Recalling the day that I adopted Lucy.
I went to the local humane society to play with puppies. I did not know then that I would take one home with me.
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My Interest in a Puppy Listing
I searched online for dogs out of curiosity. I was unsure if adding another dog to my family was the right thing to do, although my Dad and friends were certain that it would eventually benefit me and my small dog, Rascal.
There was a three-month-old unnamed puppy I kept my eye on. She was a two-month-old German Shepard mix transferred to a local humane society with her brother. I adored her photograph.
Before I adopted my small dog, Rascal, I wanted a female dog. I read online that female dogs were better at socializing with other dogs, easier to train, and more nurturing. I thought a female dog would quickly adapt to my household and build a relationship faster with my first dog, Shadow. Fortunately, Shadow and Rascal hit it off instantly!
Before I adopted Shadow, I wanted a German Shepard. My Mom told me stories of two German Shepard dogs she trained to help carry goods and supplies when she was a young adult living in Philippines. I was fascinated with the breed, their intelligence level, and their loyalty. Fortunately, Shadow turned out to be the best first dog I needed!
Shadow's first dog friend was a German Shepard named Rusty. When Rusty was left home alone, he would often break out of his apartment and pay us a visit. He would scratch at my apartment door and whine until I let him in. The two dogs were best friends until Rusty's family moved.
Shadow went on to befriend many dogs including a black lab mix named Lucy. My then very young nieces and nephew were convinced Lucy was Shadow's girlfriend. They would ask me to show them photos and tell stories about Shadow and Lucy's "happily ever after" relationship. Shadow and Lucy were best friends for years until we moved to another city.
One night, I pulled up the humane society's website to see that the puppy's listing was updated to include a name: Lucy.
I wanted to meet her to prove to myself that Rascal was the only dog for me. I wanted to give her the opportunity to prove to me that I did not need, nor was I worthy, of having another dog in my life.
Initial Meeting
On 16 February 2023, I drove to my local humane society to meet Lucy. I was certain I would not adopt any puppy, especially since I was not prepared to take one home. At the very least, I would get to play with a puppy to brighten my day a little.
I walked to the back of the building where several puppies were, including Lucy and her brother. For some stupid reason, I was too nervous to meet her. Instead, I met with another puppy.
I was taken to a small meeting area with a black lab puppy. I sat on the floor initially but felt the need to stand for the remainder of our meeting.
The puppy was an overexcited puppy with lots of energy. He untied and chewed my shoelaces, pulled at my hair, swatted at my face, jumped on my back, and tried to steal my phone.
Shadow was an energetic puppy when I adopted him over sixteen years ago, but neither him nor Rascal were that rambunctious. If Shadow was, then I forgot since it was so long ago.
When the puppy was not attacking me and my phone, he was trying to escape. He cried to be let out whenever someone passed by. I did not feel a connection with him. I also did not feel willing to devote the training required to having him behave in a way I found acceptable.
I was certain I would walk away without a puppy. Fifteen minutes with that puppy assured me that I was not ready, capable, or willing to care for a puppy.
I went ahead and met Lucy since she was the reason that I made the trip there in the first place. The employee informed me that Lucy was timid, scared of people, and low energy. If I were looking for a high-energy dog, she was not it.
When we went to the small meeting area, I sat on the floor and Lucy climbed onto my lap immediately. The employee looked stunned. She left briefly to obtain Lucy's paperwork to let others know that Lucy was not adoptable until I decided.
Lucy remained on my lap until the employee returned. When she saw the employee, she ran under a red chair to hide. I called her name and reached my hand out towards her. Lucy came and sat next to me.
The employee looked stunned once again. She informed me that Lucy was named the previous day and had never heard it said since. We chatted while I petted a very calm puppy. She said Lucy and her brother had arrived at the humane society a few days prior and were untrained.
Lucy appeared attentive to me. She focused her gaze on my face and held eye contact when I looked at her. I figured I would try to teach her to sit. I pointed my index finger up in the air, told her to "sit," and used my other hand to gently put her in a sit position. I then said, "Sit. Good girl, sit."
After I got Lucy to stand up, I commanded her to sit with my visual cue, but this time I did not use my free hand to put her in a sit position. Lucy sat on her own anyway.
The employee left us to get acquainted. At this point, I was still convinced I was leaving without a puppy. I was just happy to be with a puppy that did not get on my nerves. I enjoyed her company, and Lucy enjoyed mine.
A lady who walked into the building asked if I was meeting with Lucy. After I confirmed it was Lucy, the lady informed me that she was there to adopt Lucy after seeing the listing online.
I was shocked. Personally, I cannot see myself adopting a puppy without meeting them first to see if we were compatible. Obviously, the lady did not want to risk missing out on the opportunity to adopt the adorable puppy.
I then learned that there were two other people there to adopt Lucy. They were waiting patiently for me to walk away and grab Lucy's paperwork. Adoptions at my local humane society were first come, first serve. No holds.
The employee returned and graciously chatted with me about the adoption process. I mentioned that I was uncomfortable adopting a puppy before my other dog had a chance to meet it. At least Rascal is used to large breed dogs, sometimes preferring to meet gentle giants over dogs his size or smaller.
I was reminded that adoptions were first come, first serve. I could leave and return with Rascal to let him meet Lucy, but Lucy would likely be adopted before I returned.
I felt pressured to decide fast.
I called my Dad for advice. I described Lucy and our meeting. I also explained that there were three other people waiting to adopt her if I walked away. He said it sounded like Lucy already imprinted on me, so I should go ahead and adopt her.
So, I adopted her.
The First Night Home
When I arrived home with Lucy, Rascal looked at her and started crying. He wanted nothing to do with Lucy. I immediately regretted my actions.
Dad was happy to meet Lucy. I believe he was taken back by Lucy's adorableness. We all headed to a local pet store to buy the essentials she needed.
Lucy was only interested in me that day. She followed me everywhere and cried when she could not see me. She reminded me of Shadow when I first adopted him.
Rascal avoided Lucy. He still came to me for attention but ignored the new puppy. While it made me sad, I was relieved that they were not attacking one another.
I spent the afternoon and evening getting Lucy used to her crate. We got a portable crate that zipped opened and closed. It did not take long for her to get used to it.
That night, I moved her crate next to my bed and put her in. Rascal and I climbed into bed and went to sleep.
She woke me up with a whine every time she needed to potty. That night (and every night for several weeks), she needed to potty every two hours.
Around 3 A.M. I was so tired that I did not zip the door closed completely. I only realized it after I woke at 7 A.M. with Lucy sound asleep while laying across my face. Fortunately, she did not have a potty accident while I slept. Rascal also had no issues with sharing me and the bed with her.
My Thoughts
Do I regret adopting Lucy? Yes and no.
I regret not including Rascal in searching for a puppy to join our family. I believe because I just showed up with a puppy unexpectedly, it took him a very long time to accept Lucy. Two months later, he still avoids her, but only when she is energized.
If Rascal showed no interest in Lucy if we had a chance to meet before I adopted her, then I would not have adopted her. Instead, I would have walked away with my boy.
Rascal and Lucy have a strained relationship. I decided to save that story for another blog post. In short, Lucy adores Rascal, but Rascal is unsure of Lucy.
Otherwise, I do not regret adopting Lucy. She gives me new challenges that I have never dealt with before. Most days are exhausting, but they provide me with learning experiences that will hopefully make me become a better dog owner.
The exhausting days only strengthen our bond.
What's Next?
There are more stories I want to share about Lucy. Her first month home was both emotionally and physically draining for me. I was not mentally or physically prepared for her.
Comment below to share your dog's adoption story!
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Thanks, and have a great day!
Simply Jelly Jam
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