According to The Zebra's website, "Every year, 6.5 million dogs, cats, and other former pets are abandoned or lost and enter shelters. But of all these animals, only 3.2 million are adopted and many see shelters again after less than a year of finding a new home." The number of euthanized pets is staggering and saddening, too. Lucy Lu is one of many dogs abandoned at a shelter. Readers never learn why the American pit bull and Staffordshire terrier mix was left tied to the shelter's doorknob. We do get a glimpse into the mind of the sweet puppy. Lucy Lu was confused, wondering why her Mama drove off without her. She pleaded for her Mama to please come back. Lucy Lu's cries made me cry. My heart broke for her.
Beth, the human who operates the shelter, wonders what kind of person would abandon a dog, especially one that can't be more than four months old. I wondered as well. Beth brought Lucy Lu inside, fed her, and gave her a warm place to sleep. There, Lucy met another shelter dog named Sally, a border terrier mix. Beth explains to the veteran canine guest that Lucy Lu might not be adopted immediately. Unfortunately, it's common for black mixed-breed dogs to get "overlooked." Therefore, Lucy Lu needs all the love and kindness they can offer.
Sally was all too familiar with being overlooked by prospective adopters. Over the years, she taught Lucy Lu to be a "good girl." She taught Lucy Lu the importance of good manners, such as not jumping on people or getting into the garbage. As Lucy Lu watched pups getting adopted over her, she questioned what was wrong with her. Why didn't anyone want her? Children in foster care often wonder the same thing. They believe there's something about themselves that makes them unwanted and unlovable. Again, just thinking anyone (with or without fur) thinks this is heartbreaking.
Sally and Lucy Lu did get their forever homes, but not every shelter animal is so lucky. If you are ready for the huge responsibility of owning a pet, I recommend you visit your local shelter today. Let's give our animals what they want—a forever home!
Lucy Lu's story touched my heart, and I know it'll touch yours too. I agree with the author's recommended reading age: ages 4 to 9.
