About Laurie Luck, CPDT Page

Lucky (May ?, 1994 - December 5, 2008)

A rescued problem dog, facing possible euthanasia due to behavior problems, Lucky is responsible for teaching me that patience, kindness, and dog-friendly training (clicker training to be specific) was the only way to communicate with and teach dogs.

Lucky was diagnosed with fear-aggression and required tight management his entire life. He was exceptionally friendly and loving to those he knew well. While he got along with other dogs, he didn't like strangers. And hated bicycles, skateboards, joggers, school buses, and UPS trucks!

In September 2007, at the age of 13, Lucky was diagnosed with a myriad of heart troubles, none of which could be cured. The prognosis was six to eighteen months. We feel very fortunate to have had him with us for a full fourteen months after his diagnosis. He was on several medications to help his heart and was a participant in an FDA study, as well. We knew we were on borrowed time, and tried to make every day special for him. I was by his side at home as he left this world. He's happily chasing bicycles in dog heaven, I'm sure.

Although he slowed down the last two years, he still gave the other dogs a run for their money each day, and was the patriarch of our clan. It was a responsibility he took seriously. He helped raise four service pups in training. His leadership style was benevolent, and he was often found with the newest service pup curled up next to him asleep. He will be sorely missed, both as a friend and as a puppy-raiser helper.