You Lucky Dog

Each rescue dog manages to touch my heart in a way... I didn’t know possible. However, few dogs have ever impacted my life... quite like my foster baby, Lucky.

In January, my rescue friend, Lisa Hathcock, called me about a Pit Bull, who had been dumped at the Louisville, Mississippi shelter. This boy needed help... immediately... and Lisa knew I wouldn’t let him down.

Earlier in his life, this Pit Bull’s owners had made the cruel decision... to crop his ears... with an old pair of scissors.

As heartbreaking as that may sound... sadly, it doesn’t make him unique.

Many dogfighters, thugs, and just-pain cruel people give their dogs "homemade crop jobs," often using an old knife or a rusty pair of scissors to remove the dog's ears. Tail docking is usually done in the same manner. No anesthesia is used. No pain meds are given. No sutures for the blood loss. Basically... one person holds the dog down… while the other mutilates their body with household cutting utensils. It’s unbelievably cruel… but sadly, very common.

Why do they do this? There are several ridiculous reasons, none of which is justified. First, since cropped ears convey a more “vicious” appearance, the dog's ears are often removed, in an effort to intimidate others. Secondly, because the ears and tail can be a “hindrance” in dogfighting, they're usually removed, for sadistic purposes. Further, the tails of female breeder dogs are often docked... to make it easier to breed them.

This particular dog was subjected to an especially painful crop job; as his ears were cut... right-down to his scalp, leaving no ear flaps whatsoever. Further, the dog suffered from a badly broken leg, which the owners never treated… leaving him with a front leg... he can no longer use.

Then, he was dumped at the pound... and scheduled for immediate euthanasia.

The shelter had given Lisa until 5:00pm that day... to find a rescue for the dog. At 4:45pm, I answered Lisa’s call… and said, “I’ll take him.”

I wanted to meet him... before choosing his name. Then, when I pulled up, I saw the most precious, happy dog... rolling in the grass, with a big smile on his face. Obviously the pound was a step-up for him... and he felt lucky to be alive.

That’s when I decided to give him the name... that I’d been reserving for a very special dog… “Lucky.”

The word “lucky” has always had a special meaning for me. In fact, it’s so special to me, that I named my business “Lucky Dog Retreat,” and my rescue, “Lucky Dog Rescue.” My birthday is 7/11… two “lucky” numbers, and I’ve endured some things in my life... that have made me feel extremely lucky to be alive.

So... I named him “Lucky,” deeming him the mascot for my life and my work. My nickname for him is “Lucky-Buppy” … don’t ask me why. Each dog gets a special nickname, and usually... it makes zero sense to anyone...other than me and the dog.
Lucky-Buppy.

Lucky-Buppy has lived with me since that fateful day in January… the day he was meant to die. Despite the horrors of his past, Lucky is hands-down THE HAPPIEST DOG I’ve ever known. The joy he’s brought into my life is unreal.

Lucky represents everything good in the world… wrapped- up in a badly-damaged package.

His incredible spirit has truly changed my life. I’m so moved by his ability to forgive, and forget, and to love with a warmth that sets my soul on fire. I honestly can’t explain the beauty of my Lucky-Buppy in words… you’d  have to meet him to understand. He’s amazing.

Despite all of his special qualities, I knew the harsh reality for Lucky. I knew his chances of ever finding a family of his own... were so slim.

Lucky is a Pit Bull. Strike one.
Lucky has no ears… giving him a very severe, intimidating appearance. Strike two.
Lucky is a special needs dog, with a bum leg. Strike three.

Lucky is the kind of dog that people feel sorry for…
Lucky is not the kind of dog that people want to adopt.
And even though I knew that Lucky would be happy living with me forever… all of the hope in my heart has been set on finding a special home for Lucky.

And... I gotta be honest...
I’ve also secretly wished that his new family would live in Meridian, so I could see him again someday.

Even still... each time I’d think about the likelihood of these things… the tears would flow, as I'd realize that my dream for Lucky … and his dream for himself... was nothing more... than a dream...

Now… let me backtrack a bit. A couple of months ago, Dustin’s 13-year-old step-sister, Libby, started visiting the rescue pups at Lucky Dog. She immediately bonded with Lucky, for obvious reasons… he’s awesome. Lucky’s incredible love made Libby feel so special… as he’d follow her every move, and give her lots of kisses.

Libby would laugh and say, “Hey Ashley. If you get here one day and Lucky’s gone… I promise I didn’t take him, okay?”

I’d say, “Okay Libby. I promise I won’t drive to your house and check under your bed for Lucky. I’m sure he won’t be there…” And we’d both laugh.

One day, after Libby and Lucky had the best time playing together, I said, “Libby, you know... you could always foster Lucky, even if just for the weekend. I’m sure he’d really love that, and then you could play with him all weekend long.”

In that moment, Libby’s eyes lit up. I knew she wanted to foster Lucky... more than anything, but she’d have to ask her mom, Beth, first. Luckily, Beth had also fallen in love with Lucky over the months, so they decided to foster him over Memorial Day weekend. My heart was elated.

When they got home with Lucky, Beth immediately called ... to tell me how much fun Lucky was having with their 2 other pups, Champ and Charlie. She said, “Ash! He’s having a blast! It’s like he’s always been here!” I was so happy… hoping maybe they’d decide to foster him long-term, until I could find Lucky's forever family.

So then... yesterday... I was working at Lucky Dog, when Beth came through the door. I was surprised to see her, and I couldn’t wait to ask how Lucky was doing.

But... before I could ask, Beth said, “Ashley, I wanted to tell you... that we’ve made the decision to adopt Lucky, if that's okay with you.”

I was shocked.
I dropped whatever I was holding.
I honestly couldn't believe it. 
I felt the tears welling up in my eyes, as I said, “Really?!”
Beth said, “Yes. We love him, and we want to adopt him.”
Suddenly, tears of joy were streaming down my face…
And then, I was sobbing.
I could barely muster the words, “Beth... thank you,” as I gave her a hug.

 That moment, was—without a doubt—one of the best moments of my life. It’s the best news I’ve ever received… and I didn’t even see it coming.

Since day one with Lucky... I’ve had a dream for him:

I wanted Lucky to live in a home with a big yard and other dogs. I hoped they’d have children. I prayed they wouldn’t live far from me. I wished... upon all wishes... that they’d let me see him again someday.

But after months of waiting... I realized that my dream... may never become a reality for Lucky-Buppy.

And yet... with one sentence: “We’ve made the decision to adopt Lucky,” Beth made all of my dreams come true. This was beyond what I’d dreamed for him. I just can't tell you...

Lucky will have a huge backyard... and other pups to play with. He'll live with his best friend, Libby. His new home is just down the street from my house, and I can see him whenever I want... which will be often.

But the best part of the story…
The part the brings me to tears every time I think about it… 
Is that Lucky is finally home…
And his new family...
Is my family.

Lucky is now a Hill… just like me.

Lucky you…
Lucky me.

*I love you Lucky-Buppy Hill! I’ll see you later this week, okay?!

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