Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with dogs,
House-trained,
Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Dog Name: LuciAge: 2 years old (as of June 6, 2026)Gender: FemaleBreed: Mixed Breed
Good with dogs?Yes. Luci loves other dogs and is often much more comfortable around dogs than people. Her family adopted Star in hopes that having a confident canine companion would help Luci feel safer and learn to trust. Luci has bonded closely with Star and has also done well with other friendly, well-adjusted dogs.
Good with cats?Unknown. Luci has not been exposed to cats.
Good with kids?Unknown. Luci has not lived with or spent meaningful time around children since being adopted. Because she is extremely fearful of unfamiliar people, a quiet adult home or a home with older, calm children who understand her need for space would likely be the best fit.
Spayed?Yes.
Vaccinations up to date?Luci's last vaccinations were given around the time of her adoption in March 2025, and her family can provide those records. Because of her significant fear of people, handling, and leashes, they have not been able to safely take her to a veterinary clinic since her adoption. They have even tried calming medication to help with veterinary care, but handling remains very difficult for her.
Microchipped?No. Due to Luci's fear of handling, her family has not been able to have her microchipped.
Rescue Story
Luci was adopted in March 2025 through an independent adoption organization after originally coming from Puerto Rico. Her family was told she was friendly, sweet, and enjoyed attention, but once she arrived home, it became clear that Luci was an exceptionally fearful and undersocialized dog.
Her family has spent more than a year patiently trying to build her trust. Although she has made progress in her own ways, Luci remains very uncomfortable with close human interaction and generally chooses to keep her distance. She will need a special adopter who understands that building a relationship with her will happen on Luci's timeline, not theirs.
Temperament & Personality
Luci is an incredibly shy and sensitive girl. Everyday sounds and movements can frighten her, and when she feels unsure, she may bark and retreat rather than approach. She has not shown aggression but communicates clearly when she is uncomfortable and prefers to create distance.
Safe spaces are extremely important to Luci. She loves her crate and also seeks out cozy, enclosed areas such as underneath a bed or desk.
Underneath all that fear is a dog who seems to want connection but isn't quite sure how to ask for it yet. When another dog receives affection, Luci sometimes becomes curious—or a little jealous—and finds enough courage to move closer and seek attention herself.
She also likes keeping tabs on her people from a comfortable distance. Her family affectionately calls her "The Warden" because she is always watching to see what everyone is doing, especially during important activities like folding laundry!
Leash Experience
Luci is extremely fearful of leashes and is not currently able to comfortably go for walks. Her family has worked on slowly introducing the leash and allowing her to become familiar with it without pressure, but it remains a significant source of fear.
She shows interest in following Star outside and joining her adventures, so with an experienced, patient adopter and positive, fear-free training, there may be potential for Luci to continue making progress.
Potty Trained?
Yes. Luci is generally potty trained and can comfortably go several hours without an accident. She may occasionally have an accident inside, particularly during periods of stress.
Crate Trained?
Yes—and her crate is one of her favorite places. Luci views it as her safe space and is comfortable sleeping there with the door closed.
Where Does She Stay When Home Alone?
Luci currently stays downstairs with Star when the family is away, with a gate blocking access to the upstairs. When necessary, she can also comfortably remain in her crate with access to food and water for longer periods.
Where Does She Sleep?
Luci sleeps in her crate with the door closed, where she feels safest. Her stuffed fox keeps her company every night.
Feeding Schedule
Luci eats twice daily—once in the morning and again in the evening.
Luci's Ideal Home
Luci needs a very patient, quiet, and understanding home with people who have realistic expectations for a profoundly fearful dog. She cannot be rushed into affection, handling, leash walking, or interaction. Her adopter will need to be comfortable celebrating small victories and allowing trust to develop gradually.
A confident, well-adjusted resident dog would be especially beneficial for Luci. She takes comfort from other dogs and can learn from their example.
Luci and Star have developed a strong bond, and their family's hope would be for them to find a home together if the right opportunity comes along. However, they understand that may not be possible. If adopted separately, Luci's ideal home would have another calm, confident dog to provide companionship and help show her that the world—and the people in it—can be safe.
A securely fenced yard would also be extremely beneficial because Luci is not currently comfortable walking on leash.
Strengths
Luci's greatest strength is how well she connects with other dogs. Despite her significant fear of people, she has not shown aggression and prefers to retreat or keep her distance when uncomfortable. She is crate trained, generally potty trained, comfortable being home alone, and finds security in predictable routines.
She also shows glimpses of wanting a relationship with people. Those little moments are meaningful signs that there is a curious girl underneath all that fear.
What Is Luci Still Working On?
Luci's biggest goals are learning to trust people and becoming more comfortable with handling and a leash. These will likely be long-term projects, and her future family should be prepared to work with her patiently and without forcing interactions.
If Luci Had a Dating Profile...
*"Shy girl seeking a patient, long-term relationship. I'm much more comfortable with dogs than humans, so bonus points if you already have a confident canine best friend. I need plenty of time and space before I'm ready to trust, but if you're willing to let me
Why Is Luci Being Rehomed?
Luci is being rehomed due to a serious illness within her family that will require significant time and attention over the coming months. This difficult decision has nothing to do with Luci or her behavior. Her family simply recognizes that they are no longer able to give Luci—and her sister, Star—the time, attention, and consistency they deserve.
Their greatest hope is to find both girls loving homes where they can continue to thrive. While they would love for Luci and Star to remain together, they understand that may not be possible. Most importantly, they want Luci to find a patient, understanding family—and ideally a confident canine companion—who can give her the security, time, and love she needs.
Apply at northwestwagrescue.org
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