Lucus Charles Pierre François van Baudelaire

I'm pleased to announce the arrival of the newest member of the Mitchell-Ward family... Monsieur Lucus Charles Pierre François van Baudelaire. aka Luke... a 4lb (who should be 8lb) black male Chihuahua.

We rescued and began fostering Luke on Thanksgiving with full intent on finding a suitable home for him. His previous owner, an elderly woman who lived near St George, suffered a debilitating heart attack and was unable to care for him. Her husband, who always had distaste for animals, neglected him severely as his primary concern (understandably) was caring for his wife. The first few years of Luke's life were spent in a ridiculously small kennel where he suffered solitude, hunger and worse. He ultimately was moved to a the home of the babysitter of his previous owner's grandchildren where he suffered further (unintentional) abuse by their small children. (Small children and small dogs are not a good mix).

Breck's Mother, a friend-of a friend-of a friend-of the babysitter heard about Luke's plight of this small animal and asked if Breck and I would foster him and find a good home.

We immediately said yes, especially since she lied and said he'd be put to sleep if we didn't. I was aware of a woman who had recently had to put both of her Chihuahua's to sleep just the week earlier. She was excited to take him until she saw him. To be kind, he's less than perfect for a Chihuahua, floppy ears for one, and he was incredibly malnourished, ill and timid. She backed out of the arrangement saying that she was looking for a female, to which I replied "I understand your confusion when I told you his name was Luke... it's a very androgynous name." Several other potential owners came forward, but no good matches made.

In the mean time, Luke remained our guest. He instantly bonded with Chloe, and became a pal to Louis who hasn't been friendly with anyone (canine or otherwise) since 1992. Victoria enjoyed the peace that came with a very tired Chloe (she and Luke play non-stop) and Breck feel instantly in love with him. I was the sole hold out. I just couldn't imagine two men and four animals living in a one-bedroom/one-bath house.

Yet Luke started gaining weight and quickly became part of the family. I was horrified.

Three dogs is one thing... but FOUR? Who has four dogs besides crazy people who collect animals and other dust filled bric-a-brac? I worried that I was suddenly becoming that crazy lady down the street with 40 cats and no friends. I was the catholic woman with 10 kids. I was THAT GUY with four Chihuahua’s. I was one of the crazy fringes of society.

But then I remembered. I've always been one of the crazy fringes of society and this animal had no home. He'd only had a short time when someone loved him. But ultimately it was a friend who reminded me that I was the fourth in my family and look how well I turned out... What if my mom had said 3 is enough... no more? Could any of you imagine our family without me? You'd be bored to tears, have nothing to talk about, and you'd all worry that there was no quality truly intelligent and beautiful genes in the gene pool! I jest. What if Mom hadn't wanted me? She may still be in a hospital with a gangrene gallbladder and I'd be living with a family who only liked me for my handsome good looks and winning charm.

Regardless. I'm done apologizing for loving too many people/places/things and other nouns in my life. Luke will be no different. We're all happier because of him.

I just wanted to let you know... next time you come to my house, bring lots of love... and your own lint roller.

Welcome home Luke... you'll never have to move again.