Many UUCers who attend services in person became friends with Catherine Ruha’s dear service dog, Lily, over the years. Lily passed away on Thursday, January 16. This past year, Lily had been living with a heart condition and in the past week, her health declined precipitously. She stopped eating or being able to keep anything down. Her body was telling her it was time to let go. 

An in-house hospice vet came to Catherine's home to help aid in Lily's passing, which was easeful and held in the comfort of Catherine's arms. Her sister, brother-in-law and Rev. Beth were there to help hold them both. 

Lily has been a dear friend to Catherine for the past 17 years as her diabetic service dog and has been a friend of many in the communities where Catherine took her. For many of us, Lily was high up there in our book of favorite UUC members. She will be missed by her friends, but most acutely by Catherine. 

If you would like to send a card, you can find Catherine's address in the UUC Connect Directory.