Thursday, January 12, 2012

A New Story and Life for Lucas

Today, a dog known as 'Elmer' to his shelter friends was sprung from his unfortunate incarceration, and put into an awaiting Subaru.  Leaving the hussle and bussle of the big city of Baltimore, his next stop was an inconspicuous and out of the way meeting place, a parking lot of a McDonalds.  A bit unsure about what was happening to him, I took his face into my hands, looked into his brown eyes and told him to trust me, that I'd done this lots of times before, and he would be just fine.  He was then put into my van and unceremoniously and without notice we quietly crossed the border into Virginia--His next stop, Golden Pines.

Arriving in the quiet country side of western Loudoun County, 'Elmer' was introduced to his new housemates.  His initiation was a 'smack down' by the cat, and a nip in the face by a tough-boy Scottie named Todd.  In the end, all decided that he was okay in their book, and could stay!

As the leader of the pack, I have given 'Elmer' a new identity.  At Golden Pines, he'll be known as 'Lucas.'  We think it suits him.  He'll be taken to the vet on Monday where his tired body will be given a good once over.  He is thin, has some laryngeal paralysis, and severe periodontal disease.  The smell of infection from his broken, missing, loose and infected teeth and gums can empty a room.  Lucas is unable to eat anything other than canned food.

There are other things that I could tell you about Lucas, but they can wait.  Right now he's sleeping by the backdoor because he's reluctant to venture much past the kitchen.  When I've gone into the kitchen, he wags his tail.  He's a sweet boy.  I wonder what his story is?  I wonder what his story will be?  

66 comments:

  1. Poor fellow. I always hurt for old dogs who are displaced from the homes they knew. I wonder what must be going thru their doggy minds. They must be so confused and frightened. I'm glad that you'll be looking after him. He doesn't know it yet, but he's a lucky boy.

    ReplyDelete
  2. OMD Kim, another wonderful senior Golden, thrown out like rubbish - thank God you were there to catch him. Hope he gets comfortable real soon. Very sweet pictures. I'll bet he is a diamond in the rough.
    Lucas diamond, welcome to GP.

    Easton sends Roooooooooooos

    ReplyDelete
  3. I am so glad that Lucas has you in his life. It is a wonderful feeling to rescue a dog---everytime I look at my Geno I wonder what his story is. He has been a part of our family since last July and I can see he is happy here with us. He used to pull away when I tried to kiss him now he snuggles right close to my face and gives me lots of beagle kisses. I know Lucas will be happy with you too.
    xoxo
    Mimi

    ReplyDelete
  4. Aww, he looks so sweet. Poor guy. I hope he adjust quickly and when he visits the vet, there are not too many things wrong with him. I hope the best for you, Carl and Lucas. I like his new name.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Lucas, you lucky boy. Kim will take good care of you.

    ReplyDelete
  6. You are a special person and he will soon repay your kindness with his love. Makes me so happy to know you.

    ReplyDelete
  7. It always breaks my heart to see old gold in need. Hug him for us?

    Sam

    ReplyDelete
  8. Lucas you are a handsome gentleman, I'm sure over the next couple of days, you will have found your feet, and will fit in at Golden Pines like one who has always called it home....
    You are an amazing lady Kim, my sweet friend.
    ~Jo

    ReplyDelete
  9. Such tired eyes...I'm so glad he's with you. I'm sure with your love and care he'll heal and enjoy his new life.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I did not think anyone cared for me anymore. Who would want an old dog like me? I'd gotten used to being "thrown away". I got used to scrapping for food. I remember when I was loved- but that was when I was a baby.
    Now I feel like I am in a dream, because someone is talking to me softly, and I have something soft to lay my tired bones on, and I smell something to eat, but most of all, I feel love.
    This is not a dream. Someone reallt cares about me. I am special.
    Thank you to my new family at Golden Pines xoxo "Lucas"

    love
    tweedles

    ReplyDelete
  11. Awhhh Lucas you're in a good spot now. You're going to love it!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Dear Golden Pines
    Our hearts are so happy that Lucas is in your home right now, being loved. What a beautiful boy he is.
    And soon he will feel sooo much better- his dream came true.
    love
    tweedles

    ReplyDelete
  13. Cheers to Lucas and Kim! These old Goldies just about break my heart, but there is lots of hope in them too.

    All best wishes to you and your new pup!

    Jo, Stella and Zkhat

    ReplyDelete
  14. Yes what would Lucas's story be? I want to see the new story that evolves...just as in this post of his first day with you. Take care Lucas and rest easy in your new home...

    ReplyDelete
  15. Lucky, lucky Lucas. How confusing it must for an older dog to have such a change in his environment, but how fortunate he is that he has come home to you. If anyone can make him feel quickly at home, loved, safe and secure, it's you.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Hello Kim
    The tired eyes in the photo of Lucas were what captured my attention as well - hopfully they will become bright alert and shiny within a very short time
    New year - New beginnings - for both of you.
    Take care
    Cathy

    ReplyDelete
  17. Given the shape of his mouth, we have to conclude his prior owners either could not afford or did not care enough to provide dental care, which probably means general vet care, either. So Lucas is blessed to have been rescued and to have found his way to the most welcoming Golden refuge in the area. Welcome, Lucas. You're safe now, and you'll never be without a loving home again.

    Jed & Abby

    ReplyDelete
  18. What a sweet old boy. He is lucky to have you.

    Cindy

    ReplyDelete
  19. Welcome to Golden Pines and into all of our hearts, Lucas! You probably don't know it yet but your bad days are behind you and life will be good again. You will be safe and loved and cared for the way that you deserve.

    My heart always goes out to these poor dogs that somehow ended up in a shelter. How scary and confusing it must be for them. The sight of a dog, standing in the long, narrow pen; staring hopefully through the chain link gate just breaks my heart. It is so WRONG! Bless you and Carl, Kim for saving another deserving Golden. I hope he brings you as much joy as I know that you will bring to him!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Kim...you made me cry. God is blessing Lucas, he has come home to heaven already! Many loves and hugs to you all. :D

    ReplyDelete
  21. Lucas is in good hands now.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Welcome home, Lucas:) You look like a sweet boy, I am looking forward to getting to know more about you. You are safe now.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Give Lucas a pat from us - we know he has found a good home.

    Love
    Riley (and his human)

    ReplyDelete
  24. We're so glad he's safe and will be well cared for. If only they could talk.

    XXXOOO Daisy, Bella & Roxy

    ReplyDelete
  25. Aah,bless sweet Lucas,he has that look in his eyes that says..'I'm safe,I'm home now'. :0)

    ReplyDelete
  26. You've melted my heart again. I love how you looked into his sweet brown eyes and assured him all would be ok. He couldn't be in a better place. Whatever his backstory was, he is now a very lucky boy.

    I love the photo of your kitties paws on the fence post!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Hi Kim
    Lucas has come home - he's in safe hands now. Those brown eyes have melted my heart. He's such a lucky doggie to have you and your family take care of him.
    Woofs and extra licks,
    Nadine & golden Neeli

    ReplyDelete
  28. What a sweet boy Lucas !!...happy weekend...love from me...xxx...

    ReplyDelete
  29. Welcome, Lucas :-). That worried look on your face will be gone in no time!

    ReplyDelete
  30. Each time you introduce me to one of your new friends I get a big smile on my face. I know that whatever their story was, it's changing now!

    I don't know how you do it Kim, but I do know there must be a special place in heaven for people like you. You are an angel here on earth.

    Can't wait to hear more about Lucas.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Oh Kim, can't wait to hear/read about this new chapter at Golden Pines. Lucas is beautiful and he will blossom under your care and love. I am sure Mr. Todd will share his spunk with Lucas too!!
    Have a great weekend.

    ReplyDelete
  32. From here on out his story will be one of happiness . And improved dental hygiene !

    ReplyDelete
  33. Awwww Kim, look at his little face - he looks so happy to have a home. I bet he feels as if he's one the doggy lottery falling into your lap! So pleased he has been accepted into your brood. Sue x x

    ReplyDelete
  34. So glad Lucas has such a comfy place to rest. Hope the vet visit goes well.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Lucas is a lucky boy, what a sweet face.

    ReplyDelete
  36. What a sweet face. What a lucky dog. What a nice woman you truely are Kim.

    ReplyDelete
  37. I absolutely love that photo of Lucas with the other two looking out the door. I also love Lucas' smile- even if it does need work. What a sweet boy! He will truly find love and attention at your home, he's joining a great pack!

    ReplyDelete
  38. Kim,
    Once again you have reached inside your heart to share you goodness and love with those that need it so.
    Welcome Lucas, you have come to a wonderful place, we know you are going to like it there.

    Hamish & Sophie

    ReplyDelete
  39. What a sweet old boy. I just breaks my heart when these senior dogs end up in shelters. You would think that over the years the bond would be so stong...I just don't get it. I begin to have great doubts about the human race...then I see you scoop the unloved up and make it all better and you give me renewed hope!
    God bless you Kim!

    ReplyDelete
  40. It is such a pleasure, and I mean that, to know you Kim!
    Lucas will thrive. How could he not with all that LOVE around him.

    ReplyDelete
  41. Kim,
    I'm so excited by your new addition. He is a handsome lab and Lucas is a great name. Hope all turns out ok at the vets.
    In no time he will be feeling settled into his new home.
    What a lucky fellow to have found you and Carl!!

    ReplyDelete
  42. He's such a sweety. Love the photo of him on the porch with the other two little faces peeping and Lucas is a perfect name for him. Give him a hug for me.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Finally Lucas' life has taken a turn for the better. And how much better it will be. The rest of the 'gang' will fill him in on how fortunate he is to be with you.

    Wishing him a speedy recovery from the stresses of his former life.

    Onwards and upwards, Lucas!!

    xx

    ReplyDelete
  44. Now I'm crying again -- I don't know why since this is a very good thing. I guess it is his sweet face and wondering what he has been through. I hope that the vet won't find anything terribly serious and that Lucas will be with you for a long time to come.

    ReplyDelete
  45. Looks like this chapter though its just started looks like a happy one.. just keep him away from the cat and that bully Todd!!

    ReplyDelete
  46. Although we don't know what his life has been like we sure do know what it will be like now. Welcome to heaven on earth Lucas. You'll love it.

    ReplyDelete
  47. Lucas is a lucky boy. He can trust you, and I have no doubt that he'll be just fine. He'll find love that he might have never experienced before.

    ReplyDelete
  48. Welcome Lucas, your good days have just begun. Oh... Todd, he's a good dog.. :)

    ReplyDelete
  49. Oh beautiful boy...welcome home...you are safe and loved.
    Thank you for opening up your hearts and lives to this special guy...I can hardly wait for him to have the care he needs not only from the vet, but from loving humans.
    Will be waiting to hear how he progresses...bless his little puppy heart!

    ReplyDelete
  50. And another fortunate puppy arrives at Golden Pines. :) xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  51. mother kim teresa!
    yes. you are a saint to me.
    can you imagine the pain he must be in and simply enduring with infection of his teeth like that? we could not stand it.
    how wonderful his first bite of soft food will be when it doesn't hurt him to eat!
    and he already knows your beautiful heart and home is the place he wants to be!
    (despite little bugger todd!)
    love and bear hugs dear friend,
    tammy j

    ReplyDelete
  52. Woof! Woof! Oh KIM ... what a great name LUCAS. For sure Lucas will adjust soon with the gang. Lucas is very lucky to in your care. Happy Weekend. Lots of Golden Woofs, Sugar

    ReplyDelete
  53. I LOVE you for this!! We do this with old Yellow Labs....what a blessed old fellow!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  54. Happy Saturday Kim, Don't know how I missed this; what a touching story. He is such a sweet guy, looks like such a wise old guy-probably just needs your love and stability. How sad at his age to end up in a shelter. Kim you just amaze me, I am in awe. I'm enjoying the book and will do a post when I'm done.
    Sending tons of love your way!!!!
    Noreen & Reggie

    ReplyDelete
  55. Oh I'm just positive Lucas will live out his life in peace and love. He is so beautiful. You are a blessing.

    ReplyDelete
  56. Poor Lucas!!! Oh I wish we could care for them all!!! There was a time in my life that if I didn't have to take care of two strapping boys and a house and yard and a car and a business I would have had my share of animals too!!! I love them so!!!
    Sorry I didn't call Friday, the day got away from me!!! Like lots of days do!!
    xx, Zoie & Fern

    ReplyDelete
  57. Oh Lucas, you now have your very own guardian angel...
    Kim, there is a place in heaven waiting for you!!! (but take your time getting there, my friend!)
    xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  58. Awww... I think I'm in love! What a sweet boy!!
    I LOVE THIS POST!!

    ReplyDelete
  59. Oh my stars Kim. You always have so much going on at your house. You have a big big heart my friend.

    Big hugs to you!
    xo Catherine

    ReplyDelete
  60. Oh Kim, Lucas is adorable and one lucky or shall I say, blessed dog. We all have a story, don't we and Lucas' story will undoubtedly be a tale he will hold true to his heart.
    love the work you do Kim!

    ReplyDelete
  61. Oh Kim, Kim, Kim you are a jewel in the world's crown! Lucas has found his heaven on earth and my day is brighter this morning! I am so thankful to know you!
    Tina xo

    ReplyDelete
  62. Since I'm behind and had already read the post after this one, he's so lucky to have traveled to your home. I'm loving that last photo of him!

    ReplyDelete

Speak--I really enjoy your comments! Thanks for stopping by today!!