For Kayleigh and her partner, their dog Murphy was more than just a pet; he was a beloved member of their family. When they lost him, their home felt profoundly empty, a space once filled with joy now clouded with sadness.
Determined to bring that joy back and honor Murphy’s memory, the couple decided to open their home to another Greyhound through fostering. They reached out to a local rescue to find a Greyhound in need of a temporary home, which led them to meet Lulu, a retired racing dog with a history of participating in 200 races.
Lulu’s New Life Begins
Adapting to a normal household was a challenge for Lulu. Her racing past meant she was unaccustomed to the quiet, everyday life of a home. Among the many new experiences, the television particularly unnerved her.
Kayleigh recalled how it would send Lulu scrambling upstairs in fear, often getting stuck and needing help to come back down. This was a stark reminder of how different and overwhelming Lulu found the typical home environment.
Despite her initial fears, Lulu soon found one aspect of home life she absolutely loved: the couch. It became her sanctuary. Whenever she returned indoors after exploring the vast outdoors, she would leap onto the couch, claiming it as her safe haven.
The Challenge of Adjustment
One of Lulu’s significant hurdles was her fear of men. She instantly connected with Kayleigh but maintained a wary distance from her husband. It took several weeks for her to understand that he, too, meant no harm and wanted to offer her the same affection Kayleigh did. Eventually, Lulu warmed up to him, a testament to her slowly building trust and comfort within her new environment.
Kayleigh shared a touching story about her father, a long-time dog lover, and his efforts to bond with Lulu. “My dad, he’s a long-time dog lover, Lulu is terrified of him and we are still working on it now. We had a little breakthrough, one day she took treats off him. She also got up on the sofa next to him.
She gave him a little kiss,” she explained. However, progress was slow and not always linear, as Lulu treated him like a stranger during subsequent visits, indicating she still had a long way to go in fully trusting new people.
Moments of Joy and Honor
Whenever Lulu shows affection, such as cuddling with family members, Kayleigh and her partner see it as a significant honor. They cherish these moments, understanding the trust Lulu places in them, and they remain still and present, allowing her to enjoy the affection as long as she desires. “It melts my heart to see her so happy. She thinks she has won the lottery. She is just so thankful,” Kayleigh expressed with joy.
Yet, Lulu’s adjustment extends beyond the indoors. The outdoors still poses a challenge for her. Even though she shows excitement to go outside, her demeanor changes as soon as she steps onto the grass. She becomes shy and withdrawn, unsure of how to interact with the new environment.
A Forever Home
From the moment Lulu entered their lives, it was clear she was there to stay. “It was something about the way that she looked at me. She just had this look of love that you could literally feel the love radiating off her, she just looked right into your soul,” said Kayleigh, reflecting on the deep bond they formed almost instantly.
The impact Lulu has had on their home is profound. She has brought back the joy and happiness that vanished with Murphy’s departure. Kayleigh believes that Murphy would be proud to see Lulu filling their lives with love, remarking, “It is really hard to describe, I said to her ‘You remind me of Murphy’, and she just laid her head on my chest for a cuddle and I just burst into tears.”
Conclusion
Lulu’s journey from a retired racing dog to a cherished family member is a touching tale of recovery, adaptation, and unconditional love. Through patience, understanding, and lots of cuddles, she has gradually begun to trust and embrace her new life. While there are still challenges ahead, the love and commitment of her foster family ensure that Lulu will continue to thrive and bring joy to everyone around her.
