Luca

My story

My name is Luca. I’m a 2-year-old boy, just 6kg, and a Cocker Spaniel mix with a very gentle heart. I may be so quiet and small that you don’t notice me at first. I’ve learned how to make myself small. I had to. I was rescued from an animal hoarding site where more than 80 dogs lived in a space with barely room to move. To survive there, I curled my body in tight and stayed very still. I didn’t bark. I didn’t fight back. Even when other dogs were rough with me, I endured it silently. That was the only way I knew how to stay safe. Now, for the first time in my life, I’m learning what it means to be in a person’s arms. At first, I’m a little cautious when someone reaches out to me. People are still new to me. But little by little, I’m learning that hands can be warm, gentle, and comforting. As time passes, you’ll see something very special about me. I start to come closer on my own. I sit quietly beside you. I lean into you. That is how I show my heart. That is how I ask for love. I am extremely gentle, very small, and very, very sweet. I sometimes use pee pads, but because home life is completely new to me, I will need patient guidance as I learn. Everything in a home is a new experience for me, and I’m still figuring out the world. Because I lived surrounded by so many dogs for so long, I may feel anxious when left alone. If possible, I hope to find a family who can spend a lot of time with me and help me feel safe. I spent my life curled up in dark, crowded spaces just trying to protect myself. Now, I’m hoping to learn how to relax, how to lean on someone, and how to live wrapped in love. I’m waiting for my first… and last… real family. Love, Luca 🐶

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.