A Very Lucky Meeting
This Park Ridge pup is his person’s “perfect” match—though he got to her in an unconventional way.
It’s the season of celebrating and being grateful for all members of the family—even the four-legged ones. Here’s a story of Bergen County pup that warmed our hearts:
Meet Lucky, a 6½-year-old chihuahua-terrier mix, and his owner, Dorothy Bozzone of Park Ridge.
Lucky and Dorothy met on a cold day. When Bruce and Karen Doxey stopped by to visit her, Dorothy asked why they had left their truck running in the driveway. They said it was to keep their dog warm, and Dorothy invited them to bring the pup inside.
Lucky became Dorothy’s friend on the spot. Dorothy began watching him during the day, as both the Doxeys work. Then, after her husband died last September, Lucky became her full-time companion. He stays at her house, though one of the Doxeys comes to walk him in the mornings or when the weather is bad. When it’s nice out, Lucky and Dorothy enjoy daily walks together. “He encourages me to exercise,” she says.
Lucky doesn’t like dog treats, but he loves fresh green beans, cooked broccoli, chicken and whipped cream. Dorothy takes care of grooming and bathing him herself, and likes taking him to local functions such as the Memorial Day Parade, which he attended all dressed up in patriotic colors.
Dorothy calls him “just the right size for her,” at just under 6 pounds. He always tries to protect her when strangers come to the house. Lucky has become an official part of the family, charming everyone with his big, friendly brown eyes and his love of hugs.
Says Dorothy, “I am lucky to have Lucky by my side!”
Puppies as Presents?
Still browsing for the perfect gift for the pet lover in your life? Even though it may be tempting, think long and hard before giving someone a puppy or a kitten for the holidays. Adopting an animal is a big decision and shouldn’t be sprung on someone (plus, the stress of the holidays is not always the best time to bring a new family member home). As an alternative, animal welfare organization American Humane recommends putting together and wrapping an “adoption kit,” filled with essentials such as toys, a bed, a leash, food, treats and adoption fees at a local shelter.
If you are looking to adopt your new best friend at any time of the year, Bergen has several shelters and rescue organizations to help bring you two together. Some options include Bergen County Animal Shelter in Teterboro, Cat Crew Rescue in Oradell, Humane Society of Bergen County in Lyndhurst and the Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge Inc. (RBARI) in Oakland.
Have a dog or a cat you think deserve showing off? Email a brief description and photo of your animal to Editor Rita Guarna at rita.guarna@wainscotmedia.com and they might be featured in an upcoming issue of BERGEN!
