By Janet McAfee
WHO IS THE LUCKY ONE IN THIS PHOTO? “WHO RESCUES WHO”, a popular bumper sticker certainly applied on January 19, 2021, when Benjamin Leaskou and Dean Higgins adopted rescue dog Lucy from Loving All Animals. Their happy adoption photo went “viral” as hundreds of folks posted congratulatory messages on social media.
This dog loving couple are particularly fond of Cavalier King Charles Cavalier Spaniels. Their last 3 Cavaliers came from rescue groups, two were adopted from Cavalier Rescue USA, and one from Loving All Animals. Charlie, their beloved tri color Cavalier from Loving All Animals, sadly passed away in December. Their remaining dog Kingston, grieved along with the couple, for his best bud “brother” pup. Meanwhile, shortly thereafter, a gravely ill owner relinquished beautiful Lucy when she could no longer care for the dog.
It turns out 6-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Lucy had several medical issues being treated at a local veterinary clinic. Other potential adopters for this very popular breed were reluctant to proceed upon being informed of Lucy’s medical status and the probability of future veterinary bills. But when Tracy at Loving All Animals called Benjamin to see if they were ready for a new pup, his reaction was different. He shed a few tears upon hearing about Lucy’ medical problems and her homeless status and quickly announced, “We’re done! We want Lucy!” It was no surprise that tails wagged during the meet and greet. Lucy went happily out the front gate sensing that she was already loved and “home”.
Adaptable and confident Lucy settled in immediately, giving her new big brother Kingston kisses. Benjamin shares wonderful updates about his new rescue dog. He tells us, “We’ve had Lucy for two weeks, and it seems like she’s been with us forever. She adores me. When she comes to work with me, she insists on riding in the front seat with me in the car. The dogs have bonded so well, Kingston is the doting big brother, and they walk together around the perimeter of our home like a cute little couple.”
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed is known for being happy, trusting, easy going, and a friend to everyone they meet. They follow their humans everywhere, just waiting for a chance to sit on their lap. Their sweet faces, floppy ears and beautiful markings are truly enchanting.
Lucy is the perfect match for Benjamin who takes his dogs to work at his real estate firm. This dog lover actually constructed a dog park and sculpture garden at his Palm Springs branch office where employees and clients can let their pups happily roam. The company Facebook page “BHGRE Leaskou Partners” contains an album devoted to the pets of the other employees.
Rob Grace posted this wonderful story about this adoption on various websites:
“Our pets are part of our family. They bring so much love into our lives. Join me in welcoming Lucy to the #BHGRE LeaskouPups family!” Eight years ago Benjamin Leaskou and his husband Dean Higgins adopted a tricolor Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Charlie.
Contact Loving All Animals at (760) 834-7000 or www.lovingallanimals.org to donate, volunteer, or adopt. Contact CavalierRescueUSA Western at www.cavalierrescueusa.org to donate, foster, or adopt a Cavalier.
There is no doubt Lucy Lemon is one very lucky put who won the “adoption lottery”. Charlie’s spirit was no doubt with his family on Lucy’s adoption day. Charlie is the reason Lucy now carries on his legacy. That legacy is to show thousands of people they meet that absolutely fabulous, gorgeous, loving, and sometime pure breed animals end up at shelters.
