[Dailydrool] Lucy is 8 today

[Adrienne Gillespie]

Fiona is usually the subject of my posts, so today, Lucy's 8th birthday, 
I want to let people know about her.

I adopted Lucy in January 2010. It was the Saturday before President's 
Day. I had gone in to my principal to let her know I was taking off the 
day after the Monday holiday, usually a no-no, because I was getting a 
new dog. And bless her heart, my principal said, "Take Wednesday, too."

She fit in well, at first. About 3 months after I adopted her, she 
started beaching reactive on leash to other dogs. When she turned on 
Fiona, I knew I had to take drastic steps. I was heart-broken and 
worried I'd have to give her up, but the folks at Oregon Basset Hound 
Rescue gave me advice, which I followed. I took her to the vet to rule 
out a physical problem. Then, I saw a behaviorist who gave me some very 
helpful strategies I still employ. I always carry turkey jerky when we 
walk and I use Dog Appeasing Pheremones in the house.

Lucy spent her first few years locked in a bathroom, the victim a family 
enamored of a puppy, but not willing to give her the training or 
attention she needed. Neighbors felt sorry for her and convinced the 
family to let them have her. Two years later the second family divorced 
and Lucy was an asset no one wanted. At least this family knew to 
contact OBHR.

And so Lucy came to me. She is the Laurel to Fiona's Hardy. She is also 
very sensitive and trembles at times, when I leave. In fact, after our 
last round of 2 nights of parent-teacher conferences, Lucy was a wreck. 
Even when I left in the mornings after PT conferences, she would shake 
violently & try to hide in the bathroom. It took almost a month before 
she got her confidence back and was OK when I left in the morning, which 
she never used to react to.

Lucy likes to adjust blankets so they are all at her back and she 
frequently remakes my bed.Unlike Fiona, Lucy loves to play with toys. 
She gets so excited when we play fetch, which she really enjoys. This is 
one of the rare times when Lucy barks. I often joke that Lucy is silent, 
but deadly.

Join me in wishing Lucy a many happy returns of the day.

-- 
Adrienne Gillespie
http://booksandbassets.wordpress.com

Currently Reading: The Junction of Sunshine and Lucky by Holly Schindler