Running for Lou: Honoring the Life of Our Best Friend

My name is Lindsey and me and my partner Eric tragically lost our sweet best friend Lou on January 22, 2025. Lou, a beautiful hound dog that showed up as a stray, nestled her way into our hearts. When Lou arrived into our lives she had lyme disease, worms, was not spayed, and was malnourished and under weight. It was a long journey to get her healthy and find food that worked with her sensitive stomach. Lou went on many adventures and she helped us to meet all of our neighbors and neighborhood dogs. She had a way of bringing people together and putting smiles on everyone's faces. She was always happy, always smelling everything, always hungry, and wanted pets from everyone. She loved being outside, resting in the sun. She learned that toys were fun, especially if they squeaked, and were even better with peanut butter smeared on them. She learned the art of walking with a harness and leash, and that this meant we were going on a walking adventure. She learned commands because commands always meant treats. She was the most beautiful sweet girl sitting, smiling, drooling, patiently waiting for, "ok come here." She loved sitting in front of the wood burning stove and sleeping all day snug as bug on her bed with her blankets. She hated baths but loved belly rubs. What we miss the most is having her so excited to see us and running around with her goofy big paws and big floppy ears. Lou, the sweetest girl in the world, learned that the world isn't always bad, and that sometimes you must wander until you find the place that is home. She found home with us, tucked away on a dirt road amongst the trees. She settled her soul here and the settling gave rise to a deep mutual love. She taught us what love really is and that love doesn't need words to be known. That love enters into places that no words can reach and it’s a feeling of ethereal grace. Eric and I learned a new kind of love and Lou warmed our hearts.

Lou got out of the yard on January 22nd and was struck by a vehicle. A lovely bystander got Lou out of the road and took her to Blue Ridge Animal Clinic. This bystander is completely unknown to us, and we cannot thank you enough for the kindness that you showed Lou that day. Without you we would not have been able to talk to and hold her in her last moments. We tragically had to lay her to rest from the injuries she sustained. The staff at Blue Ridge were beyond caring and explained everything, step by step.

Lou rests at home in the yard where she will become a garden. We go out to her headstone and talk to her daily. I would like to honor Lou and her love for walks, runs, and being outside, and I can't think of a better way than to run 22 miles on May 10, 2025 in or near Lexington: 22 miles for the day that she passed. All proceeds will be given directly to Blue Ridge Animal Clinic to be placed in an account at their facility for another beautiful best friend that needs life saving medical help. Lou will be carried on in this way and she will continue to bring people together and put smiles on everyone's faces.