HOLLAND, MI (WHTC-AM/FM) — Lucy the Pug, beloved mascot of the Holland Area Visitors Bureau, has died. She belonged to the bureau’s executive director, Sally Laukitis, who sent an email to the media Thursday.
Lucy was 14-and-a-half years old and for most of her life, a fixture in downtown Holland.
“She won the hearts of many, including families who traveled to Holland just to see her,” Laukitis wrote. “She was a friendly, laid-back dog who loved puppy treats, ‘love’ behind the ears, and tummy rubs.”
Lucy’s good nature led to her posing for “literally thousands of pictures, with visitors from all over the world,” Laukitis wrote, adding, that the pooch “even participated in the engagement of two Hope College students.”
The popular pug became such a draw to the convention and visitors bureau office, staff used a “Lucy is on Vacation” sign when she was elsewhere. Downtown visitors often spotted Lucy on her Eighth Street strolls, sometimes stopping by places like Harbor Wear, Globe Vison and, most recently, Karla’s Place to get a treat or be petted.
Laukitis, who is working from home while she adjusts to the loss of her four-legged pal, said Lucy would be ”deeply missed” and asked those who loved the popular pug share memories and photos on the Holland Area Visitors Bureau’s Facebook page.
Asked if there was anything people could do beyond sharing memories or photos, Laukitis thought about it and wrote back, suggesting donations for “CVB-sponsored pet-friendly signage in the greater Holland area.”
