Lucky and Hope

What makes June 27 so special? It was the day sweet Lucky and Hope arrived!!

Lucky has a nickname – Hank the Tank…wait for it! Hope’s nickname is Mouse.

You may recall two poodles sitting in a shelter waiting for a home. They were transported by a kind volunteer from the shelter to us. They arrived and sat in their carrier quietly. We introduced them to our resident poodle (Zoey), who is going to have her 17th birthday on August 3rd. There was a lot of sniffing in the front yard and while greeting us all. We took a short walk with all three to see how they would integrate as a pack. I would say the walk was a success, if not a very organized one, as each had their own agenda. 🤣

The transport volunteer had called to let us know he was arriving and that they were going to need an immediate bath; he was not kidding!!! Poor pups were matted and still had dried poop on their back ends. I was worried if it would be too stressful to bath them but that went out fast as they needed it STAT! They actually did very well and appear to be used to being groomed.

We have a pen set up in the family room while we get acquainted and have their intake appointments. I am sleeping in the family room on the couch to ensure they are comfortable as they become familiar with their new home, be able to hear them, are not stressed, and learn their cycle of going outside for their business.

They are adapting very well. Lucky moves around with no issues and while we thought he might not be able to see, he navigates very well. Little girl is vocal and gets around fast (thus the nickname Mouse plus those eyes).

Lucky had his intake and was able to get in for emergency surgery to get 4 stones removed that were lodged in his urethra. While he was under anesthesia, he was neutered, and the remaining teeth were extracted. He is recovering like a champ! The clinic staff was very apologetic because they pretty much shaved him down to the skin, but I thanked them as he soooo needed it. We pick him up, give hugs, and he feels like a little piglet (no hair).

Little Hope was also able to get her intake, and we don’t know if she has been spayed, because she was not cooperative for an abdominal ultrasound. The clinic staff told me that they were carrying her around because she was very vocal. Hope allows me to trim her, and I take advantage as much as I can. She will have an echocardiogram to determine if her heart is healthy enough for a much-needed dental. Hope will have a spa day soon as well.

These dogs are adorable, loving, so resilient, and love to roam and be out of their pen. Zoey, our resident poodle, wondered at first what happened and “Who are these fur balls?” but she is indifferent, except when Hope takes her snuggle bed.

Lucky loves lying on a poncho liner (any military reading this ? Then you know)! He loves cuddles, sniffin the yard, laying in the grass for sun warmth (had to put on a sun suit on him- all skin ), meds for him are more challenging but we are learning. One could not tell he was a chunk under all of the hair he had! This is why we nicknamed him Hank the Tank.

Lucky and my husband have taken to each other, and he seeks him out. Needless to say, he loves to chow. Hope is a darling, very curious, and moves fast (she is 16)! She is more of a picky eater but wants to see what everybody else is eating. She takes her meds well and quickly found her favorite bed.

Both will let us know when they need to go outside, but poor Lucky leaks, so we have potty pads in their pen and of course a belly band. The leaking may subside once he is fully recovered from his surgery.

Hope will alert and have great conversations with us. She howls, grunts, sniffs, and huffs. Then is pleased with herself. Hope is a reincarnation of our heavenly poodle, Lacey, and Lucky is a reincarnation of our heavenly Old Dog Haven foster Buc-cc (pronounced Bucky). They are part of the pack and WE are the blessed ones!

Lucky and Hope is sponsored by: