NEW BEGINNINGS and feces. Her personality was timid and unsure, but according to Peggy, there was something in her eyes that begged for attention and affection. Lacy was just getting settled in foster care when her circumstances became much more difficult. Lacy was diagnosed with heartworm. Thankfully, her littermates were each found to be healthy, and they were placed in permanent homes shortly thereafter. But once again circumstances were to dictate Lacy’s future – this time in a positive way. Lacy was young and the x-rays of her heart showed minimal damage – she was a good candidate for treatment. The concern was the length she would have to remain in foster care. Without hesitation, Jeff and Peggy agreed to foster Lacy throughout the course of treatment. Lacy was admitted to the veterinary hospital for the first of two rounds of heartworm treatment. The treatments were given six weeks apart and each went well, although Lacy was extremely lethargic for about a week following the administration of the medication. According to Jeff, the most difficult part of the process was restricting Lacy’s activity when she was feeling good, as a bump or a bruise during that phase of treatment could cause internal bleeding or hemorrhaging. By the end of the second treatment, as the rescue program was getting ready to list Lacy as an “adoptable dog” and find a suitable home for her, Lacy’s circumstances changed again. Jeff and Peggy decided that they just couldn’t let her go – Lacy was home.
Lacy Backing at a recent field event. When she is at home, she plays with the other resident dogs, especially her best pal Otto, and every night Lacy falls asleep with her head on Jeff’s chest. Content indeed, and she deserves it! Lacy is true victim of circumstance – both the good and the bad circumstances that changed and shaped her life. And she is an amazing, example of how positive circumstances can change the lives of many rescue dogs and how with the guidance of great fosters and owners even those who have endured the worst of circumstances can reach their full potential. From all of us – Thank you Jeff and Peggy for the work you do on behalf of our breed.
As Lacy recovered, the Matz’s were able to work with her more, and with that, she gained more and more confidence. In July of 2012, a mere seven months after her rescue, Jeff, Peggy and Lacy attended a Twin Cities GWP Club field training event. To everyone’s surprise, Lacy showed them just what she could do – she held a steady point, she retrieved and she handled gunfire with ease. Today, Lacy continues to enjoy field work. Currently she is working toward her Senior Hunter title. Jeff is pleased with the progress the two are making and feels that Lacy will be ready to test for it in the fall of 2013.
©2013 GWPCA WIRE NEWS
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