While searching for a companion for her Irish Setter, Bailey, Carol came across the website for Southwest English Setter Rescue (SWESR). She scrolled through the pictures of available dogs and read their descriptions. She saw Lukie’s photo and was captivated. Well, maybe, she thought. The next day Carol was back on SWESR’s website and decided to make the call to foster Lukie. She learned he had been abandoned, wandering the streets, skin and bones, and covered in fleas. She met with SWESR’s Foster Coordinator in September 2017 and brought Lukie home. 

Lukie spent the first two days running around their large backyard and jumping in the pool. He quickly learned where the shallow end was and where the stairs to climb out of the pool were located. He had been estimated to be between 7-8 years old, so Carol determined he was 7 1/2 and gave him a January birthday. 

Lukie had not spent his earlier years inside a home. He was not potty trained, and he was startled by the television. He cowered if you raised your hand near him. He spent his early months learning house rules, learning how to navigate stairs, and accepting the Vari-Kennel for sleeping at night. He quickly became Carol’s shadow. Lukie and Bailey learned to get along. Bailey remained the Boss Man, and Lukie was just fine with that. Together they chased squirrels in the backyard and barked at passersby on the street. At his first visit to the vet, all the staff praised and petted him, which seemed to both delight and mystify him. He gained weight and his coat became soft and silky. And so the first year passed.   

The next year, Carol and her family moved to South Carolina. They arrived with the two dogs and their horse, Sonny. The long drive was a test, but Lukie came through with flying colors. One event during the trip revealed more about his past: during the drive they noticed it had been some time since the last rest stop. As the next one appeared to be over an hour away, they pulled into a gas station that had an empty field behind it. Carol walked Lukie over to the field so he could do his business and he absolutely froze. Even with her calmly speaking to him, Lukie was clearly terrified. She returned him to his crate in the car where he relaxed and was fine at the next rest stop. Carol realized Lukie thought she was going to abandon him at the field. It seemed obvious that was exactly what someone had done to him previously. Carol promised Lukie he would never have to worry about that ever again.  

Lukie and Bailey had a great time exploring their new yard and house. Sadly, Bailey was diagnosed with cancer six months after they moved in. With treatment and a heroic spirit, Bailey lived another two years. Lukie was a champ through it all and seemed to understand that Bailey needed special care. When Bailey went back to God, Lukie grieved with his family. When Lukie was 11 he began to slow down and started having arthritis pain. The next year another older SWESR dog joined the family, Kat, who was 11 years old. 

Lukie is frail now. His arthritis has worsened and he sometimes needs help getting up. His left rear leg is very stiff. His only consideration to his age is shorter walks and sleeping downstairs. Otherwise, Lukie still runs around the kitchen island, jumping as he can as he waits for his dinner to be set down for him. He’s clearly still a very happy boy. Sometimes he has accidents in the house, but his family understands and is ready for a quick clean up. Kat is very solicitous of him, which he tolerates. As long as Lukie is happy and well, they continue on.   

Carol and her family believe that caring for their dogs is the best job in the world, and the “salary” they receive is all the love the dogs can give. More than five years after rescue, Lukie’s love account is still overflowing. 

End note:  Just days after writing this story, Lukie crossed the Rainbow Bridge. The SWESR team is so thankful to Carol and her family for providing Lukie a loving home the last years of his life.   T