ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, April 4, 1996 TAG: 9604050043
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: E-10 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: CHARLES STEBBINS STAFF WRITER
Lucy, the beagle, is in trouble again.
She's biting the baby and has got to go.
So far the dog's bites have produced only bruises. But Lucy's owner, Linda Dwyer, thinks there is a potential for serious injury.
For that reason, Lucy is up for adoption and will be free to a good home.
"I will not give Lucy to just anybody," Dwyer said. "I will give her only to someone who will give me reports and let me visit."
Dwyer said Lucy is about 8 years old, spayed, housebroken and has all of her shots up to date. Basically, she's a sweet dog, Dwyer said, and is comfortable with adults.
But when Dwyer's daughter, Jessica, arrived 17 months ago, things changed. Lucy is still gentle with adults, but she apparently resents any of Dwyer's attention being diverted to the baby.
"The problem began when Jessica began to crawl," Dwyer said. "An occasional snap has evolved, getting gradually worse. She bites the baby now."
Dwyer is forced to keep Jessica and Lucy separated by a baby gate or by keeping Lucy outside or shut in a separate room.
Lucy has had a checkered life.
In 1991 she was found lying in the middle of a street in the Hollins area of Roanoke County. She was pregnant and apparently had been hit by a car, leaving her with two broken shoulders.
The person who found her, Gail Bowyer, took the dog to a veterinarian and then the SPCA. No owner could be found, so Bowyer - who came up with Lucy as a name - took the dog home and began looking for someone to adopt her. This was when Dwyer came upon the scene. She called Bowyer after seeing an article in Neighbors recounting Lucy's plight. Bowyer had appealed for help in finding Lucy's owner or a good home for her.
Since then Lucy has had a loving home. But now ...
If you wish to adopt Lucy, call 981-3434, ext. 747#, and leave your name and phone number after the automated message.
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