My First Day With Lucky

Darren’s mother, Becky, went home to Indiana on Tuesday. Apparently, she was sad to leave, but mostly, sad to leave Lucky behind in his new home, which is understandable since she rescued him from a puppy farm back home and had him for almost six months. For that, we will be grateful. Grateful because she had nursed this cute dog back to socialization and most importantly, life. Grateful because what she did, she did without any recourse or reward. Grateful because for her love for animals. How strange the house feels without her.

However, she left behind Lucky, and we're both excited. As you know, I had some difficulties with him at first, but I actually had one full day with him (Unlucky With Lucky), and I’m happy to say that we had a good day. He stayed on his couch, and I stayed on mine. It was a good start.

I needed to do some errands, and I didn’t want to leave Lucky at home alone, so I took him with me. He’s been stuck at home a lot, so I figured I’d take him out of the house. So, we had our first car ride together, and he enjoyed it. It’s a joy to see his tail wag in happiness as we drove through Everett. We reached the pet store and I had to coax him out of the truck, but he was fine once we reached inside. Again, his tail was wagging with happiness. However, I sensed he was overwhelmed once we reached the toys and treat aisle. At one point, he reached up with his hind legs and begged to be picked up, and I obliged. Poor thing was over stimulated with everything that was going on around him. After paying for my things, I immediately brought him home via the freeway, which I think he really enjoyed. Once we got home, he went to his couch and I went to mine. He passed out asleep. I think I wore him out.

The afternoon was pretty quiet, until I brought him out to the backyard. The little thing found his energy and we played fetch for a good 30 minutes. He was having a good time. Later on that evening, we took our first walk together. I tried to recall some training tricks from “The Dog Whisperer,” and most of them worked. Lucky still needs to learn how to heal; however, I got him to heal for at least one block. Not bad. And he pooped. He had a bowel movement. That’s exciting for a new owner! And what a smart dog he is. He pretty much knew his way home and knew which house was ours!

Then Darren came home from work and more energy came from him. But we had a feeling the night would be difficult for him. He kept looking out the window, or watching the door in the hopes that Becky would come home. I sense deep down he misses her. He’d seek her out in the bathroom, the second bedroom, or the backyard. In the middle of the night, he would run into the living room or the second bedroom to double check to see if she returned.

Having Lucky will be an adjustment for all of us. But I am so amazed how such a little dog can bring such happiness and joy to everyone’s life.