Lucy GETS HER WISH AND HIS FINALLY HOME!
Update # 16A SEE page 26 for pics, scroll down and well wishes from her brothers.
Update #16, Lucy will be celebrating her unbirthday on October 18th, 2008 with her family, which they first met one year ago today. I (Debbie) will make sure we post pictures of the celebration. Along with the invitations that were extended out to the vet which saved Lucy's life and the other care takers. Mommy Michelle will be putting together her paw page in the next couple of weeks on ASPCA. This discussion will than close and we can all watch Lucy enjoy her life on her own ASPCA paw page.
Thought for Today, October 12, 2008. If you have someone who is struggling with hard times in life and you want to let them know they are not alone. Have them read Lucy's story of Heartache, Fight for Life, A community of people who came together to help, her Recovery, Heartache of losing a loved one from Cancer, Depression to Fighting Depression through exercise, Love from families from the past to October 18th, 2008 A Celebration of Life, Love and her UnBirthday. The moral of the story is (as my mom says always), "Things always have a way of working themselves out." I say, "Life throws us punches some we dodge some we feel. But, when you have family and/or loved ones who stay by you as your wounds heal, you become a survivor and no one or thing can take that away from you! Because when you lose some Battles in the end you win the WAR!" That's why DOG spelled backwards is GOD love is always unconditional.
Hugs,
Debbie

Caution not recommended reading for under 18 unless parent approved.
Dear my ASPCA family,
Please forgive me. I do fostering and have had many breeds of dogs in the past. I am asking for you to forgive me, because I don't know who or whom I could trust with the life of this dog named Lucy. I believe I am failing as a foster parent. There's always one animal that you will never forget, one animal that touches your heart, one animal that fought the good fight thru the bad times, one who was blessed with a new life and than sadly everything changed yet again, and again. In this life time it's Lucy for me.
Lucy, a German Shepherd mix about 4 yrs old, was tied up at an animal hospital for the workers to see in 2007. She was obtained by an animal control officer, who will call - sully. Sully, transported her to the animal control where no name (lucy) who later would give birth to Eleven babies in August of 2007, while at the noisy shelter. She was able to nurse them for three 1/2 weeks before they were placed in a forever home. Prior to this her neck was swollen from a problem with salivary glands and was headed for surgery. The shelter was full and no name (lucy) went into a rescue for foster care. Unfortunately, she didn't receive proper post-surgical care. Yet again, Sully, animal control checked on no name (Lucy) at random. One of those times no name (Lucy) was rescued again from officer Sully. Sully, immediately took no name (Lucy) to the animal hospital. The animal hospital did what ever they could to save this dog from death. Because death was knocking very hard! Hours of time and care to keep her alive would be a success. She would stay at the hospital for awhile.
The vet, had a close friend who would be come no-names foster mom. No name would receive the name Lucy from her new foster family. The new foster mom (who have animals of their own) and dad (police detective) took extremely well care of Lucy. I helped only a little, with the lending of a kennel large enough for her to move comfortably in. She was hurting herself being able to walk around and it looked like a murder scene in the house. The foster parents trying to keep her calm and wipe off the Blood everywhere she went. She was so scarred and in pain. So my donation of the kennel and blanket helped a little. But the big help came from the current foster family. Days of wiping the draining fluids, cuddling, comforting, and tremendous amount of Love. After weeks had past, Lucy, recognized her name. She Loved going for walks, playing fetch, getting a nice bath and her hair blowed dry. She just loves sleeping with her stuff animals! OMG! She a crazy woman when it comes to stuffed animals! She loves to hang out watch t.v., sleep by your feet when your reading emails and can use a doggie door.
In December after all this, she found her mom, which I was involved in trying to find her a home. Susan would be her new mom, they were perfect together, long walks, car rides, playing catch, being known through out the neighborhood. We would get updates on her frequently. We were all listening as Lucy made her way into a normal life.
One of Suzannes emails, " I feel so sheepish because I've been meaning to send you an update for awhile now, but havent done so (Only two weeks have passed). In my defense, I haven't been feeling well lately. Anyway, sorry for the delay."
Suzanne goes onto to say how Lucy knows its her home, her protective bark - being rather impressive. How sweet and gentle she is with everyone. This was postmarked on January 18, 2008. The last response would be late February of 2008. After a few weeks, contacting was trying to be made by her foster parents. March came and went as did April. Than a phone call came in May...Suzanne had passed away from cancer. Just two days later the husband wanted to take Lucy to the pound. Everyone knew Lucy and a neighbor stepped up and contacted us and to inform us what this man was going to do. That Donkey!!!! Yes, we did get her back after a battle. With none of her belongings from Suzanne her mom, he just didn't care!
Lucy suffered from depression, she has a clean bill of health. So, we walk Lucy and her previous foster mom and I take care of Lucy. Her depression is gone after a few weeks. She's slightly overweight - we have no idea what this man fed her while Suzanne was in hospice. Her complete dental work that gave her movie star teeth is not as white. Her energy is picking up day by day. Walking a dog gets rid of depression.
Now, for the failing part... I don't know who or whom I could trust for Lucy. I'm afraid that I might find her a home that won't keep in touch. Or treat her badly. I don't even know - I'm just so angry for her! How could this happen to a wonderful dog who gets along so well (just don't meow - cuz she tends to stare at cats that make me nervous, he-he) have so many things happen to her young life. You walk her on a leash she's perfect! With kids, perfect! With other dogs, perfect! If she growls, you just say L U C Y.,and she wags and stops. I mean come on out of all the things and hell shes been through she's a perfect human being in the body of a dog.
So, I am humbling asking. Can someone please recommend a home - a forever home in Arizona. Someone who will love her and just finally, finally in her life, finally after six months goes by, think to herself... I'm home, I'm really home. This is my family, my home.
I will take any lashings I deserve for being so concerned with her in finding the perfect home. I will also take any insight into a family that would be her forever home. She's never celebrated her birthday, I know that sounds silly. But, my dogs do.
I would never put a foster on a posting like this, but you're my ASPCA Family and this is a very special situation. I needed real help and guidence. So, please don't put too much shame on me.
Hugs,
Foster Dog Mom, Debbie
UPdate 1: ran into Officer Sully, Lucy's angel in disguise. She was alarmed and sadden to find Lucy loss of the death of her adoptive mom. She was glad to hear that we have her in safe custody.
Sully, said, "I remember I would take out the dogs that were the lonely ones and didn't seem to get a lot of attention. Lucy's neck was swollen and I just thought she was the cutest. I would play with her ball and let them run around on my off time. But, I do remember one incident...there was a feral cat that managed to get inside the kennel cage and well...Lucy took to it like a mouse! So, I definetly wouldn't say she is a cat lover. I think she feels that cat our mice and she just chases and chases them." Sully, wasn't aware of the aspca family site and I will be linking her as soon as I get her email. She thinks the same way we do. That Lucy has gone through so much, gosh the next home has to be the safe and forever one. June 03, 2008.
Update #2, Lucy spending the weekend with foster mommy Michelle. She is interacting with two other dogs, and is doing well- of course. Lucy really enjoys car rides and likes to check her traveling bag for babies and an occasional rawhide. June 07, 2008
Update #3, We are in the beginning stages of two potential permanent families who are interested in Lucy. Lets keep our paws crossed. They're both appear to be wonderful! Will keep you updated. June 16, 2008
Update #4, latest pictures of Lucy are posted in the reply to this, should be one of the last pages. June 18, 2008
Update #5, At this time we have reviewed opportunities on the East Coast and found the gas prices and travel would be outrageous at this time. We are close to California, but again the gas is too high. The vet does not recommend for Lucy to fly in Hot Weather. Therefore our search is continuing on locally. Please accept our sincere apologies and please don't give up. June 19, 2008
Update #6 July 02, 2008, Lucy receives a package all the way from the EAST COAST from Edda in New York! Scroll to last page to see!
Update #7Great pictures of Lucy opening her present from an ASPCA family member all the way on the opposite coast! Thanks Edda!!! Scroll to the last page to view them.
Update #8 Potential ASPCA familly wanting to adopt Lucy!!
http://aspcacommunity.ning.com/profile/TamieCruse
and give us some feedback. So, what I am asking is to take your sniffers and paw through her page and provide things you notice about Tamie and her family.
Update # 9, Our potential adoptee ASPCA family member is unable to adopt Lucy at this time. For good reason, her husband is still going for treatment of Chemo. Why Tamie decision was tough, we respect and honor her decision. In addition, we pray for her husband to continue fighting and kick this cancer.
Update # 10, Lucy receives a package from New York with a blanket. This beautiful blanket has her name sewn into it for her. She also received toys. Pictures of Lucy are posted. Please click to the last page(s). Thanks Auntie Edda
Update # 11, Lucy had a vet check today and is doing well. She lost three lbs! We're very happy about it. Mommy Michelle & Hubby has had her for a week. She was a scootin' on her behind and we had to get that taken care of at the vet. Vet, says all is well. Lucy received a package from New York, again! Toys and coupons, thanks to our Adopted Auntie Edda and family. September 06, 2008
Update #12
HUGE...JUST HUGE...POSSIBILITY OF LUCY'S FOREVER HOME IS AT THE TIPS OF HER PAWS! September 17, 2008 see approximate page 24, look for words starting with the above statement, HUGE...
Update #14, Lucy is doing well in her trial period at Mommy Michelle's and Daddy Scotts. See Lucy in her home giving kisses to my son Hunter. Approximate page 25. I uploaded a few more of Lucy and Lucky will do more as soon as I can tomorrow. September 23, 2008.
Update #15, I have uploaded the pictures from our visit with Lucy. September 24, 2008.
Lucy is NO LONGER in foster care and is finally permanently home!