Izzy Clark

Izzy Clark

Izzy was adopted by the Clark family in December of 2008 after being found near Purdue’s hog barn in Lafayette by Amber, who smuggled her into her upstairs dorm room in her backpack and proceeded with the task of persuading her parents they needed to keep this puppy.  Izzy’s start in life was rough as she was born without eyes, deaf, and dumped like trash; however, one man’s trash is truly another’s treasure as she was adored by the Clark family for over 12 years.

In the beginning Izzy was the best bad dog the Clark family has ever had.  Destroying a couch along with too many other belongings to list including Lisa’s favorite Bible and Andrea’s homework.  Izzy loved food and was stingy with hers – her sense of smell and taste seemed to work over time to compensate for her lack of sight and hearing.  She would often flip her food bowl and stomp to indicate it was time for her meals.  This love of food unfortunately resulted in an emergency doctor’s visit for Andy as he tried to teach her patience with a piece of pizza, many incidences of trash eating and the subsequent broom between the dog and human to remedy the situation, and ultimately her unfair classification as obese by her veterinarian to the dispute of her humans who insisted she was just “big boned and fluffy”.  The veterinarian staff knew her well as she suffered from a seizure disorder, allergies and arthritis later in life.  She was a frequent flyer at the vet clinic and loved car rides, especially when Elizabeth took her as she would sneak her a pup cup and trip to the pet store.  Always a happy dog, Izzy enjoyed the sunshine coming through the windows, laying on the back porch, and being near her family.  She didn’t have a mean bone in her body and wanted everyone that visited to scratch her rear above her tail.   

Izzy was loved by everyone that met her and all were amazed at her intelligence.  Although she was blind and deaf she remembered people by their scent, obviously recognizing and greeting Ashley and Amber when home for visits and could even tell when Andy got home from work from the smell of the diesel exhaust.  She was able to navigate her home and back yard with ease, tapping her front paw to feel rubber mats placed strategically at the top of steps as her que, and had learned to sit and lay down by touch commands.  Izzy trusted and depended on her family entirely due to her disabilities but we needed her more than she needed us.  She has been at our side through many difficult years, her presence and the affection she had for us being a comfort.  She was dearly loved and is deeply missed.  

We would especially like to thank Dr. Corey Swart and the staff at Jefferson Road Animal Hospital for their exceptional, compassionate care through the years.    

James says “Every good and perfect gift is from above” and we thank God for the gift of Izzy.  Izzy was a good gift, entrusted to our care, and we are thankful to have had the privilege to care for her.  She taught us many things, was our faithful companion, and we will cherish the memories and the time God gifted us with her.  When asked, “Do dogs go to Heaven?” Evangelist Billy Graham answered, “God will prepare everything for our perfect happiness in Heaven, and if it takes my dog being there, I believe he’ll be there.”  We will see you again, sweet girl!  

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Izzy Clark, please visit our floral store.