Lucy Bear One Year Later (before/after pics)

A year ago I was surfing the local sheltie rescue website and I stumbled up on this gentle soul: Lucy's Rescue Photo

I don't know what it was but I knew I had to have this dog. She was caught by the local pound wandering homeless in the city. The pound was going to put Lucy down because they mistook her fear for aggression. Thankfully the folks at the rescue saved her life. Lucy had kennel cough, was underweight, had an ear infection, several missing/broken teeth, no undercoat and chunks of her fur was missing on her feet, legs, stomach and tail. What was left of her fur felt like hard, crunchy straw. Lucy was pretty beat up. She had huge scars all over her face and no one knew how long she was homeless, but judging by how run down she was I'd say she wouldn't have made it on her own much longer.

Lucy also had some social issues, she was terrified of men and if anyone came near her with their hand to pet Lucy would duck down as if she was bracing for a hit. I can't even imagine what her life was like before being rescued.

The first few nights Lucy was at her foster mom's she wouldn't come into the house. Lucy slept in some hay outside. Once she finally trusted her foster mom Lucy discovered the warm, secure feeling of a couch and she's been a couch napper ever since.

This is a photo of Lucy a week after we adopted her: Lucy comes home

Lucy had terrible allergies and would go at herself constantly, biting her own feet until they bled. I was worried she had DM and went back and forth to a few vets until we finally found out she didn't, it was allergies.

We put Lucy on supplements for her skin/allergies, Vibrant Pets and Orijen. Her body filled back out and she didn't look like a coyote anymore. Lucy is almost 50 pounds, but she is super solid. We took her to obedience class and really worked hard to socialize her. She is great with little kids and is so gentle with our puppy, they are the best of friends.

One year later Lucy's fur has returned to most of her body, her eyes are bright, she is confident, happy and so very grateful, but not nearly as grateful as I am to have Lucy. Even her walk has improved, she walks with her head up, proud to have overcome nearly dying on the streets.

Here are a couple of photos of Lucy today:
Lucy in the backyard

Lucy by the citrus trees

Sorry about the long post but basically I wanted to show anyone considering a rescue that it is possible to make a difference in a dog's life and Lucy is solid proof of that. As I type this at my desk she is sleeping on my feet, content and healthy. It is a lot of work but they give it back so many times over.

On a side note, I want to thank the dozens of you who helped me fix Lucy's issues. I have learned so much and applied so many of your ideas, we all made Lucy a happy, healthy gal.

 

You have been a huge help with ideas and support for Lucy. I really do appreciate it, she is so patient with me when I have to treat her wounds, it's like she knows I'm making her all better.

Thanks for all the kind words everyone. I am so very proud of my big bear.