RESCUE TAILS / “Luna”

BY TAMMY FOX-ROYER

Executive Director, Florida Keys SPCA

Everybody loved her! She had a face, a smile, and a way about her that caught our eyes and hearts instantly. Her name was Luna, and she was 5.5 years old when we got her. She looked like a French Bulldog mixed with an army tank. She was a physical powerhouse and could go head to head with the best of them. But she was also a sweet “marshmallow” who endeared herself to staff, volunteers, and visitors alike.

Luna came to the shelter when her people were moving. Before we got her, she was basically a yard dog who spent her life in an outside pen. Soft beds, plush squeaky toys, and air-conditioning were most likely not amenities she ever enjoyed. So, for her, coming to the shelter was probably like moving into a 5-star hotel! She suddenly had all those things. Unlike with some other dogs, we never had to feel bad when it was time to put her back after walks or play time. She would rush back into her run, scope out her new selection of toys, pick a favorite and then literally LEAP with joy into the air and onto her bed. It was obvious she loved coming “home” to the air-conditioned comfort of her kennel.

But even though Luna seemed happy, the shelter is not a sanctuary, and our goal was to find her a real home. Unfortunately, that didn’t prove to be so easy. Lots of people were interested but her behavioral challenges created a serious roadblock. Her lack of housetraining was a major deal breaker for many potential adopters. Also, many people who were interested in her had other dogs or cats, both of which were deal breakers for Luna. In fact, she was a real challenge for us at times due to her extreme “reactivity” towards other dogs. We had to be strategic every day in our choice of play yards for her to prevent serious fence-fighting. But eventually she did find a dog to which she took a liking, a handsome male of similar age named Monet who never gave her any back talk. They got along splendidly. They lived side-by-side and spent days together in the play yard. But even with her charm and her cute looks, she was a dog who was difficult to adopt. So, Luna stayed with us – for almost a year!

Kelly was not a local but was spending time in Key West for work. She stopped by the shelter one day for a visit and met Luna. Then she came back for a second visit, and then a third. Now, Luna is a North Florida gal, living on two fenced acres where she’s free to run. No more backyard pen or kennel run for her! She helps with mowing the grass and other ranch chores, keeps any pesky varmints from invading the garden, and according to her mom, has become a fan of lounging in bed while watching movies on the big screen TV. Her new life sure looks nothing like it once did. We think that when Luna walked out the door of the shelter, she never looked back. And you know what? That doesn’t hurt our feelings one little bit. In fact, we are totally OK with that! Congratulations, Luna!

For more info, please visit fkspca.org or e-mail me at [email protected]. 

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