Lucky Boy

Some days, I'm overworked, overwhelmed, and just plain exhausted. Those always seem to be the days when a new dog needs me most...

On Wednesday, I received a desperate call from an animal rescue friend in Alabama, Kara, who needed my help. Kara had seen a group of sickly, stray dogs at her local bank, and she was determined to help them. 

So, Kara and another dog rescue friend, Marsha Campbell, spent much of their day trying to catch the pups. At the very least, they hoped to catch the most injured dog in the group, a senior Rottie/Shepherd mix... with a broken heart. 

After hours of trying, they finally succeeded. They loaded the older boy into the car and drove straight to the vet. On the way, they named the dog: Lucky. 

The news wasn't good. The dog was approximately 10 years old, and he was very sick. In addition, he had some older injuries that caused a great deal of pain and distress, including a broken elbow, a broken jawbone, and a lip that's detached from his jaw. 

The vet continued... giving a grim life expectancy: only 2 years left--max--and probably less, given his condition. 

And so, euthanasia was recommended. 

Kara and Marsha were in tears. They asked if they could board the dog for a couple of days, to give them time to find a dog rescue who'd be willing to love this boy in his final years.

Then... they called me.

Kara, Marsha, & I with Lucky

I'd had an awful day... and I was physically and mentally drained by the time Kara called. Initially, I had my, "I'm so sorry, but I just can't take him" on stand-by, but I was still planning to help Kara find another animal rescue to help.  

That's when she told me his story:

Lucky is a 10 year old dog that has lived his entire life on the streets... begging for food, hoping for water, and searching for shelter. For the last 2 years, he's lived outside of a bank. 

His elbow was broken... but no one helped him. His jaw was injured... but no one treated him. When he was hungry, thirsty, hot, or cold... no one cared.  

For 10 years, Lucky has never had a family. For 10 years, he's never had a place to call home. For 10 years, he's been forced to fend for himself. For 10 years, he's never known love.  

And for 10 years, he's never even had a name. Until now... and it's Lucky.  

Obviously, the word "lucky" is very special to me. I named my rescue "Lucky Dog Rescue" and my dog kennel business is "Lucky Dog Retreat." In addition, the only other dog I've ever named "Lucky" also suffered from a broken elbow and severe neglect. 

This Lucky had lived for 10 years without ever knowing compassion or love. Now, he only had a couple of years left to live, if that, and I knew... that no one else was going to help him...  


When I answered Kara's call, I was never planning to take another rescue dog. But as I listened to Lucky's story, I knew... that without me... Lucky would die, in a vet's office, without ever knowing what it was like to belong to someone.  

Kara was sobbing, asking if I knew of anyone that would be willing to help him. Tears were streaming down my face... as I searched for the right answer. 

I took a deep breath... closed my eyes...  

...and I saw Annie. 

Then, I heard myself say, "Can you get him to Meridian?"

Today, Kara and Marsha drove 3 hours to get Lucky to his new mom-- me. He'll live with me for the rest of his life, however long that may be. 

When Lucky arrived at Lucky Dog Rescue, he scanned his surroundings... and the big smile that crossed his face said, "It's good to finally be home."

*Annie, this one's for you. I love you.