Author: jenfishjones

 

 

 

 

 

Human : Tom Shroyer, Decorah, Iowa

After a number of years of longing for a Scottish Deer Hound, the timing was right and a puppy was available. The plan was to drive to East Lansing, Michigan to meet the Canadian breeder, Cynthia, to obtain a male puppy. Cynthia was delivering puppies to a few other recipients as well.  Unfortunately, she was held up at the border due to vaccination requirements with the CDC since the puppies had not yet had rabies vaccinations and were without paperwork. So Tom drove all the way to Flint, Michigan and literally met Cynthia at a somewhat random interstate exchange.  We met at this random location, it was really weird how it turned out. We got our puppies and met and hugged and all that. I got in the car, and I was by myself with this dog at 4 o’clock on a Wednesday afternoon north of Detroit to come home and it started snowing…. I couldn’t see, but we made it we made it home at 2 in the morning with this puppy. Everything about our journey together literally and figuratively,  there was always a story. It fit him, because he had so much personality.

Since the puppies breed is Scottish and they came from Canada and Tom’s wife Maureen’s family came over from Scotland they chose “Coming to America” as his registered name. They called him Maclean because that is Maureen’s clan’s name.

Maclean grew to be 34” in height at the shoulder, and weighed 95 pounds. HIs tail measured about the same as his height. Maclean and Tom were active at The Good Dog Center a local canine training center. They participated in classes and workshops and competed in confirmation. Maclean also earned his Canine Good Citizen degree.

Maclean was a character. He always liked to be touching, he was very tactile and it was usually with his feet or legs. If you were sitting down he would come and lie down, but then he would stick his foot out to touch you. Even walking by, you would think he was joking and was trying to trip you. It was the oddest thing. He wouldn’t get up, he wouldn’t raise his head up or shift his body he would just put his foot out and touch you.

His big bed was in front of the fireplace and of course the dachshunds would lay on that and then he would never go near it;  and he would go over and drape himself over the top of their small bed. He would also get in the craziest sprawling positions and he would never lay on the sofa without his head hanging off the edge.

He  loved to bark and his favorite weather was those 30 degree drizzly snow days. Despite not being a fan of nose work at the training center, when outside he would find a smell and would literally press his nose into it so hard you could not get him off of it. If he would find a dead mouse under the snow he would sniff and dig until he got it out, this is a very unique quality as far as sight hounds go.

Maclean had NO recall whatsoever. If you were outside and he would get more than 10 feet away from you it was like, GAME OVER. Just a long trot and he could  be over 100 yards away in like two seconds.  You were not going to catch him. The way our place is set up it has 25 acres with fencing. When I come home I close the gate at the end of the driveway and then we would know he’d be safe inside and we would go on a 45 minute loop walk. Where we live he was finding rabbits and deer to chase. It was amazing how you can lose a dog in 25 acres of woods. He would just be in his absolute glory.

Tragically, Maclean’s life was cut short by and unexplained illness.

The  illness will puzzle me my whole life. On Friday, he had a little bit of inflammation in his ear, so I brought him to the clinic and did an ear swab on him and got him some ear drops.   And thought oh while he’s here we’ll do his rabies and his kennel cough, because we were supposed to go do a show in next 10 days. So I’ll get that done now and it will be done. I went from work  to the Fitness center in Cresco and that wasn’t unusual that he would stay in the car while I was lifting weights.  45 minutes later and I came out.  On the way home he was clearing his throat and coughing. I thought he chewed up a napkin or cup or something that he may have found in the car.  He got home and he seemed perfectly fine, he ate his supper and the next morning he was he was a little slow to get up and wasn’t himself and didn’t eat which wasn’t a huge red flag for him because he was a really poor eater. But this consistent cough thing… I think I went to work and I didn’t think too much more about it, but when I got home my wife Maureen said, ‘ I don’t think your dog feels very good” So I took his temperature and it was 103. And I thought  that’s weird, maybe the rabies vaccine give him a fever ,so I started him on some antibiotics and some Corprofin to break the fever and he just continued to cough and continued to run this super high fever. On Sunday night it was 106. So I took so I took him to the clinic and it was just not going well. And Amy (colleague) was there and took a look at him and he had more of the trouble breathing so we took a radiograph of his chest and it was just full of blood. Completely full of blood. And we did some other blood work and found  liver failure, kidney failure , and high blood count which when they are bleeding internally like that should be low but his was like 60% of his blood -so his blood was like sluging and clotting everywhere.  So essentially between Friday night and Sunday night over a 48 period of time he just had this crash and every, every system just quit.

So I called the kids, called Maureen and let them know he was gone. There are a lot of inherited problems in the breed , cancers and weird things, so I said well for the sake of the breed and his litter mates I wanted to get as much checked out as I can so we took him to Ames, we drove him down there it was miserable and I said this is what the deal is

We’ll just  start checking things. They did a complete autopsy with the histopathology and nothing conclusive from that and we continued testing.

We checked for toxins and rat poisons and things like that. We were just so baffled and finally she called and let me know that there was nothing left to test for. We don’t know, perhpas some weird thing was triggered. It could have been something as innocent as the vaccine, or the ear drops could have caused a reaction.

The good thing was that it was nothing within the breed or his litter mates.

The odd thing was that for the next 72 hours but  the dachshunds would intermittently cough. They had never coughed. And of course every time they would cough we would wonder. Maybe he had some virus come through him and perhaps Maclean’s system couldn’t handle it.

It was a good dog journey, it really was. We had a great ,great three years which was such an abbreviated time. Maclean was so unique the way he related to people, and other dogs ,and livestock and to see him run has literally the most breathtaking thing ever. He was pretty special.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Humans: Street Dogs, Caye Caulker, Belize

 I encountered these two street dogs with regularity hanging out on the beach or by Ice and Beans a popular coffee place on the island of Caye Caulker. We had been on the island for awhile and had observed them in a number of situations. Dog culture it different there, than in the states. Some have owners and are walked on a leash, though a good number of dogs are owned, but have the freedom to run free. Others were owned at one time, but either changed hands or were no longer able to be cared for and left to wander and fend for themselves. The island is small and the dogs figure out who each other are and the pecking order of the island pack is quickly determined. There are mixed feelings among locals about spay and neuter ing as a means of population control. These two Blackie (a.k.a. Mindy) and Momma Mia, were both intact females and in heat. As one might imagine they were often surrounded by the intact male dogs who had the ability to roam.  They bonded together in solidarity during this time seemingly to protect one another from the often aggressive male attention. 

Blackie was thought to have an owner, but was seen exclusively on the street and quite undernourished. As is true anywhere and especially on this small Caribbean island the term owner may be applied loosely. This isn’t always a bad thing, but in this case Blackie was needing some help. Momma Mia was thought to have been on her own since puppyhood as locals had never seen her with anyone besides tourists. Again, not always a terrible life. Tourists shower them with attention and give them food. Dogs can get along this way, but should they become sick, injured or in this case pregnant, they are truly on their own.  

The Caye Caulker Humane Society stepped in when these two were clearly needing some help and secured separate foster parents for them. Momma Mia did indeed prove to be pregnant and gave birth to 11 puppies, with 8 who survived. Blackie was not pregnant, but had given birth before and was thought to possibly be experiencing a false pregnancy. 

After a few weeks, Blackie and Momma Mia were eventually reunited at the same foster.  They were both scheduled to be spayed at the Caye Caulker Humane Society’s spay and neuter clinic in May . Momma’s procedure went without a hitch, but Blackie was found to have a very large tumor in her abdomen and was euthanized. 

The vet and the current foster thought it would be best if she be put out of her misery since she didn’t really have a home.

Momma Mia continues to live with her foster and her sweet puppies have all found homes on Caye Caulker or the mainland. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Human Erin Bell Des Moines, Iowa

 Griff was introduced as the official live mascot for Drake University in October 2015 at the age of 3.  He will serve in this role until he is retired to spend the rest of his life blissfully on the couch of his home in Beaverdale with his family.  Griff, a 56 pound English Bulldog, is 7 years old and has a mom, a dad, a 5 year old human brother, a 3 year old human sister, and a rescued English Bulldog sister named Lottie Lucille.  In addition to his full time job as mascot, Griff is also a foster brother for the Illinois English Bulldog Rescue. 

Prior to becoming the official live mascot for Drake, Griff was a champion show dog by the time he was 2 years old.  Once he achieved this, Griff’s time as a show dog was over.  The family that raised and showed Griff loved him (and still do!) and wanted to find a great family for him to spend the rest of his long life with.  At the same time, his mom and director of the live mascot program at Drake was looking for the perfect dog to be the next Drake Bulldog.  The stars aligned and Drake ended up with a really special dog, perfectly suited to be its mascot.  

In his role as the live mascot for Drake University, Griff represents the university on all fronts.  He embodies the essence of the school and what is stands for, making continuous positive contributions to the community on campus and far beyond.  He is authentic and sincere, and he spreads kindness and positivity wherever he goes.  Griff is approachable and accessible to all.  He assists with Admissions, Alumni and Development, Athletics, marketing, countless student organizations and events, and much more.

Griff is a certified therapy dog through the Animal Rescue League of Iowa’s TheraPets Program.  He visits a local special education class about once a month at Delaware Elementary.  He also visits a local adult day center that assists people suffering from the effects of things like traumatic brain injuries and dementia.  Additionally, he visits kids at Orchard Place and elderly at Ramsey Village.

Drake is our “Des Moines’ Hometown Team” and Griff is “Des Moines’ hometown dog.”  Griff belongs to everyone!

Griff spearheads an annual pet food drive called “Griff Gives Back.”  Griff Gives Back benefits The Pet Project Midwest, a local non-profit organization that lends assistance to people when times are tough so pets can stay out of shelters and in the homes where they are loved.  This Spring, in the fourth annual Griff Gives Back pet food drive, Griff raised 16,000 pounds of food for area pets in need, doubling the previous record.

He is present and active on social media, including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @DrakeUGriff. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Humans: Jim and Nina Beeghly Decorah, Iowa

 Jojo was born October 14, 2004 in Bismark, ND. She is our second Wirehaired Pointing Griffon. Griffons are versatile hunting dogs, known for their friendly nature. They point upland birds, like pheasants, quail and ruffed grouse; hunt waterfowl and fur-bearing animals; and track and retrieve all game. She has hunted ring necked pheasants, ruffed grouse, sharp-tailed grouse, bob-white quail and ducks. 

As members of NAVHDA (North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association) we tested Jojo in the Natural Ability Test which evaluates the natural hunting skills of pups under 16 months of age. At the age of 10 months Jojo performed well in the test, receiving a score of 107 out of a possible 112. 

The only hunting skill that did not come naturally to Jojo was swimming. She had an aversion to water until about six months old. I took our older Griffon, Colonel, and Jojo to the Volga River near our home.  Colonel and I waded across and disappeared into the woods on the other side. We could hear Jojo raising a fuss for a minute or two and then – silence . Shortly she appeared, wet and happy that she had discovered a new favorite activity, swimming. 

Jojo is a friendly greeter of anyone who comes to our door. She is especially happy to greet children. When our grandchildren visit she welcomes them like a puppy, bouncing from one to the other showing affection. During their stay she is usually on the floor with the kids, often with her head in their lap. 

Jojo has a few quirks in behavior: At meal time, after she eats, she returns, urging us to check the bowl, expecting praise for cleaning up her meal. When she was about four months old I was working in my wood shop on a bitterly cold day. The wood burning stove was not enough to comfortably heat the drafty building. While standing at the bench I noticed a warm spot by my knee where Jojo had pressed and held her neck against my leg, a practice she continues to this day. Such a show of affection makes me feel good. She knows the affection is mutual. 

 Jojo has been retired from hunting for two years. The last hunt showed that her hips are too weak for the task. Her hearing is 95% gone and her vision is beginning to fade. She has difficulty with stairs and is losing confidence after a couple of tumbles. She can handle a half-mile walk even though her hip joints are really loose. She is a tough old dog. She has good and bad days, but mostly good. She has a great attitude. 

At times she pants and is uncomfortable. So, she gets pain medication twice a day, which helps. I’m expecting her to be around a few more months, but when the time comes, a sudden departure would be welcome. For nearly fifteen years she has been a devoted friend. We will miss her when she is gone. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Human: Monique Luppes Caye Caulker, Belize, Central America

The morning I put Punch to sleep I lied down next to him. He was at his favorite spot under the steps in a shallow hole he had dug when he was still feeling strong enough. He could hardly lift his head but his eyes were still clear and alert. I started to talk to him, our heads close. I thanked him for all the good years he had given me, for all the love and loyalty he had shown me, for all the joy and kisses in my face. Punch was listening, as always. Calm, as always. I knew and felt he somehow understood what I was saying and when I was finished and put my head next to him, he gave me a big fat kiss, right in my face. 

About 12 years earlier my boyfriend Maurice told me out of the blue we were getting dogs. Not just one, but two. I was a bit shocked. I met him two years before and was still figuring out my life with him, which was on a tiny island in the Caribbean Sea off the coast of Belize. If I wanted to be with him, I had to leave my life in the Netherlands behind and move to Belize. To get used to that idea and to find out if I could do that I decided to try out the Caribbean way of life for six months. And when I was in my second month Maurice told me about the dogs. I must admit the idea excited me. I had always liked dogs, but besides when I still lived with my parents, never had the opportunity to have one. But I was also quite sceptic. I already had my hands full with my boyfriend and I knew that having dogs takes a lot of time, commitment and responsibility. Plus, I would go back home after a couple of months and what would become of the dogs then, as I already knew that I would be the primary one taking care of them. I vented all my concerns but he had made up his mind already. A month later two adorable puppies were running around in our yard. We named them Punch and Pujo. The latter was Maurice’s dog, Punch was mine. Not that it really mattered, but we thought it was funny to both have a dog of our own. I was the one to choose which one would be mine and I chose Punch. He was almost completely gray and had a serious look on his face which intrigued me. He was also a little cross eyed and I thought that was cute. But other than that the choice was quite random. Or not?

Eventually I decided to make the move to Belize and through the years Punch truly became MY dog. While Pujo was doing his own thing and mostly being stubborn and naughty, Punch would follow me everywhere and was watching me from every corner. If he was downstairs in the yard and I was upstairs in the office, he would come up about every hour to check on me. I would feel his nose against my legs and when I turned around he would be standing there, looking at me with eyes that said “you’re still okay?” And I would rub his head, told him I was fine, he gave me a kiss and went back down again. When we were all together watching TV, he would pretend to sleep, but with every movement I made his eyes would open and his gaze would follow my movements. Many times I would notice he was just staring at me. Maurice always said: “if any person wants to hurt you, Punch will destroy him”. And I think that is true.

Punch loved to run. For our afternoon walks I would ride the bike and he ran next to me, or rather a little in front of me so he could pull me. People on the island looked at us in awe when we passed full speed. Other dogs would bark at us or chase us, but Punch’s only goal was to run as fast as he could. Never would he pay any attention to those other dogs, who were just jealous. There was one trail on the island where I would let him go off leash. As soon as I took the leash off he would speed away from me, running like a frisky deer, his floppy ears going up and down. He disappeared into the bushes, looking for iguanas or something smelly and reappeared from out of nowhere, standing in the middle of the trail, looking for me with his ears up: “Are you coming? Hurry up, so much crazy things to see here!” At the end of the trail I would go sit on a dock and he would jump in the water to cool down. He never went for a real swim, he didn’t like that, but he walked around a bit and then sat or lied down in the water and looked at me sitting at the end of the dock. After a while he came to sit with me but soon he would get restless and wanted me to get up to go run with him again. 

There are so many more things to tell about Punch. Like when he caught a pelican and didn’t know what to do with it or when he had a standoff with an iguana and the latter scratched his nose. The fights with his brother, which he always won or the stoic look on his face when you threw a toy to him and he had no clue what to do with it. Sometimes he heard the other dogs barking and started running, but didn’t know what he was running for. He looked around for the others who were behind, like he was asking “what is it, what are we chasing?” He could be the fastest and strongest, but he was definitely not the smartest. 

The thing I will miss the most though is his listening ear. Punch has always been my confidant. His calm demeanor, his loyalty and his willingness to protect made him perfect for that. I have always liked my life here in Belize but it wasn’t always easy. Moving to a completely different country, living with someone with a different culture, it all takes time to get used to. During the hard times, when frustration took over, I could always trust on Punch. Whenever I felt alone or insecure, he was just there and made me smile again by giving me a kiss with his enormous tongue. 

Needless to say I miss this boy. This painting captures him perfectly though, it’s how I want to remember him. Thanks Punchy, for being my dog!

Human: Tony Paao Lipka, Chicago, IL U.S.A.

 After my dog Reilly passed from cancer, I knew that I’d eventually get another dog. A friend of mine that works in Bernese Mountain Dog rescue, knew I was looking for a Border Collie. “Rowdy,” as Buddha was known as then, was found in Oklahoma, and mistaken for a Bernese Mountain dog because of his coloring. As soon as I saw the photo of him, I knew I had to get him. Having a friend in Oklahoma, she picked up Rowdy, met me in St. Louis, and I got him Memorial Day weekend 2009. Buddha has been a truly loyal companion since day one. Probably the most loyal canine I’ve ever had.   Where I’m at, he’s by my side. 

As his Earthly time winds down, I know that it’s going to break my heart to let him go. But I know, as with all the others before him, that I’ll see him again.

Both Mandy & Frootloop I got from Humane Indiana. Mandy came into the mix about 4 or so years ago, when I had Buddha, Floyd, and a little girl named Missy (who passed in 2015, at about 15+ years old). I wasn’t really looking for another dog, but, since I was so happy with how Floyd came to be, I thought I’d be able to get another out of the shelter.

Frootloop is a goofy one, hence his name. I often look at the shelter website, and I  noticed a photo of Frootloop on his back, doing the “Pittie Smile.” I figured I had to meet him. So I went there and said “I want to meet the smiling pitbull.” A volunteer who works there, Randy, told me that Frootloop just had a special soul. So I got him too.

Floyd passed last Halloween, and I really wasn’t going to get another, because Buddha’s legs are bad. But when Randy called and asked, I couldn’t let Ohio (not pictured)  be euthanized for something beyond his control.

Human: Emy Richter, Des Moines, IA  U.S.A.

 I met Pepe in the fall of 2013. As a foster agent with Midamerica Boston Terrier Rescue, I had just placed a 6 year old female with a loving home. I was so pleased with the progress this latest one had made,  because she presented with so many challenges. Dolly had been a puppy mill breeding dog her whole life, without proper socialization, nutrition or medical care. She was terrified of everything and tried to run away every time we went outside. She soiled all over the house and cowered in the presence of humans. She barked or cried constantly. She lived with me for about 5 weeks while I worked to heal her body and her heart, and worked very hard to find a human match for her that could be dedicated to continuing the time consuming and patient work of settling her into a real life. As much as I came to love her, I was relieved to have her move on to her forever home so I could begin to take back my house!

Just as I was preparing her for transport, I received a call from MABTR’s director in Omaha with word that a Boston has been picked up as a stray in Osceola. The dog had been at animal control for two weeks without anyone claiming him, and without being adopted. No microchip. The next day he would be euthanized. Could I drive out and retrieve him?  Of course. (Slight sigh…I had just washed all the rugs!)

I drove Dolly to the Ankeny airport to hitch a ride with a private pilot who was banking flying hours and had agreed to take her along to St. Louis. Then I headed for Osceola.

Within the first 10 seconds of meeting Pepe, I knew that he needed to come home with me forever. I have fostered and placed more than 100 Bostons, but I could immediately feel a special connection between he and I.

Over the next five years Pepe and I pretty much never left one another’s side. We went camping together, hiked in the Smokey Mountains and the Ozarks; swam, fished and boated on the lakes of Northern Wisconsin, visited the Great Lakes of Michigan and Huron, and started training with me to become a certified therapy team. We plan to visit hospitals, nursing homes and libraries.

Last summer Pepe had to have an eye removed at the Iowa State veterinary clinic.

He is the most trustworthy and loyal dog I have ever known. He would follow me to the ends of the earth even if he had to calmly maneuver through masses of grabby toddlers or screaming fireworks. He is simply unflappable as long as we are together. Oddly, he will always refuse to go on a walk with anyone else if I’m not along, too.

 Humans: Gail Bolson and Karl Magnuson, Decorah, Iowa, USA

Molly was truly the best dog I could ever imagine. She never barked or chased squirrels or anything; at first she was very skittish and shy, but after living in our home for a while she loved absolutely everyone and just wanted to cuddle. Molly was found in an alley in Emporia, KS and after a brief stint with the Emporia Police Department, she went to the Great Plains Pointer Rescue in Omaha. She spent 3 months there, then went to a wonderful foster home in Des Moines.

 I saw her picture on Facebook and just knew she was looking for me. When we went to pick her up, she just came over and laid down on our feet, like she was saying “what took you so long?” The foster family said it was their policy not to let dogs go home with a potential family on the first visit but it was obvious she was meant to be with us. She jumped in our car and slept the whole trip home. The first night she was with us, she jumped up on my lap as we were watching TV and from that point on, it was her very favorite place to be.

Besides cuddling, her other favorite things were stalking and pointing at robins, and surveying “The Shire” from her stoop on the lanai. She LOVED walking in “The Shire” and had her specific route that she wanted to walk every day; up the road, across and into Upper Twin Springs, around the pines, up to the trail, back down the drive next to the ponds, and then follow the trail next to the stream to go home. She would always stare intently at the water, I think she was just hypnotized by the sparkle. When she got home, she would run for the backyard and sit on her stoop, surveying her little kingdom and looking for robins. Once when she was pointing at a robin in the yard, some people were walking by and stopped to watch her. She held her point for at least 5 minutes and I could hear them first asking each other if she was a statue, then taking pictures of her. She didn’t move until I called her back to me.

We only had Molly for 6 years. We were told she was about 4 years old when we got her but her soul was much, much older than that. She passed away in 2018 of lymphoma.

It’s just the little things that you miss when they’re gone, you know? I still can’t get used to opening the door and not having that smiling bright little face and wagging tail greeting me. As soon as you would say the word “walk” she would get so crazy excited and jump in complete circles. Just a few weeks ago, I was driving by the Good Dog Center and remembered an experience there with Molly. We were in the obedience class and Scott was going to test her. He was timing how long she would sit and stay with her eyes on the treat. She sat for so long that he actually was the one who gave up! It was so funny. I miss her every day.

Human: Jill Dunham, Ham Lake, MN, USA

This is Ringo Baby aka Ringo Star of Hope!  He is my little miracle boy who has inspired people around the world.  

Ringo was born with a cleft palate and fought every day those first few weeks to survive.  My vet recommended euthanasia, telling me to consider what his quality of life would be. My heart told me to fight.  Ringo told me he wanted to fight.  

Together, with love, commitment and perseverance we have overcome adversity.  He is a survivor!  I hand fed him every two hours around the clock for several weeks, gradually lengthening the time between feedings.  I shared his story on an ESS page and he won the hearts of people around the world.

People would look for daily updates and I received so many messages about how his story, a story of love and perseverance helped them have hope in humanity again, when the world around them was dark.  We appropriately named him Ringo Star of Hope.  While Ringo is still a special needs boy, he doesn’t know he is different.  He enjoys his life to the absolute fullest.  He knows no stranger and spreads joy everywhere he goes.

See more about Ringo and his story at:

Raising Ringo Part 1

Raising Ringo Part 2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Humans: Brent, Tova, Greyden and Wyle Steinhofer, Decorah, Iowa, U.S.A

Luca-D (Love U Clyde, Ady and Deeter) came to our home May 2014. As anyone who has rescued a dog before would tell you, this was when we were rescued. Prior to our getting Luca, Tovah and I experienced a good deal of loss. Over the span of a year and a half we lost three dogs Clyde, Deeter and then Ady.

Although we were handed some pretty significant blows we were very pleasantly distracted with the birth of our first child. As time passed and even with little Greyden filling our lives with love and laughter,  we still missed the companionship of a dog in our home. When little Grey was six months we decided to contact the rescue. They had just received two puppies along with Mom and Dad from a rescue organization based in Cincinnati.

Mom, Dad and pups were removed from the home due to the deplorable conditions. The ASPCA was called to the home due to the living conditions as well as the health conditions of the dogs. Mom was still bleeding out at eight weeks and the owners chose not to do anything. We’re not sure if this was a result of ignorance, laziness, financial trouble or all of the above. The puppies had nothing to eat since mom wasn’t lactating (due to her poor condition) and they found no food in the home so it is assumed that they had been living off feces. Mom was in such bad shape she needed an emergency hysterectomy at just 18 months of age.

In fact, the home was so awful that the children were actually removed from the home as well.  

I shudder to think of what might have become of Luca had she not been taken out of there. I have never known a more affectionate dog in my life. She only wants love and attention and is truly a “Velcro dog”. When we go for walks, if passersby ignore her she whimpers in disappointment.  I can only imagine what this amazing dog would have become had she continued down this road of neglect. We are so lucky to have her in our lives and the boys just adore her.

Luca-D has been a wonderful addition to our family and her and Greyden’s bond continues to grow to this day. Our two little four year olds share a bond every boy and his dog should and our other son, Wyle,  is is always right there pulling at their coattails.