One of the hardest parts of rescuing animals is when a newly rescued dog arrives with clear signs of abuse. This is how Clover arrived at Living Free Animal Sanctuary in May 2019. Less than a year old, this terrified pup had been clearly neglected. She had to have a collar surgically removed from her neck – something that happens all too often to young dogs. She also had never been properly socialized, shyly hiding from anyone who approached her.

It took some time for Clover to figure herself out. She learned how to trust people very quickly and also got along well with other dogs. However, she struggled when it came to being in a home environment. She was adopted out twice, both times she was returned because she was destructive, would not settle, and was too strong on the leash.

What Clover needed was the right adopter: a compassionate home, someone who would know how to help Clover transition from kennel life to home life. Her life changed when the Karr family came to Living Free looking to add another dog to their home. 

Kelly, her husband, Josh, and children Madison, 14 and Sadie 9 decided it was time to bring another dog into the family.  They currently had Louise, 15 ½, whom they adopted in 2005.  She was a survivor of Hurricane Katrina and had been rescued at ten days old by a rescue organization. Lucky Clover went home with the Karr family May 14, 2020.

Kelly shared, “We changed Clover’s name to Lexi and refer to her as Velcro girl as she sticks by our side. She is a runner and loves to chase balls. When we first met her at Living Free, she basically ignored us and just wanted to play ball. She has been particularly good for our older dog, Louise. Louise has been more active and interested in her surroundings because of Lexi.”

“Lexi is so smart and funny. She steals the girls stuffed animals and parades through the house with them. She eventually gives the animals back and in one piece. She has also learned to steal our swimsuits. She brings the swimsuits to us so that we will go out to the pool.  Lexi loves to swim and will drop balls into the pool.  Then she jumps into the pool and will dive under water, holding her breath, until she retrieves the ball that has gone to the bottom of the pool.  She swims like an Otter.  She has only one speed and that speed is fun.”

“Lexi knows High Five, she also knows that dirty, sandy toys have to be left outside at the front door before she can come in the house.  If she wants to get into bed with us, she taps me on the shoulder until I lift the covers up so that she can get into bed.  Lexi also is a lap dog, or at least she thinks so.  She is really too big for laps, but she manages to get up on a lap to snuggle.”

“I have been teaching Kindergarten children for a year now via zoom.  When I am teaching, Lexi will often get up on my lap to see what is going on. She likes to be on camera too. In class school is going to begin soon and I think Lexi will be a great dog to bring to school for the kids to read to.”

“Lexi is a lovely, beautiful, intelligent dog.  She was the missing piece we did not know we had.  You never know the potential of a dog until they come into your home.  Lexi completes us as a family, and we love her.”

Thank you for giving Lexi the opportunity to be part of your loving family.  It sounds like the perfect match and we wish you many more days of happy, fun together.