Lucy

 A passionate dancer and an enthusiastic teammate, Sarah Stover has had countless bumps in the road that try pushing her back from what she loves to do. However, one friend in particular has been her biggest comfort for six years, even when Sarah almost lost all hope after a medical diagnosis that few receive. 

“They are always together,” Sarah’s mom, Sandy Borton said.  

When Sarah was just 11 years old, Lucy the dog moved into the house with Greg Borton. Greg was going to become Sarah’s step-dad in the coming years. Greg got Lucy as a puppy and brought her and his daughter from a previous marriage with him to live with Sarah and Sandy.

“I was 11 and she was always, like as soon as she moved in, we just got along and were best friends,” Sarah said. 

Sarah’s friends that come over to the one story house agree that Lucy is the kindest dog and is very compassionate. 

“Lucy is one of the sweetest dogs ever,” Sarah’s teammate, Emily Mueller said. “Their family is very welcoming and friendly.” 

In November of 2019, Sarah received news after countless doctors appointments and tests that she was born with a chiari malformation. It’s a brain condition in which brain tissue extends into the spinal canal. As a junior in high school, this information was not easy to come by and Lucy is who got her through the hardest days.

“She was always there to lay with me when I couldn’t do anything else,” Sarah said. “She always knew how to make me feel better.” 

During the worst of Sarah’s days with unbearable headaches and dizziness, Lucy would never leave her side and would do all she could to help. Sarah’s family also witnessed this throughout this time. 

“The two of them are always together and when Sarah isn’t feeling well the only thing she wants is Lucy,” Sandy said. 

Sarah had surgery to relieve pressure and pain in June 2020. While she will never make a full recovery from the malformation, she is doing a lot better and is able to enjoy most things just as much as before her symptoms arose. Lucy and Sarah are still best friends and Lucy is still always there to comfort Sarah on days her headaches are bad.

“I am still in a lot of pain after going back to dance, but slowly getting somewhere. Lucy is still the main one there for me when I am in pain,” Sarah said.