Long time readers of this blog are already familiar with the story of how our Labrador retriever mix Luke came into our lives. Luke’s pregnant mother was rescued from a high kill shelter in Alabama just a week before she gave birth to him and his siblings. You can read the full story here: “Monday Mischief – New Sibling”.
Luke was lucky to be raised in a foster home, and he came to our family via Peace & Paws Rescue at just 8 weeks old. Because he came to us so young, with a good upraising to that point, we never expected him to have the issues that he does. The truth is, it’s not just upbringing that shapes a dog, it’s sometimes just genetics, or a combination of both. Chances are Luke’s fear and anxiety issues are likely due to some inbreeding.
Disclosure: We received items seen in the photo to help us spread the word about Remember Me Thursday, but were in no other way compensated. Wag ‘n Woof Pets only shares about products/events we feel will be of interest to our readers, and all opinions are our own.
I can’t lie; Luke’s issues and quirks have presented some big challenges for us, and he causes us a lot of worries. He has an intense fear of any strangers and that makes having anyone come to our house a lot of work, and vet visits extremely stressful.
I’ll also tell you the one thing I tell everyone who meets Luke (safely from a distance!). He has his issues and quirks, and they do present us with some difficulties, but we wouldn’t trade him for anything. He is the most loving dog in the world with us. He is also smart as a whip, and a quick and eager learner (his genes aren’t all bad!).
He’s changed our lives in many ways, and they’re not all difficult. I’ve learned so much about training and activities to keep him busy and happy. There are days I feel like I let him down, like I’m not doing enough; but I also know he forgives me and loves me despite that – it works both ways.
Another truth is that not every rescue has issues, and not every purebred pet is perfect either. We don’t know what we’re going to get when we add a family member – pet or human. It’s always a risk, but there’s also always a reason, and that reason is love.
Remember Me Thursday is just three weeks from today, when everyone is encouraged to light up social media with photos and stories of their own rescues, raising awareness for all those pets in need. There is also a contest open this whole month, so you can visit the website now and add your rescue pet photo on the #RememberTheRescue photo wall for a chance to win funds, food, and toys for your favorite shelter or rescue.
Learn more in our previous post “Remember Me Thursday is Coming!”. Also remember, rescuing is all about the love, and that is the most important thing. Let’s encourage others to add that special love to their own lives too, for this whole month and beyond, and especially on September 28th.
We are also joining the Thankful Thursday blog hop hosted by Brian’s Home, since we are so thankful we made the decision to rescue Luke! Please visit other blogs through the links below.
Luke’s story is so motivating. When my little Tiny wiggled her way into my heart, I struggled to get used to her personality. The energy and the nervousness was nothing I’d ever seen in a big dog. But she’s been the best thing to happen to my life.
They do find their way into our hearts, don’t they? ♥
Luke looks so happy with you in this photo, it just makes me smile. I’m glad he ended up in a home that loves him and will help him through his issues. I agree with you, you never know exactly what a family member will bring into your life, but you love them regardless. I sometimes wonder what my dogs would say about me and my issues, but then I realize I probably don’t want to know!
I agree, it’s probably best that dogs can’t talk. I’m sure Luke would let me know that I have just as many issues as he does. LOL
Thanks for sharing your story about Luke, he has come a long ways and you do a wonderful job with him.
Thank you so much, JoAnn. ♥
You couldn’t be more accurate about describing the rescue process. And that photo of you and your lover boy is beyond adorable! What a sweetie…quirks and all. 😍
Thank you – I thought that photo was pretty precious too. He is such a snuggler, one of my favorite things about him.
I loved stumbling on these guys at BlogPaws. I can’t imagine mine or Delilah’s lives if we’d have missed each other. I think any future four-leggers at my house will be rescue.
Thanks so much for sharing this, and your special boy.
Thank YOU. To be honest, sometimes all of Luke’s issues give me pause about rescuing again. But on the other hand, our first dog Shelby was from a shelter and she didn’t have any issues at all. And who knows – Luke may get better as he gets older, and by the time we’re looking again, we’ll have forgotten all about the tough times.
I can certainly feel the love in your photo and text. That dog Luke is loved and loves you right back! I feel the rescue love with my dog Valentino by my side.
Hugs to Valentino, I’m glad you found each other too. ♥
What makes Luke so special is all of his quirks. 🙂
So true, thank you!
I can attest to the fact that purebred does not mean trouble free. I rarely talk about our miniature Schnauzer, Grady. He was a nightmare and bit EVERYONE in the family. I’m sure he was inbred. He had more problems than a math book. We loved him but he made it difficult. He was “red-flagged” by every groomer in town. He needed Prozac before it was available to dogs!
“More problems than a math book” – hee hee, I love that, though I’m sorry Grady was so difficult for you! I think I’m grateful that Luke is a short-haired dog and grooming isn’t another thing we have to deal with (ironically, having a bath and being brushed are two of the things he puts up with quite well though!). It has to be even tougher when they even bite family members – I’m beyond grateful that Luke is always loving with us, and if we do something to him he doesn’t like, he jumps away instead of getting aggressive. I pray he always stays like that.
What a special doggie. So glad he found someone who understands what he needs❤ Pawkisses for a Safe Thursday😘❤😻
Thank you! ♥♥♥ xxoo
Luke is super lucky to live with your family. It is perfect for him.
Even though I always wanted to do more with him, maybe being a homebody is better for him anyway, since I’m content to do that too. 🙂
Luke is very special and rescue critters are the best, quirks or no quirks. We loved your post today. Thanks for joining the Thankful Thursday Blog Hop!
Thank you!!
Great post!! We were going to have our reminder post go up today but I am having big stone trouble so mine is postponed a few days. Won’t be as good as yours either!
I’m sorry you haven’t been feeling well again, Caren! And I’m sure your post will be just fine. 🙂 xxoo
Excellent post. I am glad you love Luke quirks and all. Most of my cats have quirks and we love them all, no matter what and they are here forever. Thanks for the reminder about Remember Me Thursday.
I think somehow their quirks just bring them even closer to us. ♥
I’m glad that Luke came to you… he is a a wonderful and very special pup and it is a pleasure to read about his life and his adventures…
It’s such a joy to be able to share him here on the blog, where there are no issues about his fears. ♥
Our rescue dog, Layla, has issues with strangers too, but she is so loving with us and so smart. Plus, we think she’s just the cutest dog ever, and we wouldn’t trade her. I’m glad that your Luke landed with someone who will love him despite his quirks. 🙂
Obviously your Layla landed right where she was supposed to be too! ♥