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Lucy Graduates!

Last Thanksgiving, I shared with you my personal story (and journey) about our rescue dog, Lucy.  Here’s the original post if you missed it.  Today, Lucy finished her advanced dog obedience class (after completing beginner and intermediate) and we are doing a “puppy paw” high five.  

My family will admire her graduation certificate and reflect on how far she has come from being abandoned and a shelter dog almost her entire life.  We were her first “real” home and will be her forever family.  We have witnessed such strength, courage and confidence – and many hours watching Animal Planet (a nightly routine) while she cuddles up with us (plus our two rescue cats, Boris and Sasha).  It warms our hearts and is truly a lesson for all.  

What’s next for Lucy?  After 7 months in our home, she is still building confidence and trust.  The next doggie milestone for her would be passing her Good Canine test – but, honestly, she is not quite ready.  She “nails” 90% of the requirements but “neutral dog” (passing other dogs) is still hit and miss (but improving).  She is fearful and it breaks her attention.  We recently learned from one of the shelters where she stayed that she was routinely attacked by other dogs (she was very ill) and there’s no question this is a good part of what fuels her fear.

However, we are determined.  We have seen progress in her “neutral dog” behavior and she has a few good doggie (rescue) pals that she trusts and can hang out with.  That makes us optimistic.  Passing the Good Canine test is still on our radar and we have a game plan on how to create more opportunities for “dog play time” in the mean time. 

Patience.  Lots of liver treats.  More baby steps.   I promise to keep you posted!

Hug your fur babies today . . . they bring so much happiness to our lives.

Mary

I love hearing from you!  If you would like to comment or share a congrats with Lucy, please do so HERE.

 


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63 thoughts on “Lucy Graduates!”

  1. I’m catching up and have a “rescue” dog also. She’s older than their projected age. (5-7, more like 10) She’s 3 lbs and was so scared. I think she was a breeder’s dog and spent all of her life confined in a cage. She’s 99% potty trained now. But we have to know her signs. Training her, the dog trainer said, no, she couldn’t handle it. But she snuggles in bed, she’s learning to sit with my mother in the evenings and we love her dearly. Forever she’s ours till God decides otherwise.

  2. How wonderful for Lucy, that your family has adopted and supported her. Great achievement for all of you! Animals have so much to give when they are given the chance.

    • Thanks, Barbara. We call her our little “cinnamon roll” because she loves to curl up next to us.

  3. Congrats to Lucy! What a precious fur baby and it’s inspiring to hear about your family’s commitment to her. I love reading updates about her progress!

  4. Congratulation! Stampin up independent demontrator and dog Lady!
    Dog training is not as easy as people think. Congratulation to you. Claire from st-bruno, Qc

  5. WOW!! such a precious little puppy, and a lucky one too, she couldn’t have found a more loving home Mary, she is going to give you and your family many years of joy and wonderful memories.
    Congratulations to Lucy, sending love and hugs.
    Maria.

  6. Congrats to Lucy and to your family for your love, patience and determination!! Life is so much better with a “dog baby”!

  7. A belated “congratulations” to Miss Lucy for a job well done! Had no power for a while so I missed this when it was more timely!

    • Stay safe from the storm, Karren. Lucy and I have our feet (paws) up and working on email.

  8. The story of Lucy is like so many other traumatized dogs from shelters. The difference you have made in Lucy’s life through your patience and understanding is phenomenal. She is so lucky to have been adopted by you. I’m still amazed that after 11 years as part of our family, our rescue beagle still occasionally shows signs of her old fearfulness and severe separation anxiety. We consider it a victory that those instances are fewer and farther apart with each passing year. Congratulations to Lucy on her graduation!

    • We call it doggie PTSD . . . I think it will always be there. However, learning to trust will help build her confidence and love will overcome fear!

  9. Proud of you, Lucy, and thanks for sharing your love and home, Mary and family! Good job!

    • Thank you for these lovely comments. I read (aloud to my family) and treasure each one.

  10. So happy to see this post about Lucy! I have been waiting for an update. Congratulations to all of you for her accomplishments. She is truly a lucky dog.

    • I promise I’ll keep you posted about her progress. We are going to focus on socialization with more dogs and people over the next few months. Then will give the Good Canine test a go!

  11. Lucy deserves a big “Hip Hip Hurray!”
    High five to you for your patience and work in the process.
    Congratulations!!!

  12. Congrats Lucy! And also to you, Mary, for taking the time to give Lucy the good life that she deserves. I love my rescue dog, Ellie. She looks A lot like Lucy but, taller.

  13. So glad to hear about your rescue dog, Lucy! My daughter and her hubby foster rescue dogs and have saved several now, working with them until they’re ready to go to a permanent home. I am so proud of them for the time and love and work it takes!

  14. Mary, first my heartiest “Atta girl” to Lucy on reaching another milestone. I’m sure she’ll conquer her fear with the patience and love she gets from her family. Secondly hats off to you and your family for having rescue fur babies. My last two dogs have been rescues. Pets bring so much and ask for so little.

  15. What an uplifting story. Bless you for having enough patience, love and an open heart for these “throw-away” animals.Rescues are the best. I wish we had more “Fishes”!

    • It breaks my heart to know that she was passed over for so long, Hope. However, she got her big “break” and we are all so fortunate!

  16. Congrats Lucy, and thanks for sharing Mary. Rescue dogs are the best, we have one that still struggles with some issues from his rough start in life but he is so sweet.

  17. A very sweet story of Lucy. Her beginnings of life are so sad, but is continuing very happily with your family…congrats!

  18. Mary, as much as I admire and enjoy your artistic talent, the story of Lucy and your love and patience is most enjoyable. Thanks for sharing.
    Shirley

  19. Congrats to Lucy! She is so blessed now to have her forever home with you! Rescue dogs are usually awesome, our best dog ever was the sweetest Welsh Corgi that ever lived, who had been in the shelter twice. He was amazing!! Best of luck with Lucy!

  20. Love reading about Lucy!! We adopted 2 pups 4 1/2 years ago and they are the love of my life!! They hang out with me while I stamp and my customers bring small treats to class for them each week!!

  21. Such a wonderful thing you are doing! We also had our rescue dog “Lucy”, once she adjusted she bacame the best, sweetest dog we could have hoped for… sadly, we lost her last May after 14 years… Now we are watching our daughter and her rescue… such joy they bring!

  22. Congratulations to Lucy! Thank you to your family for sticking by her and helping her to have a more comfortable life! All you are doing is improving her future (and yours). 🙂 Such a wonderful story of strength and patience. Hugs to all.

  23. She is a cutie! Dogs have always been a huge part of my life. We have ‘adopted’ three of our dogs from the shelter and they have shared their gratitude in so many ways. Enjoy Lucy.

    • I love hearing these stories about your furbabies and rescues! Every animal deserves love!

  24. My husband and I have just read both stories about your precious Lucy! How Blessed Lucy is to have you and you to have her!! She is a beautiful furbaby! God Bless you for saving this little girl!!

    My husband and I have a precious furbaby “kitty” and adore him! He was in a no-kill shelter and had been there and returned there twice. I can’t imagine why — he is so sweet! He was 2 years old when he adopted us as we walked in the door — and now we have had him 8 years! He is a funny, little clown and so very good. He loves people and will make everyone laugh. His name is now Snickers.

    He is the 4th kitty that we have rescued. Our first was so very sick when she arrived at our door — God knew we needed her and she needed us!! She was a “pistol-packin’ pussycat” — LOL!! We had her 19 years (less than a year when we found her) and she passed suddenly on my birthday! I still have a hard time on my birthday and miss her — as do I miss our other 2.

    Then the second one arrived a few years later almost frozen to death when we found him in a snowdrift — we could hear the cries.
    He was wonderful, snow white, big boy with topaz jewel eyes — one gold and one blue.

    Our next furbaby was also from a shelter. She was petite and oh so sweet.

    I am a SU Demonstrator in Iowa. I so enjoy you and your blogs. Again, God Bless you for your love of these precious furbabies!!

    • Each one of our pets is so different that the next. Thanks for sharing your fabulous rescue stories, Judy.

  25. Thank you, Mary, for sharing your story. I’m a demo too, and I love to look at your posts and wonderful projects, but it warms my heart that you rescued Lucy and your kitties. We have always rescued over our 38-year marriage, and each rescued pet has been treasured and family to us, and we were always their forever home as well. Thank you for sharing

  26. Bless you and your family. Thank you so much for sharing the journey for you and Lucy. ❤️

  27. such a good girl! and w/ the patience & understanding of good ‘parents’ she will continue on her road to ‘happy dog’…I got my current dog after putting down my 9 yr old. Spencer (now 10) was 4 months’ old & soooo different…a rescue, I was ready to give him back the next day but w/patience of us both, we are now good buds. The socialization w/ other dogs is wise; it’s an ongoing thing & tho it may be Lucy still has her fears, I’m sure they’ll lessen in intensity…she’s come a long way…Good Girl Lucy; Good Girl Mary 🙂

    • That definitely resonates with me, Lynne . . . the first month I kept questioning what I had gotten myself and my family into – I just wanted a dog that was ready for love, not all the fear and “baggage.” In the process, I found a whole new level of love and patience. It’s been a life altering experience for my family and Miss Lucy!

  28. There is a special place for those who take in a rescue pet. It’s a long and difficult journey (as you know)……but the out-come (as you are witnessing) is the PURE JOY and HAPPINESS that our animal family members get and bring into our households.

    Lucy hit the jack-pot when she was adopted by the Fish Family…….And I might say the same for the Fish Family.

    THANKS for sharing Lucy with us today…….AND CONGRATS LUCY on your triple graduation.

  29. Congratulations!!! We have a rescue puppy that also took a lot of encouragement and training. She is the best girl ever. I am so happy that your journey is successful. It’s not always easy, but it is always worth it. You’re a good Mom. 🙂

  30. WooHoo to Lucy. She is very lucky to be adopted by a loving and engaged family, as are you lucky to have the joy she brings!

  31. Mary, how precious our dogs are to us. Sometimes we can become distracted and discouraged. Thank you for your gift of adopting Lucy and loving her along a path that has not been easy. What incredible unconditional love you have given her and how her world has taught so many of us to celebrate the little things!

  32. Ooooh MsMary, it brings tears to my eyes , it reminds me a little of our Marie’s pass , we’re working on all that too, , believe me I know and fill what it’s like , I’m soo happy for Lucy , and congratulations ??? to you all she’s so lovely, fur hugs to Lucy, ♥️♥️♥️,

    Yayyyyyy LUCY ??????????
    Hugs Frenchie ♥️

  33. When I read the story at Thanksgiving, it simply warmed my heart, and today is no different, Mary! Congratulations for taking those baby steps and allowing Lucy to proceed at her own pace. Both of you will be much better for having patience. So excited for Lucy graduating and for the whole family watching her improve~ Hugs

  34. I have been a follower of your blog for a long time, but never posted any comments or anything. However, I have to say that this was such a beautiful story. It brought tears to my eyes. I too have a rescue that had a jaded past. She is the most lovable, sweetest dog I have ever had, however, few people get to see that. We have had her for 5 years and she has calmed some, but still those behaviors show up at times. We couldn’t love her more though and she has made our lives so much richer since she adopted us. Good luck with Lucy. I know we will both return to our furbabies all the love and affection they give us. We rescued them and they rescued us!

    • It’s definitely a rescue for all of us! I recently tracked down one of the shelters in Lucy’s past and learned more. She was abandoned in a cemetery with her brothers (approx. 3 months). She had a serious skin infection as well as Parvo. We suspect the reason the other dogs attacked her was due to her weak health. She ended up fearing dogs as well as people due to her pain. They said she spent most her year with them in a cage. Makes me sad but helps me understand. She is showing signs that she would like to play and socialize with dogs . . . we are going to keep trying but it’s not critical to master this 🙂

  35. Congratulations Lucy! Thank you Mary for giving her such a loving and responsible family- every dog should be so lucky 🙂

    • We are the lucky ones (OK, Lucy, too). She really rallied my family to live in the moment and appreciate the little things!

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