This Picture Is Worth a MILLION Words!

. . . And She Will Live Happily Ever After . . .

Look at Lucy Now ! :-)

     There's been so much progress in dear Lucy's recovery since the last posting here!  Just compare the two photos above, and you'll see how far she's come -- thanks not only to her own amazing strength and spirit, but also to the outstanding medical care she's received, the love and attention of her doctors and technicians and OPIN volunteers (most notably Co-President Ali Girardi, who visited her virtually every day), and the spiritual and financial support of people from literally all over the world who've devotedly followed her heartwarming story.

     Currently Lucy is being fostered in the loving home of Kelli and Kerri, two sisters who cared for her throughout her recovery at VCA Veterinary Referral and Emergency Center in Norwalk, Connecticut.  These dedicated and compassionate professionals grew to love sweet Lucy as they tended to her physical and emotional needs throughout her recovery, and, just as important, Lucy grew to trust and love them too.  With the occasional visit to Ali's house to hook up with "Ali's zoo" (including four wonderful dogs who always welcome Lucy with exhuberance and camaraderie), our little champion finally is living the good life she so deserves.

     What could have been just another tragic horror story of animal abuse or neglect -- of which, sadly, there are far too many -- is turning out to have a very happy ending.  Thank you to everyone who said a prayer, shed a tear, called or wrote or emailed to express concern and support, made a contribution, or shared this story to raise others' consciousness about the proper respect for, and treatment of, all pets.  PLEASE, don't become complacent just because Lucy's story is concluding so favorably; rather, remember that there are millions of other Lucys out there, pets whose stories may or may not be as dramatic as hers, but whose needs for loving homes are just as great and just as urgent.  If you have room in your heart and your home, please consider adopting a homeless pet.

     WE ALL LOVE YOU, LUCY ! ! !

Lucy Continues to Improve!

     Yesterday, unfortunately, Lucy's tail had to be amputated.  Some people call this "docking," and they have it done to their dogs for so-called cosmetic reasons.  In Lucy's case, it was for medical reasons, as her tail had not been healing properly, and it was in danger of causing her infection and even more discomfort, which was about the last thing our long-suffering girl needed.  Lucy, in her courageous way, has responded well to the procedure, and even has been wagging her new little stub of a tail when visitors -- especially her BFF, OPIN's Ali Girardi (see photo, left) -- come to see her.

     OPIN has been swamped with offers of adoption for Lucy, and while we are grateful for the outpouring of love, nevertheless we can't even begin to consider them yet, while she still is hospitalized and recuperating.  Once Lucy is fully recovered and back to normal, then OPIN may evaluate her and consider what may be the best permanent home environment for her.  In the meantime, if you are prepared to open your home and your heart to a needy animal, won't you consider adopting one of the MANY other deserving homeless pets at your local shelter?  While their back stories may or may not be as dramatic and traumatic as Lucy's is, nevertheless each and every one of them deserves a loving home and the chance for a better life.  You will be rewarded with the same unconditional love and devotion for as long as you share your life with that animal.

     Thank you to all of you -- from all over the world! -- who have responded to this little girl's heartbreaking story with warm wishes, prayers, donations, and offers to foster and/or adopt.  If there is any power behind this spiritual outpouring, Lucy has "gotten" it, and she is improving beyond our expectations.

More Good News on Lucy!

Here is the latest update on our courageous Lucy, pictured with Isabel Morales, OPIN Co-President, on Day 9, as photographed and posted by OPIN Co-President Ali Girardi:

     Today was a page turner for Lucy!  She transitioned from intravenous medication to oral pain meds and antibiotics.  Lucy looked amazing!  She was so calm and relaxed as she sat and visited with us for a couple of hours.  Lucy has found her appetite and is very happy with her dog food.  She was extremely interested in Isabel, and after checking her out for awhile, Lucy decided to give her a kiss! ♥ We love Lucy! ♥ 

     Thank you, friends, for the kind emails, notes, generous donations and deep support!  Please help us promote pet adoption!  It's time to find forever homes for all the beautiful pets in stressful shelter situations!  This Valentine's Day, we can show them we care, and ADOPT!! 

     Thank You!!