Lucius

Bio

Lucius was born in Kentucky. My husband and I were visiting family that lived there, and we decided to visit a flea market. I did not know that day my world would change.

He spotted me as I walked past, and he bounced me, trying to escapte the little cardboard box filled with straw he was in. I felt love at first sight. He told me that I was his mama, and we were going to be the best of friends. He was 5 months old; I was 28. It took me nearly an hour of following my husband around the flea market begging to take this dog him, because “he’ll be an awesome dog.” 

I could tell he likely had some kind of health issue; I could tell this was a backyard breeder making money on dogs at the flea market. I consider him a rescue because, as it turned out, he had sarcoptic mange, which had to be treated right away, much to the chagrin of my husband and our bank account. He also developed hypothyroidism and chronic kidney disease in his early adult life. I know I had to be the one for him–there was no one else in that backyard breeder’s world or that dusty flea market that would obsessively care for him like I have for the last 15 years. And he has repaid me in endless joy and laughter.

When he was younger, a puppy, he was so excited in the mornings. I coined the term for that his “super happy good morning!!” He was so happy to see us every morning, he had to tell us “super happy good morning Mommy and Daddy!!!” He was a very energetic puppy; like a little lightning bolt of energy. It made treating his mange a challenge. I still remember holding tiny Lucius close to my chest when I would take a warm shower with him to wash off the sulphur treatment and soothe his itchy skin. 

He was always smart and loyal and fun and happy and willing to please. He still is.

He had a tiny little job to do here with me for these years. And now he’s almost finished. I know I have given him the best life. I know I have done a good job. He has taught me so much about patience and the insignificance of the small things, the meaningless of any given moment unless it’s joyful or fun or loving or beautiful.