Luca

My story

Meet LucaThe Oldest, the Wild Irish, the Wary Heart Luca is a beautiful, sensitive soul learning how to navigate a world where humans are part of the picture. With a strong instinct for survival and a deep-rooted fear of people, Luca has built high walls—but behind them is a spirit that quietly longs for safety, comfort, and peace. Where Luca truly comes alive is with other dogs. Big, small, playful, calm—he loves them all. Dogs are his safe space, and his personality shines when he’s playing in the yard or moving as part of a pack. For Luca, a home with at least one well-adjusted, dog-friendly companion is not optional—it’s essential. With people, Luca is still very much a work in progress. He won’t eat in front of humans and prefers to dine alone in a quiet room. He doesn’t respond to his name yet, and if approached directly, he’ll flee—often slipping out the doggie door to seek refuge outside. He is not aggressive, but in a rare moment when he needed to be picked up, he showed clear signs of being overwhelmed—not biting, just fear. And yet, in a calm space, when held gently, he stayed still. On one unforgettable occasion, Luca sat beside a calm dog and a quiet human, and after several long minutes… he softened. The tension left his body. A breakthrough. A whisper of trust. Luca needs a highly experienced, patient, and dog-savvy adopter—someone who understands that healing isn’t linear and that some dogs take months, even years, to feel safe. He’s not ready for cuddles, leash walks, or obedience training. He may never become a lap dog. And that’s okay. He’s not broken. He’s scared. But in the right home—with calm energy, loving boundaries, and the steady presence of other dogs—Luca will continue to take small, brave steps toward peace. And maybe, one day, joy.https://peytonsplaceanimalrescue.org/adoption-application/ ##2395437##

If you have any questions or would like to adopt Luca, please reach out to the adoption group directly. PetSmart Charities does not facilitate the adoption process. Thank you.