Linus and Lucy

Lucy were two very special puppies. They were born in Kansas on March 18, 2006. Their parents, Easy (1st
photo on left), and Precious (leading the puppies in the second photo) were living on chains and being
neglected. Animal control confiscated Easy, Precious and their 4 puppies. The family was taken to a local vet's
office. Unfortunately, the vet's office did a very stupid thing. They vaccinated Precious when the puppies were
just 7 days old. It is never wise to vaccinate either a pregnant dog or one nursing puppies, especially when the
puppies are 10 days old or less. Their cerebellum is still developing, and exposure through the milk to the
Distemper Vaccine can cause severe neurological problems.
We were asked to take this "Beagle Family" ( When I agreed to take this family on, I didn't know that Precious
had been vaccinated when the puppies were so young, so had no clue about the nightmare to come.)
. Precious was heartworm positive, and the puppies were only 3 weeks old at the time.
Linus (far right photo) was already showing signs of difficulty walking. He was just "off" and very
uncoordinated. Lucy, the only female (white puppy in 2nd and 3rd photos), appeared basically normal at first,
but stopped running when she was 5 weeks old.

Unfortunately (and understandably), Linus and Lucy were returned in mid-December. They need a home without
carpet, and no stairs to negotiate. They were becoming increasingly immobile, and preferred to drag their hind end
rather than walk. With physical therapy, Linus is now getting much stronger, and motors up the ramp purchased for
he and Lucy. Lucy is improving, but really needs a wheelchair to get around. Both have such enthusiasm for life ,
that I cannot think of ending their lives prematurely. As long as they can function and do not develop pressure sores,
it seems only fair to give them a chance. However, for every dog that stays here for a long time, many other dogs
lose their lives. Because The Poodle Preserve takes special-needs dogs, we are usually the only chance for these
dogs. There is always a waiting list to get in, and I cannot take all the dogs that need help.

Tragically, Lucy's heart gave out soon after returning to The Last Resort. Linus lived for another 15 months, and
inspired all who met him with his courage and determination.

Linus & Lucy:
A Sad Ending

Here are Lucy and Linus at just over 3 months old. They were becoming more uncoordinated, and would sit in an odd
position (1st photo on left). Because of their neurological issues, my vet recommended not having them spayed and
neutered, because he did not think they would live very long. I had them altered anyway, and in spite of their problems,
and unknown future, a wonderful family adopted both a week after this photo was taken.
Their brothers, Charlie Brown (who showed some neurological symptoms at 4 months but thankfully has not
worsened), and Snoopy (who is normal), had already been adopted.