Luke has been enjoying his new life. He loves to run around crazy like a cattle dog, grinning from ear to ear. He has really been beaming lately. It warms my heart to see him enjoy the simple things you and I take for granted.
Poor Luke lived in a crate inside the Olympic Animal “Sanctuary” for 4 torturous years. Photo from Forks Police.
He goes to town with me and is better about being so scared of people. He realizes now he is safe in my truck and not every person is out to get him or me. Like is very protective of me and his truck but now will sit and smile from inside and not lunge at every person that walks by as he did in the beginning. Not surprising for a dog that was entombed in a crate in hell for 4 years.
He wants to engage with people but too scared of them to do it.
At home he is better with the noise anxiety, he doesn’t jump up every time I move or make the slightest noise. He’s also comfortable enough with me to fully relax. As he still is not comfortable with anyone else touching him yet I have not pushed it..I bought a muzzle and have tried using it, walking him past several male workers that have arrived at ranch and next I will have one touch him, then do it again and again.
He is scared and learned to protect himself by lunging and biting. Note his picture from the place and when he was rescued off that semi truck he lunged at a rescue girl but who can blame him…he was inside that truck for over a week with 100 plus other dogs and a snake with no food or water after being pulled out of hell and entombed in those horror boxes.
When I arrived in the desert to pick him up he crawled over to me..licked my hand then ran back into his cage shaking..20 minutes later he was in my truck and had a smile on his face I will never ever forget.
Luke is beyond what I had hopes for at this point. Frankly all I knew was that picture of him biting the cage. I didn’t care at that point if he didn’t like me or if he was ugly or if he would ever look at me or whatever..I knew he needed help and so I offered myself to him…and wow he is incredible..not only is he handsome and fun but he warms my heart in a way I cannot explain…he has problems with his vision..is slightly blind..run into things and at times he limps from his muscles being atrophied for so long and his teeth have problems but I am hoping he lives a long and healthy life with me and we have many great adventures to tell..taking things slow and we feel no need to rush.
Today he was helping me feed the pigs and one of the barn cats ran past him. He gave chase but when I called him he returned immediately then sat at my side all puffed up, proud he listened to me..or saved me from the cat? ; ) …He is such a good boy. I cry at times because not a day goes by I do not see the effects of the abuse he endured at the hands of Steve Markwell. 4 years. 4 years he was in that place suffering.
I am happy because I know that now he is happy and lately it really shows!!
Luke enjoying his new found freedom. Photo credit withheld.
Luke’s new home has much better scenery. Photo credit withheld.
More fun outside. Photo credit withheld.
Luke’s personality emerged when he arrived at his new home. Turns out he’s a big goof. Photo credit withheld.
A very happy goof. Photo credit withheld.
Luke loves to smell the fresh mountain air. Photo credit withheld.
More open space. Photo credit withheld.
Snow! Photo credit withheld.
More snow! Photo credit withheld.
Being part cattle dog, Luke loves to run. It’s hard to image how awful it was for him to be locked in a crate for 4 years. Photo credit withheld.
Luke’s transformation over the last year has been amazing. He can finally run free with nothing to fear. Photo credit withheld.
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