Looking Out for Matty D: Matthew Dillon Proves to Nicole that Age is Really Just a Number

Matty had the most adventurous Sunday! He went hiking in northern Virginia on Scott's Run to see the waterfalls, and boy was he excited! He ran almost the whole way there and even when we stopped to rest he kept trying nudge me to keep going. I had to make him stop twice to drink water because he just didn't want to stop!! Two and half hours later and he was still all energy, splashing in the water and greeting everyone we passed on the trail (four legs and two). Goes to show that no matter how old you are in dog or human years, its all about a state of mind. For Matty, hes still a puppy at heart.

Matty loved his frolic in the woods but would love to have heard the waterfalls and great compliments he got from all the other hikers (he really is quite the charmer). Matty needs your help to remove the polyps in his ears causing him to have painful and chronic ear infections and that are causing him loss of hearing. To donate for his surgery, visit https://www.crowdrise.com/matthewdillon/fundraiser/luckydoganimalrescue. - Nicole

Looking Out for Matty D: Megan's love for Matthew Dillon!

Matty is one of our very favorite fosters (and there have been quite a few). While we are not his full time foster family, he gets to come and stay with us when his regular foster Nicole is out of town. Beyond being completely adorable, he also has a great personality and an admirable attitude that guides him through all he does. No matter what is going on, Matty always puts his best paw forward and looks for the sliver lining. Matty loves his people and gets along with every human and dog he meets. He always blends into our pack right away when he comes over. While he is hard of hearing, he will look to the humans or other dogs to see what he's supposed to be doing. He loves to go to the dog park—where he usually introduces himself to all the humans first and then to the dogs. He plays fetch and runs around with other dogs and has, on occasion, even done a bit of dog wrestling. He is great on long walks and is always up for whatever. His best walk with us was probably around the monuments, where he was very popular with tourists. He is very mellow and even tempered and does great in all kinds of situations, even ones that many dogs find overwhelming/scary.

At home is is really good—goes into his crate without a fuss when it's time and when the humans are home he just finds a comfy spot and a squeaky toy and entertains himself until he falls asleep. He is happy to sleep in his crate, on a bed or in the human bed and doesn't take up too much space. While Matty is no spring chicken, he has a lot of life and a lot of love to give. Getting his ear surgery will improve his quality of life (and maybe even mean he can hear a bit more) and significantly decrease the likelihood that he will continue to struggle with ear infections which are not only an inconvenience but can be uncomfortable and even painful. While his ears are in bad shape, he is otherwise in excellent health and is very spry for his age.

Please help our our beloved Matty by donating here: https://www.crowdrise.com/matthewdillon/fundraiser/luckydoganimalrescue! Every dollar counts and brings him one step closer to a better life! Matty promises to be grateful—and he NEVER forgets people who are nice to him. He always greets them enthusiastically with a smile and a tail wag that could power a motorboat.

-Megan, Patti the Beagle and Theodore the lab, Matty's favorite back up foster family

Looking Out for Matty D: From the pup who's tail never stops wagging, a plea from Matty D!

Let me introduce myself to thee,

My name is Matty D!

I’m writing to all you fine ladies and men,

Because I need your help to hear again!

I’m white and fluffy,

(Definitely not scruffy).

I really love to cuddle and play,

But most of my hearing has gone away :(

I’m hoping that with your help,

I’ll be able to hear the other dogs yelp,

It has been oh so long,

Since I’ve been able to hear my own songs.

With just a little kindness from you,

I'll no longer be blue,

I'll finally be able to go out and play,

Able to hear what all my friends have to say!

Please don’t pause,

Donate today to this great cause!

I will give you a personal round of applause,

With my very own puppy paws!

~ Matty

Looking Out for Matty D: How Matty D Found Foster Mom Nicole!

I have been fostering for a year and a half now and my current foster, lucky number 9, needs a little extra help! Matthew Dillon, or Matty D as he's more commonly and affectionately known around our house, has come such a long way in the six months I've had him - going from a slow old man, who couldn't even make it a block around our street out of exhaustion, tangled and matted hair, to the biggest goof ball who is really just a puppy at heart, and quite the charmer. He leaps and jumps and LOVES fetch now! He flirts with all the ladies in the neighborhood and is such a people puppy. At the dog park, when hes not playing fetch, hes going up to everyone around and nudging their legs hoping for a quick pat. He's 100% return on investment at this point :)

When Matty came back to lucky dog after being returned after three years for no fault of his own (his previous owner went into assisted living), he had infections in his ears, pretty common in his breed. But unfortunately, no matter what we've done to try and get rid of his infections - meds, ointments, rinses - nothing seems to be working due to polyp growths that are blocking the way into his ear canals.

Matty needs surgery to remove these polyps so his ears can finally be rid of infection for good, and maybe, even restore his hearing! Lucky Dog has set up a crowdrise page to help raise the money for this sweet rescue's surgery. 

If you're interested in helping out Matty D, you can go to:https://www.crowdrise.com/matthewdillon/fundraiser/luckydoganimalrescue
Matty promises to thank you in cuddles, butt wiggles and puppy kisses! - Nicole

Princess Leia - Lucky Kitty!

Our sweet, gentle 6-month-old Princess Leia had her spay surgery on January 15, 2014, and, sadly, she developed an infection at her spay site. Because it was a holiday weekend, Leia had to be taken to the emergency vet, where they flushed out the wound, put in two staples and prescribed some medication.

Leia is back at her foster home now, recovering from this ordeal and wearing the cone of shame with as much grace as a young princess can muster. We are keeping a close eye on her and expect a full recovery. However, we need help covering the costs of the emergency vet appointment.

Please donate to Leia's critical care fund: http://www.youcaring.com/pet-expenses/help-little-leia/128640