Lucy’s Story, by Sue Warhaftig and Dave Lundgren
- Feb 6
- 3 min read
Just before Lucy came into our lives, we had lost our two beloved senior dogs at 13 years old ─ Betty in April 2025, and Winston in November that same year. As all dog owners know, that was very hard, and we weren’t really sure when we would be ready to adopt again.
Then December rolled around and maybe it was the holiday spirit or the fact that the house started to feel a little too empty. We decided to start checking local shelters near our home in Marin, just to see who was available. Not finding what we were looking for, we then moved down the Peninsula, waiting for that light bulb moment when we could say, “That’s my dog!”
Love at First Sight
Lucy’s picture was posted by Pets in Need in Palo Alto, and we knew right away “she was the one.” We called them immediately and they told us she had just been pulled out of a shelter where she had been on the euthanasia list. In fact, she hadn’t even been checked in yet. We told them we were on the way and headed down the freeway to see her.
The Transformation Begins
When we arrived, we realized that she didn’t look at all like her photograph. She had been very matted when she arrived at the shelter so had to be shaved down to her skin. She was shy and hesitant when she first met us, skinny and hairless, very aloof for about 30 seconds.
Then something clicked and she jumped into our laps as if to say, “OK, I’m ready to go home, let’s do it.” We looked at each other and both immediately knew she was the one. Honestly, who could resist that face and those soulful eyes staring back at you?
Homeward Bound
It was December 9, 2025 when we signed the official adoption papers. We walked outside together, opened the car door, and Lucy hopped right in. We harnessed her in the back seat, and she sat calmly for the whole two hours it took to drive back home to Mill Valley. As it turned out, she’s a very relaxed kind of dog.
The next week, we had two sons with their four dogs home for a fun but crazy Christmas with 40 people in and out of the house the whole time. Lucy greeted everybody when they arrived and said goodbye when they left.
She walks really well on her leash and is just a sweet and sensitive soul. We have noted that she’s not crazy about being left alone, perhaps suffering from a little separation anxiety, but she’s getting better about that as she gets more comfortable and secure in her new home. She loves us both but is madly in love with Dave, who the family refers to as “the dog whisperer.”
A Perfect Fit
We’ve had dogs from breeders. We’ve had dogs from humane societies and rescue organizations. And we have to say that Lucy is an exceptional dog.
We’ve had her DNA tested and she’s a sheep-a-doodle, which is a combination of Old English Sheep Dog and standard poodle.
"Being Lucy’s family makes us feel like we’ve won the lottery. She’s just a gift and we feel extremely fortunate to have her in our lives!"
To learn more about Pets In Need and see their mission in action, visit PetsInNeed.org or follow them on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/petsinneed1965/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/petsinneed1965/
You’re also welcome to visit the Pets in Need shelters in person at 871 5th Avenue in Redwood City or 3281 E. Bayshore Road in Palo Alto.
Come meet their adoptable pets and give a loving animal a place to call home.
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