Ruby Remembers Lucy

Ruby Gettinger, Lucy

Hi, y'all.

This week's episode was very moving, heartbreaking and sensitive to me. I still can't believe my baby, Lucy, is gone.

My heart is truly broken, and there will always be a huge gap inside me until I see my Lucy again. I can't believe she is gone. My baby is gone, and I can't believe it. I want to share with y'all a letter I wrote to Lucy:

Lucy, the day you were born, God chose me to be your mommy. You gave me the best days of my life. You are my little rebel, fighter till the end! I will miss your soft stomach and the thousands of kisses you gave me a day! No one will ever be so happy to see me like you were. I never had love like yours and Foxy's, and I want to thank you for giving me so much love. Lucy, the best gift you gave me was your sweet eyes! No one will ever look at me like you did. Through your eyes, I felt more love than I deserved. Lucy, Foxy misses you and looks all over for you. My heart and soul will always long for you. Thank you so much for loving me, thank you for your smiles, kisses, sweet eyes and following me everywhere I went, and for how every time you saw me or heard my voice your tail would wag so fast! How ironic that dog spelled backwards is GOD! You both love unconditionally. Lucy, thank you so much for fighting so hard to live for me. I truly know you gave all you had not to leave me. I love you! Foxy and I miss you every second.

I made a picture video on slide.com—it's a place where you can make your own slideshow, and you choose a song. Click here to see my dedication to Lulu.

It was good to share with everyone at Women's Fat Night. How many of us have bought something at the store or off the TV, thinking, "I am going to do this exercise!" And then there it sits in a closet, attic or garage, never being used. Maybe never even opened. We are always buying into that gimmick, and we are all guilty of it. Even though we already know what to do, I love that we all have been there and done that.

And what about the fun we had in the kitchen?! I can't believe we made a yummy meal in 14 minutes. I never, ever knew it could be that easy! Julie and I were the two girls who can't cook. Yet we were both in the kitchen cooking—with Blair and Gene supervising us, of course. I am telling you, they can cook! They are actually the chefs for Ourlife Fresh. My tip paid off (with Dr. Bradley's help)! Now that I have learned about portion sizes and healthy foods and have changed my palate, my next step is to learn how to cook.

I have been on this journey a little over a year now, and I believe it is time for me to go deeper into the emotional part. I want to know why food has so much power over me. What was food appeasing for me? What was it securing, hiding and protecting? Maybe it's no longer doing that for me, but at some time (and obviously early on in my life) it became something so powerful that it got me to 716 pounds! And it took total control over me and ended up becoming an addiction. I want to find out the root of the problem.

And I also strongly believe there are additives in our food that cause certain stimulations for us. This may sound crazy to some, but I truly believe this. I believe the steroids they give animals to make them bigger and grow faster  have a huge, negative affect on our bodies and minds. I am going to find out the truth. But, first of all, I want to know why, when and where I gave the beast power over me!

Thank you for all your sweet emails, comments, prayers love and support!

PS: Please click on the video below to hear more of Ben's band; they are AMAZING! Ben, Byron and Jeff's song was so sweet!

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Categories: ruby gettinger , ruby
Photo by: Ruby Gettinger

341 Comments

  • Terri Motsinger Sun, Aug 30, 2009, 5:38 PM

    1. Hi Ruby,I am sorry about your lost, don't know what I would do without my little dog. I watch you every week...you are in my prayers, and I am pulling for you.Good luck, Terri

  • Charlie Sun, Aug 30, 2009, 5:38 PM

    2. Hello Ruby,I love your show and tonight's show hit home i lost my pug winnie three weeks ago i had her for 13 years she was my baby and my best friend so i know what you are going through my heart and prays go out to you. on the other side you look great and keep up the good work. Charlie

  • Lyn Sun, Aug 30, 2009, 5:39 PM

    3. I'm so sorry for your loss. What a sweet baby she was.Hang in there.

  • amanda Sun, Aug 30, 2009, 5:39 PM

    4. i am so sorry for your loss; i know how it feels, i lost my cat of 18 years this summer, and i still can't think or talk about her without crying. i also agree with you on the food; that's the reason i shop at Whole Foods and Central Market and try to eat ONLY organic food.

  • heather pulliam Sun, Aug 30, 2009, 5:40 PM

    5. Ruby, I feel your pain. My Boykin Spaniel was diagnosed with cancer and lived almost another year, but we had to put her to sleep last Thanksgiving. She was my baby. I loved and lover her so much. I still cry for her. I am praying for you.

  • Ruth Cook Sun, Aug 30, 2009, 5:40 PM

    6. Ruby, I am so sorry to hear of Lucy's passing. I am so glad you shared her funeral with us. I too have a 13 yr. old yorkie. I almost lost him to pancreatis 3 years ago, but, God must have known I needed BJ for a while longer. He is doing great and I enjoy every day with him. Seeing you mourning Lucy makes me know I too will have to go through that valley. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Ruth and BJ.

  • Sue Sun, Aug 30, 2009, 5:43 PM

    7. Ruby,I just got done watching your show and my heart is aching for the pain that you are feeling. I have no children of my own, so much like you, my pets are my children. When I have lost a pet in the past, I have found comfort in the fact that they are waiting for me "over the Rainbow bridge" and will be there to greet me as I enter into heaven. May you find comfort that your Lucy will be waiting for you, in perfect health. Blessings, Sue

  • teresa Sun, Aug 30, 2009, 5:44 PM

    8. Ruby, Your show tonight was touching. I am sorry for the loss of your baby. June 7, 2009 I lost my baby he was 14. It is so hard. His name was pepper. A year ago Feb. my other baby Susie died at 13. The loss of pets are very difficult. They were my kids. I wish you all the best! Teresa

  • LeiahB Sun, Aug 30, 2009, 5:44 PM

    9. My little Yorkie, Belle, is 11 and is beginning the last leg of her journey here on Earth. The vet has told us she's starting to feel the effects of her age and we should begin to prepare ourselves. How do you prepare yourself to lose the little person who so unconditionally loves us for who we are? You

  • Beth Sun, Aug 30, 2009, 5:44 PM

    10. Ruby,The slideshow was so very touching. I am a faithful fan and watch your show all of the time. I love your dedication to not only the dogs, but yourself and to achieving your goal. i too lost my best friend, my toy poodle, Belle, after 13 years, so i do feel your pain. And although this is just another set back, please, dont let it get the best of you. Lucy wouldnt want you to. Remember, America is cheering for you, and you cant let Foxy down either =]Much love

  • janek Sun, Aug 30, 2009, 5:46 PM

    11. Ruby * I watched your show tonight and felt such a bond with you. I, too, lost my Lucy this July. She was everything to me and I truly felt your pain as you buried your baby. I felt just like the Tin Man in the Wizard of Oz when he said his heart was breaking. Lucy was such a blessing to me, but was in bad health for quite a while. I had her for 14 wonderful years and in the end I was with her every step of the way. I still have her brother, Mac, and we both miss her very much. Hang in there * you are such an inspiration to everyone!!!

  • Tonya Brooks Sun, Aug 30, 2009, 5:49 PM

    12. My heart and soul go out to you and Foxy. I know how hard it is to lose your baby, which is truly what she was. So many people think that animals are just pets but to true animal people they are four-pawed angels. I have lost many in my lifetime as I did many animal rescues but it is better for her not to suffer. I know that it is hard to phathom at this point about giving your heart to another baby but there are so many little angels that deserve a good Momma. It will also help Foxy with any grief issues as well. Stay on your path and don't faulter from it and true happiness waits at the end. Love, Tonya

  • jennie c from Facebook Sun, Aug 30, 2009, 5:50 PM

    13. I have had dozens of pets in my 47 yrs of my life and they have been more faithful

  • melinda baker Sun, Aug 30, 2009, 5:50 PM

    14. Sweet Ruby, I just watch your show. i felt your pain when you lost lucy. they do give so much love to us. you are an inspiration to me and my two little one melia and bailey * my to dogs. with so much love for you. keep trying and never give up.

  • Julie Sun, Aug 30, 2009, 5:50 PM

    15. I cried during your show today. So sorry to hear about your little Lucy. I have a 13 year old dog who is starting to show his age. I know it's going to be hard to let him go someday, but I feel lucky to have him in my life. Dedicate your next 10 pound weight loss to Lucy and then the rest to Foxy because now he really needs you! Stay strong and eat healthy. I'm rooting for you!

  • Carol Pierce Sun, Aug 30, 2009, 5:52 PM

    16. Sorry for your loss. Lucy is in dog heaven with my precious Lady. They are waiting for us when wecross Rainbow Bridge together. Yes, I never felt a love like I did from my dog. They put up a lotwith us more than any human would do...............THEY LOVE UNCONDITIONALLY WITH THEIRWHOLE HEART AND SOUL....The ceremony was just beautiful...Love to you and Foxy.Carol Anne

  • Jessica Buczkowski Sun, Aug 30, 2009, 5:53 PM

    17. Ruby * I am so sorry for your loss...please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers ALWAYS.

  • Tamara Sun, Aug 30, 2009, 5:54 PM

    18. Dearest Ruby,You continue to amaze me with your resilience and courage. Bless you sweetie. I'm so sorry about your baby Lucy. Friend for life, Tamara

  • Carolynn Rudisill Sun, Aug 30, 2009, 5:57 PM

    19. Beautiful,courageous Ruby! My heart is completely breaking for you tonight after I watched the episode about Lucy.We had to bury my precious Schnauzer almost a year ago now.He was sick for 4 1/2 years with diabetes.I had to give him insulin shots 2x's a day.The vet told us he would probably live for 6 months.We switched him to a holistic diet after 2 months of conventional treatment and food.He lived 4 1/2 years!He developed cataracts,so he was blind.I became his "Guide Human".We had such a strong connection.Saying good-bye to him was the saddest thing I've ever done!We were a team!Not a day goes by that I don't think or talk about him.I have 2 heart shaped necklaces with his birthstone so I can wear his memory close to my heart!After we buried him, we were looking out the window at his grave and saw something amazing! God gave us a cross shadow from our clothes line that shined RIGHT on his grave! He had arrived in Heaven!Our other little dog, Lucy (aka Lulu) mourned for a long time!

  • Doyle Sun, Aug 30, 2009, 6:01 PM

    20. Ruby, my heart aches for you and your loss. Our babies make our lives complete, and coming home to them each day worthwhile. It is a love that is so pure which has no price. Without words they speak to our hearts and become apart of our souls. I have 6 babies, Dodi Mack (15 yrs), Corey Allen (6 yrs), Itzie Bitzie (5 yrs), Bentley Bee (4 yrs), Peanut Butter (2 yrs) and Ittie Bittie (ageless). We all send our love to you and Foxy.

  • Pegi Sun, Aug 30, 2009, 6:03 PM

    21. Sweet Ruby, I have been a faithful fan, always watching your show. I have struggled thru your struggles

  • dianna Sun, Aug 30, 2009, 6:05 PM

    22. I am so sorry for your loss. Hang in there and stay strong. I have lost 3 of my 5 Grt Pyrs they are my children and they do give unconditional love. You have a great support system!

  • Tracey Smith Sun, Aug 30, 2009, 6:10 PM

    23. Ruby,I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Lucy. Pets are wonderful companions who love you no matter what. You are an inspiration for everyone and thank you so much for sharing your story and the struggles you have with losing weight. I know with the dedication you are showing all of us, you will reach and maintain your ideal weight! Kudos to you!

  • Judy McCrea Sun, Aug 30, 2009, 6:10 PM

    24. Oh my dear dear Ruby. How my heart breaks for you. We lost our dear Ida a year ago May and my home and heart are still empty and longing for her. I'm so very sorry about Lucy. I understand your pain, more than anyone could know. Truly I do. We had our dear Ida for 13 years. As I watched your program tonight, I held Ida's ashes close to me. What a beautiful funeral you gave Lucy. And how hard that was for you. Only those whose lives have been touched by these precious animals will appreciate what you have been going through these past couple of months. God bless you dear one. I am a Christian, and I truly do believe that we will see these dearly loved animals in heaven when we go to be with our Lord Jesus Christ. I believe that God will grant that desire of our hearts. After all, he gave them to us to love while we are here. And we will see them again. Blessings to you. Judy

  • Amy Sun, Aug 30, 2009, 6:12 PM

    25. Sweet Ruby, my heart hurts for you. I have known the unconditional love of a 4-legged people. I pray you will wear many smiles from your memories of Lucy. Thank you for sharing your journey. You are an inspiration.

  • Beth Sun, Aug 30, 2009, 6:14 PM

    26. I am so sorry about your sweet Lulu. I know your heart is breaking. I have a sweet Yorkie girl named Bailee and know how much you loved Lucy. They are always there to give us unconditional love and never to judge. You will be in my prayers.

  • Deliska Sun, Aug 30, 2009, 6:22 PM

    27. My little Yorkie, Scooter, is such a part of my life. If I was losing him, I could not have held myself together with the grace you've shown. I will be thinking of you, during the next few weeks, as you get through these days without your Lucy.I watch you for your inspiration, as I to struggle with losing this weight. I have lost 50 pounds but I have almost 90 more to go before I am at my goal. You are such a blessing in my life.Thanks for being out there for us!!Dee Bradley

  • sylvia garza Sun, Aug 30, 2009, 6:26 PM

    28. Hello Ruby, I am so sorry for your lost. I too lost a pet. I had Sir Humphrey Bograt for 17rs. He was six weeks old when I brought him home. He was there with me thur all the fun times,and heartbreaks, I miss him still today and it's been 4years. I think you are a brave soul, and I want to thank you for your show. I know you will beat the challege with your weight. and will find true love... Sylvia

  • Tammy Sun, Aug 30, 2009, 6:27 PM

    29. Ruby you are very special. I'm sorry for your lost.

  • Marsha Snyder Sun, Aug 30, 2009, 6:28 PM

    30. Ruby, i'm so sorry for your loss i understand what you are going through i had to put my mickey to sleep4 years ago and i still to this day cry and think i hear him. yes you are wright they love you no matter whatYou have helped me so much by watching you. i think you are so pretty keep up the good work do it for lucy....Marsha P.S. Can't wait for your book to go out!!

  • tlc32102 Sun, Aug 30, 2009, 6:28 PM

    31. Ruby, You are in my thoughts and prayers at this tough time. I hope you stay strong and lean on your wonderful friends. You are truly an inspiration. I wish you all the best on your journey.

  • Judy McCrea Sun, Aug 30, 2009, 6:29 PM

    32. http://www.moblyng.com/watch/gV6f7lAqx6This is the slide show that I made for my sweet Ida.

  • Caty Sun, Aug 30, 2009, 6:30 PM

    33. Hi Ruby,I'm so sorry to hear about Lucy. I know what it means to lose such a good friend. A few years ago I lost my cat Rusty. He had surgery, and did not make it through the recovery (his heart was not strong enough). Till this day I still blame myself for the way I handled everything up till his passing. I had Rusty cremated, since I rent and had no place to bury him. I watched the entire cremation process, and surprisingly I did not cry. I think I knew it was not him anymore,and he was already up in Heaven. I still miss him to this day, and crazy as it might sound, I talk to him every day. I tell him good morning and good night, and see you later when I leave. I don't like to say goodbye to my animals or family or friends, because "goodbye" seems so final. Anyway, I hope you are healing, and just know that Lucy will always be with you. I admire you and wish you the very best in your goals. I hope you find true love and happiness someday. Thank you so much

  • Tina Sun, Aug 30, 2009, 6:32 PM

    34. Oh Ruby, I am so sorry about Lucy! I too have a little yorkie named Sunshine, and just lost my 15 yr old chihuahua Paco 2 wks ago. They love us so unconditionally, something we rarely seem find in people. As someone who suffers from depression (and weight issues) I know how important and comforting that love is from my "furry babies". My thoughts and prayers are with you, and as Beth said, please try not to let Lucy's passing get the best of you. The best thing you can do for her, yourself (and Foxy), is to keep getting healthy!

  • Erika S Sun, Aug 30, 2009, 6:37 PM

    35. Ruby, you make me cry every show, but tonight's was the most touching. I am so truly sorry about Lucy. I lost my cat Minnie 2 mos. ago,

  • Katharine Sun, Aug 30, 2009, 6:43 PM

    36. Sweet, Sweet, Lucy. You will always remain in your Momma's heart and will live on forever in her mind. Look down on her from heaven and help her continue on her weight loss journey. She loved you with her whole heart and soul and you will always be her soulmate. All of her fans promise you that we will look out for your Momma and continue to support her in any way we can. I sent your sister, Foxy, a bandana when you went to heaven to help her and your Momma feel a bit better. I hope it cheered them up a bit. If you are ever scared up there or need a friend to hang out with please find my precious boy, Kimba, and he will look after you. Please tell him that his Momma misses him very much and loves him always. I just wanted to write this message to you and let you know that your Momma is a very special person and we are all fortunate to have her in our life. Love,Katharine xxoo

  • Sam C, Sun, Aug 30, 2009, 6:48 PM

    37. Ruby-I am so sorry about your sweet Lucy! She is so adorable and def. in doggy heaven! I want to also tell you what an inspiration you are to my family. My mom, sister, and I all struggle with obesity and are huge fans of your show. We now attend Curves and following WW plan! You are amazing and such an inspiration! Please stay strong and continue your path to success...for Lucy!

  • LindaAnn Sun, Aug 30, 2009, 6:51 PM

    38. I am so sorry for loss Ruby. We don't have style on cable so I come here to check up what is currentYou are in my prayers Ruby, I hope your heart heals

  • Tamy Sun, Aug 30, 2009, 6:53 PM

    39. I am so sorry you lost Lucy. I know exactly how you feel. I lost my dog also and it was terrible. I am so proud of you for not turning to food at this terrible time. Good luck as you continue on your journey. This episode was your most powerful one yet.

  • Cyndi Sun, Aug 30, 2009, 7:05 PM

    40. Ruby--God gives us dogs to show us His unconditional love. Even though Lucy has crossed the Rainbow Bridge, know that her love stays with you. Stay strong and stay the course, no matter how strong the urge is to comfort yourself with food. Go for a walk, journal your thoughts, and know that you friends are with you in this difficult time, and your cyber friends are holding you in a circle of love.

  • Mona G. Sun, Aug 30, 2009, 7:07 PM

    41. Ruby: My heart aches for you. You are such an inspiration to me and I thank you for sharing your life, the good and the bad. You gave your sweet Lucy a wonderful life ** she was so lucky to have you for her mom! You're in my thoughts and prayers.

  • Jeanine Sun, Aug 30, 2009, 7:08 PM

    42. Oh Ruby, my heart just aches for your loss! Lucy was such a little sweetie, and obviously so bonded to you. I lost my special chihuahua Paco 6 1/2 years ago from intestinal cancer. I felt like my heart was ripped out. I still have his ID tag on my keychain, and it will always be there. I miss him every day. I ended up getting a new little baby less than 2 weeks later, because when I saw him, he had the exact same markings on the back of his head (a little "widow's peak"!) and when I held him, it was decided. He had chosen me. Our babies give us something special that no one else can give. They listen to us, never judge us, and just love us unconditionally. Always keep your memories!

  • Mary Sun, Aug 30, 2009, 7:08 PM

    43. Hey Ruby, So sorry about Lucy. I couldn't keep the tears back tonight while watching you go through your terrible loss. I lost my Sharpei of 13 years in December of 2007, and I felt your pain. I understand what a big part of the family a pet can become. Keep your chin up girl, you have a lot of people praying for you all over the U.S. God Bless, from Indiana

  • Mandie Smith Sun, Aug 30, 2009, 7:08 PM

    44. I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your little dog. I know it is heartbreaking.

  • Joyce Ridner Sun, Aug 30, 2009, 7:24 PM

    45. Ruby, I'm so sorry about you losing Lucy. My 14-year old Lab, Rosie, passed away on August 5 this year. I can so identify with you just wanting to eat everything in sight * it's just so hard to think of your life without your best four-legged friend. I just picked up Rosie's ashes yesterday and it's like the pain is brand new.But, I know Rosie would be sad to know that I'm moping around, mourning her. And maybe Lucy would, too. I'm making an effort to keep busy, but the house is so quiet, it's screaming. So, I'm going to try and be more Rosie like * be sad for a minute and then go play ball. God bless you and your journey * you're an inspiration to all of us. Please know that you're in my thoughts and prayers. And, can't wait till your book comes out * I hope you do a book signing in Jacksonville * I will so be there!

  • Jen Johnson Sun, Aug 30, 2009, 7:31 PM

    46. Greetings Ruby! As a fellow Georgia Peach (I'm in Atlanta), I understand your battle with food (especially with all the yummy southern cooking!) and I am really inspired to see your show each week. This week was especially tough * my husband and I have a little yorki-poo that we adopted from a shelter a few years ago, and I don't know what we'll do when she gets old * she's literally our child. But, rest assured your little Lucy has tons of adorable little puppy friends up in heaven to run around with and play with until you see her again!Love your show, keep up all the good work! YOU ROCK!!!

  • cindy valentine Sun, Aug 30, 2009, 8:16 PM

    47. Ruby- I lost my beloved Jacque 5 years ago. I now have Nigel. He was my grief dog. He is now my boy. Keep Lucy's photos everywhere, for now. Celebrate her life! And it's okay to cry. Yes, it is like losing a child.Please know that she is in heaven, feeling well, and sniffing, exploring, and waiting for you. Remember, animals have no sense of time. So I am sure Lucy will have lots to keep her busy!!! Love you!- cin

  • Cindy K Sun, Aug 30, 2009, 8:25 PM

    48. Ruby,I watched your show tonight, like every night and found myself crying with you. I am soo sorry for your loss. i couldn't imagine what it would be like without my Pepper. Your show inspires me soo much. I love watching the show, you seem like such a good person and I look forward to future episodes.

  • Amy Sun, Aug 30, 2009, 8:26 PM

    49. Ruby, I sobbed during the entire episode tonight. I know how deep the pain hurts from losing a dog. I lost my five year old yorkie two years ago to a heart condition. Good luck to you. I am sure you are making Lucy very proud. blesses from orlando

  • Candi Sun, Aug 30, 2009, 8:30 PM

    50. Dear Ruby, First of all I too have a weight problem complicated by Diabeties. I've watched your show from day 1 and I truly admire your honesty and candidness on the show. I too have a Yorkie and his name is Boo. I've had him for 3 years now and i cannot bear to think of him ill or dying. I am so very sorry for your loss. But please take to heart and trust me when I tell you Lucy is still right beside you. She is waiting for you in heaven and will be the very first to greet you when you return home to our Fathers loving arms! May I suggest you get the book All pets go to heaven. Written by Sylvia Browne? I promise it will be a great comfort and its aslo available on CD. Kep up the good work you are an inspiration to us all! much love Candi

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