A Pug Story...

Lucy is a sweet, young adult pug mix who was found wandering the streets of Homeland—skinny, hungry, and in desperate need of a safe haven. Fortunately, she was spotted by a caring neighbor and quickly brought to Falls Road Animal Hospital. With no microchip or ID, it was clear she’d been on her own for some time. After making sure she was free of fleas and ticks, Lucy settled into a temporary home with her rescuers, who are determined to find the perfect forever family for this little survivor.

Lucy is estimated to be around 2 years old. She’s a bit underweight but is otherwise healthy. Since joining her foster home, Lucy has been spayed and started basic flea/tick and deworming treatments and is enjoying a steady diet to help her regain her strength. While she’s still learning what it means to feel secure, this little girl’s resilience is truly inspiring.

Lucy’s Personality and Preferences:
Lucy is the definition of a velcro pug who thrives on human companionship and has no “stranger danger” at all. Everyone she meets is a potential new friend, and she doesn’t discriminate when it comes to laps—big or small, if it’s open, she’s there! At home, she loves cozying up on pillows or soaking up the sun on a window seat. Though she’s been through a lot, her playful, curious nature is starting to emerge as she settles in. She’s beginning to explore toys and mimic the play styles of other dogs—though sometimes a bit too enthusiastically!

When it comes to other dogs, Lucy is polite, gentle, and easygoing. She’s met a variety of canine friends, from small dogs to a large lab, and has shown nothing but friendly curiosity. She’s particularly good at reading signals and tends to mirror the energy of her playmates. She even tried to play tug with her foster sister! However, as her confidence grows, she’s starting to show minor resource guarding behaviors when it comes to toys, so she may do best in a home where playthings are shared thoughtfully or managed to avoid tension.

Food & Behavior Around Mealtime:
Lucy is a bit of a foodie and can be quite frantic around meals, likely a reflection of her time spent fending for herself. She’s on a three-meal-a-day schedule and has made great strides in learning mealtime manners, though she will still give you the biggest puppy eyes if she thinks there’s a chance of snagging a treat! Feeding her in her crate has helped her feel more secure and manage her excitement around food, and she’s picked up on the routine remarkably well—running right into her crate and sitting nicely before you even put the bowl down.

Because of her history, Lucy should be fed separately from other animals, as she’s still learning that there will always be enough for her. While she doesn’t show outright aggression, she does exhibit some protective behaviors around high-value food items, and her foster parents are working on teaching her that she’s safe and doesn’t need to worry.

Behavior on Walks and Around the Home:
This little girl loves being outside and exploring! Lucy has a good amount of energy and enjoys going on two 20-30 minute walks a day, in addition to backyard playtime to sniff around and chase the occasional squirrel. While she’s not fully leash trained, she’s a lightweight and walks nicely, with only a few moments of pulling when something catches her eye. One area to be mindful of is her fear of large trucks and moving vehicles—she’ll startle and pull back if something loud, like a UPS truck, goes by. For this reason, Lucy should always be walked with a secure harness, as she has the potential to slip out of a regular collar.

Lucy’s Daily Routine and Housetraining:
Despite her rough start, Lucy has made tremendous progress in her housetraining and daily routine! She’s reliably going outside first thing in the morning and in the evening, with quick bathroom breaks throughout the day. While she’s had a couple of minor accidents (likely from all the water she’s drinking), Lucy is quickly figuring out her new routine. At night, she happily settles into her crate with a little treat for encouragement and sleeps quietly through the night, only stirring in the morning when it’s time for a potty break and breakfast.

Lucy’s MUSTS (No exceptions):

• A secure, fenced yard or careful supervision on a leash and harness—this girl needs someone dedicated to ensuring her safety.
• A family that’s willing to work with her on leash training and provide structured walks and playtime.
• Someone who understands she’s adjusting from a tough start and will be patient as she continues to build trust and feel secure.
• A safe, cozy place to sleep at night—she’s crate-trained, but with time and patience, Lucy would love to curl up in bed with her family.

Lucy’s WANTS:

• A home with another playful dog to help her learn boundaries and provide companionship. She’d thrive with a confident, easygoing playmate!
• A lap that’s always available for cuddles and a sunny window seat where she can watch the world go by.
• A consistent feeding routine and regular potty breaks throughout the day to help her feel secure and avoid accidents.
• A family that will give her plenty of love, patience, and the gentle guidance she needs to continue blossoming into the happy, secure dog she’s destined to be.

Could Lucy be the loving, loyal companion you’ve been searching for? If you’re ready to open your heart and home to this sweet girl, apply to adopt Lucy today!