way around the neighborhood, slowing down the walk to enjoy every smell her nose encountered. Her fur earned her the nickname “the softest dog in Hyattsville.” And her protective/standoffish nature would have served her well as a temple guard.

After a brief, but highly aggressive illness, Lucy was laid to rest on November 7, 2025. She will be sorely missed by her human family, Carter, Evelin, Celeste, and Quinlan; her far-flung friends and family, especially Koren and Tracie; and her many neighborhood canine friends, including Nessa, Mars, Gracie, and Stella.

She was the best girl.