Adoption Area: East Tennessee
Lucy needs:
- Family committed to keeping the weight off
- No people food whatsoever
- Short daily exercise/walks to help keep the weight off
- Children over 12
Hi, I’m Lucy! I am a Rat Terrier/Chihuahua mix. I was born on November 29, 2016, which makes me a seasoned, sophisticated lady who knows exactly what she wants in life. And what I want? A cozy sofa, a loving lap, and someone who will love me enough to say no to the puppy dog eyes I will absolutely give you at dinnertime.
Let me tell you my story.
When I came into rescue, I was not doing well. I was morbidly obese — tipping the scales in a way that made it hard for me to even walk around. Can you imagine? A girl who loves exploring her backyard, barely able to move! But my rescue family believed in me, and together we did something incredible. I went from 20.3 pounds all the way down to 15.3 pounds! That is FIVE whole pounds in 11 weeks, and I am beyond proud of myself. I strut now. Okay, I strut carefully, because of my knees — but I strut.
Speaking of my knees — I have luxating patellas in both of them. My left knee is a Grade 3 and my right is a Grade 4, which is exactly why keeping my weight off is not just about looking fabulous (though I do). It is a medical necessity. Every extra ounce puts pressure on those little knees, and I need them to keep carrying me to the backyard, to the sofa, and to my toy basket. This means my new family must be fully committed to maintaining my diet. No people food. Ever. Not even a little bite. I will look at your plate like it is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen — that is just my talent — but a good family will love me enough to hold firm. I also do better on carpet or carpet runners because it gives me better traction. My back legs tend to slip out from under me on wood and tile floors, the knees again.
Now, let me tell you about daily life with me, because honestly, I am a pretty easy roommate.
At night, I sleep quietly in my indoor expen. No fussing, no drama, no midnight concerts — just Lucy, snoozing peacefully like the angel I am, although I’m pretty sure I would love sleeping in the bed with you too. During the day, if you need to head out, you can trust me loose in the house. I have shown I can handle that responsibility like a total grown-up.
I am potty trained — as long as it is not raining. Listen, I’m a small dog and we just aren’t fans of the rain. My foster people make sure I go outside to potty in the rain, no matter how much I dislike it. I have gotten much better about “accidents” in the house when it’s raining, thanks to their persistence. I have also learned to use the doggy door to a safe enclosed space.
I love my toys and enjoy a good play session. I also get along great with other dogs, though I am more of a dignified observer than an active participant in dog wrestling matches — I prefer to let the youngsters handle that. Cats? No problem. I am very cosmopolitan. I haven’t been around too many children but would probably be ok with respectful older kids.
My absolute favorite things in the whole world are exploring the backyard at my own pace and curling up right next to you on the sofa. That is my happy place. Just note — I will need a little set of carpeted or foam stairs to get on and off the sofa safely, because of those knees. Set them up for me and I will be your couch companion for life.
I do enjoy walks! Short ones, because again — knees — but I am a lovely leash walker and I soak up every sniff and every sight along the way.
If you are looking for a gentle, loving, low-drama companion who has already done the hard work of her weight loss journey and just needs a family to help her stay on track, I might be exactly your girl.
My adoption fee is just $100, and I come spayed, with a fresh dental cleaning, and fully up to date on my vaccines and flea and heartworm preventives. I am ready to go! 🐾
