7/14/08

Lucas is doing great in his new foster home. He has adjusted quickly to the chaos of an active home with adults, young children, three dogs, two cats, and many visitors. He enjoys his long morning hikes with his foster mom, afternoon neighborhood walks with the dog walker, afternoon sunbathing in the yard, and play&training time in the evenings. Lucas is always excited when he arrives at the local dog park and gets along great with many different dogs of all ages and temperaments. He has started chasing tennis and soccer balls, and enjoys tug, "keep away", wresting, and a good game of chase with the resident dogs. Lucas is wonderful with the children of all ages. My 3 year old daughter loves Lucas and tucks him in with blankets, bottle, and a good book when he naps (all tolerated without any objections...we actually think he likes it!). Lucas is still working on his loose lead walk and is using a Gentle Leader Harness to help. He has mastered the commands of "sit", "down", "wait", and "stay" . We are still working on his "selective" hearing when we say "come" and "leave it". Lucas now jumps into the car without any apprehension. He has traveled for over 2 hours in the car without signs of nausea or vomiting. Lucas is still having difficulty overcoming his fear of interior stair climbing. He has made it to one landing, but retreats to the first floor quickly. We will continue to help him deal with this issue. Lucas does well with dog savvy cats. Lucas is a joy to have in my home and will be missed greatly by his human and canine friends. He's sweet, funny, and beautiful and will make a wonderful addition to any active loving family.

7/5/08

Lucas strayed onto a farm in rural Indiana on Mother's Day, 2008. They family tried to find an owner, but after a week their were no results. Although they had grown very fond of him, they were smart enough to know that a BC was not for them or their way of life.

They contacted an MBCR volunteer, who went to meet and evaluate him. He was still quite shy about people, and very unsure about everything that was happening to him…very friendly, but if he didn't understand what was wanted, he's just stop and flop…for a tummy rub. Lots of puppy, but never rowdy…wanted to play with the older dog at the farm, who is recovering from ACL surgery. He was in and out of the house. He preferred to be with the family and/or dogs, but was crated happily in the barn at night. The teenage daughter spent every day and most evenings with him. She worked him with leash training and obedience: he learned quickly and well.

On May 30th, a friend of MBCR had room for him in her small boarding kennel. He began to blossom…lots of other dogs to play with…off leash time in a large fenced area, and long exploring trail rides following a 4-wheeler over hills, through creeks and woods with four Labradors and whatever "boarders" were in residence there. A happy boy with no thought other than to be with people and other animal partners.

On June 22, Lucas went to his MBCR foster home in Indianapolis. He behaved like a perfect gentleman when greeted by a very BC, BC and another dog, but when he spied a 2-1/2 year old toddler, he ran immediately to her and wanted to be her friend. He followed her every-where while he got oriented to his new surroundings.

He is fine with other dogs regardless of their nature. He doesn't often institute play, but enjoys being part of dog wrestling and chasing. He has a very soft mouth. Doesn't much care about cats, unless they run and the other dogs decide to chase one. Chases squirrels up trees, but doubt he could catch one…low prey drive, but loves to sniff around for new smells. Not much interested in toys, but will play a little tug. Chases tennis balls, but no retrieving or interest in discs--and while there seems little to indicate potential "performance" qualities, still he is certainly lovely to watch when he is at full stride off leash and out in the open.

Lucas is crate trained, housebroken and not destructive or "chewy." He is willing and interested in learning but he is a bit "casual" about obeying commands. He is food oriented for training, and should do well with consistent, patient, quiet handling. He doesn't like long stairways, but is learning. He has gotten carsick on long trips on windy country roads, but is fine on short trips. He didn't like getting in cars at all when he first came into foster care, but is now jumping in when on leash. He rides well and quietly when he gets in. He seldom barks and then only when there is something or someone new in his world….on the other side of the fence, or in a new place…but once he can understands what/who it is he settles nicely.

Those who have spent time with him find him to be loveable and loving without being obnoxious and pushy. He is truly content to be part of an active, busy family, often just lying quietly watching until someone engages him in activity…like petting, tummy rubs, ear skritches, etc. He makes no demands, holds no grudges and is easy to be with.

Lucas is a beautiful dog, with a long wavy coat, and his white front stockings are striking to see coming toward you with that smile at a slow deliberate pace. He is just happy to be alive and with friends who care for him. His Forever Home will be blessed to have such a very nice dog who will be a wonderful family companion.

For more info about Lucas, contact Catherine.