by Reid Fitzsimons
We believe Lucy was born in a puppy mill and rescued by a group called Saving Saints Rescue of Flint, MI. There are vet documents from this group dated April 1, 2009 referring to her as being 1 ½ years old, which would put her being born in October, 2007. Eventually she was adopted by a family in Sydney, NY, who cared for her well, but it was a hectic household with two other larger Newfoundlands and a smaller dog; they realized Lucy wasn’t thriving and placed an ad looking for a new home. We adopted her in April 2012, and when we picked her up she didn’t hesitate to jump in our car, and the car became a “safe space” for her. Initially she was filled with anxiety, which included biting herself raw, and she was even aggressive (it would require a fair amount of puppy mill abuse and neglect to do this to one of the most loving breeds known). It took about 6 months to get her calmed down, and her life became centered around us and feeling secure.
Alfred
Come on Lucy! You can do it! Anyone else would have given up years ago. Reid and Patricia have made it possible for Lucy to enjoy a World Record Life! We should all be so lucky to have that kind of care in our golden years.
Carole Ann Milljour
So enjoyed your article and pics, Reid. Beautiful dog who is greatly loved as Alfred points out. I really think animals hate to leave those that love and care for them as much as you've both done for adorable Lucy! I had a cat and dog that were very loving to each other and when my dog had passed, the cat lied on her (my dog's bed) for four hours (which he never did unless the dog was there first), after lying in my lap for 1 hour. It was truly something to see and I think they know what's going on more than we can sometimes imagine or give them credit for. Thanks so much for sharing!
Stephanie
Wow, Lucy is a trooper. What a gentle giant she is. Wish I could meet her. Those fur babies sure have great parents caring for them.