Lucy On Home Trial

At an adoption event two weeks ago, we met a couple that was looking for a "playmate" for their high-energy dog, Humphrey. He is an English Bulldog / Boxer mix, and an absolute tank. His temperament is some exponential form of gregarious. He pestered his people so much for attention and play, they figured Humphrey probably needed a sibling.

Humphrey is choosy about who he likes, so we met after a training class for a quick sniff-test. Neither seemed threatened by the other, so we made plans for a longer meet up.  

Their first official date was a walk in the neighborhood. They were happy to see each other again, and they walked together fairly well. Lucy thought he was a nice guy, and Humphrey clearly enjoyed having the company.  We also played on the front lawn to allow them some roll-around time in a controlled environment.
  

The second date was a walk, and a venture into the back yard, i.e. Humphrey's turf. Here they were allowed to play off leash, and it was like WWF. Humphrey has an insatiable appetite for play, and is a strong dude, so I was worried Lucy would be overwhelmed.  But she held her own, and them some.
  

We toured the house all together before leaving, and Humphrey did not show any signs of territorialism at all.   I thought he might be smitten.

By the third date they were so familiar and happy to see each other, they went straight to the backyard to play. They absolutely wear each other out. They collapsed in the grass from exhaustion, and Lucy picked up one of  Humphrey's (many) bones to chew on while resting. Humphrey didn't quite know what to make of it, and ultimately decided she could have it. He is either the consummate gentleman, or he gets the sense she is not a woman to be messed with.

Today I took Lucy for her first day of Home Trial. We rightly did our due diligence to see if they are safe and happy playmates, and now we take 1-2 weeks in order to see if they are equally compatible roommates.   Humphrey's parents will also evaluate whether they can handle life with TWO big dogs in the house!  Humphrey's mom and I laid on the floor with them and rubbed their bellies, to show them they could also enjoy quiet time together. They each extended a paw so they could touch pawpads while laying down. It was a very good sign. Of course neither of us had a camera handy.

Sorting out the pecking order? *

FINALLY the batteries ran out.  *

I know that Lucy is in a loving home right now, and that Humphrey is an enthusiast host. But I still need to eat a pint of Rocky Road and cry my eyes out right now. Missing her already.

*thanks for the pics, Deanna.

To see Lucy's BIO, click here
To see VIDEOS of Lucy, click here