Lucky’s Story

In April 2013, I returned home to my post at White Sands Missile Range, NM after nine months in one of the most hostile provinces in Afghanistan.  At this point my wife, Brandy, and I had been married almost two years, but because she was working on her doctorate, we had never lived together.  While deployed, I joked with her about how I was going to get a dog when I returned home since she was at school.  She actually thought it would be a good idea to ease my anxiety after the deployment.

After doing my homework on several shelters in the area, I decided to stop by the Animal Services Center of the Mesilla Valley in Las Cruces, NM.  At first I was largely considering getting a 6 month old border collie, but when they allowed me time with her, there was no chemistry.  As I walked back through the small dog section, I noticed one of the dogs mixed in with all the other terrier sized dogs was not jumping up at the side as I walked past.  I looked closer and realized he couldn’t jump up the side of the pen because he was missing one of his back legs.

lucky 2

I had never met a three-legged dog before, so I asked for some time to meet him.  They called him Ace at the shelter and he was something of a celebrity because of his Tripawd status.  He had been with the shelter for over six months, and had had his back right leg amputated the previous December.  When I asked them why it had to be amputated, they said he had come in as a stray and that his back leg was mangled, but there was no discernible cause.  It is a mystery to us to this day.  Needless to say, there was an immediate chemistry between this 1 year old pup and I.  I was able to take him home with me that day.  After talking it over with Brandy, we decided his name should be Lucky, for obvious reasons.
Lucky 4

Lucky is an extremely active dog, but at the same time very very docile.  He is the friendliest dog I have ever met, and he’s still a celebrity whenever I take him anywhere.  I have had several friends and colleagues jokingly threaten to take him as their own.  He is one of my best friends in this world, and Brandy and I would be lost without him.  He is currently 3 years old.  While the shelter stated that he was a “Terrier Mix”, we’ve never been able to figure out exactly what kind.  We’ve deduced that there is probably some Rat Terrier in him due to his docile demeanor.  I personally think there’s a little Chihuahua, but don’t tell Brandy that, because she disagrees 😉

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lucky 3 Lucky 1

Until next time,

JD

 

4 thoughts on “Lucky’s Story”

  1. OMD, Lucky is adorable! He looks like a mini-me of our 4 legged pup Smokey B.

    Looking forward to hearing Sadie’s story!

    xoxo,
    Codie Rae and the OP

  2. Oh my DOG what a sweetie pie! Lucky indeed. And we are in love. Thanks for your service and for taking time to join us, what a team you two make!

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