Amazing tales of survival, recovery, and medical triumphs

I'm delighted to send you this photo of one of my two cocker spaniels, Lucy, whose age I estimate to be about 12.

She has an interesting background: Lucy was found on the Internet. I had done a search for "cocker spaniel rescue" and it turned up a woman who lived about 10 miles away who had several cockers in need of good homes.

Most of Lucy's life was spent in a puppy mill, where she was the No. 1 breeder. Over the years she produced dozens, if not hundreds, of puppies in a mill that was actually a trailer in upstate New York. It almost killed her.

Fortunately, the mill -- which held 175 puppies and dogs! -- was raided by humane law enforcement agents. Lucy was seized as "evidence" and held in an animal shelter for six months while the case against the mill owner was adjudicated. The mill owner turned out to be the first person in the history of the state to be sentenced to prison for animal cruelty.

Despite her travails, Lucy is the kindest, gentlest, sweetest dog you would ever want to meet. Today she sleeps on the couch with her "sister," Baby, another cocker rescue. Both are fed and watered and walked regularly, and receive lots of pets and treats and regular veterinary care. Oftentimes my husband will scratch her behind the ears and whisper, "Lucy, you finally won the dog lottery."

Susan Breslow Sardone
About Guide to Honeymoons

Back to Lucy's photo page
Back to the main Pet Photo Gallery