ADOPTED

Jean Luc...
 

 Captain's log, stardate 040426. I find myself on an alien world. The inhabitants all appear to balance on their hind legs and have developed automated devices for their terrestrial transport that speed by, threatening my life. I've walked for miles in search of my crew, but I tire and must rest. My feet are covered by a heterogeneous solution of water and dirt that has pooled in this otherwise dry area. Now one of the aliens is approaching. I'm too tired to run. I only hope I can communicate my peaceful intentions...

Luc gets lucky. Luc was found sitting in a puddle of water and rescued by a kind soul. He's thought to be between 1 and 2 years of age, has a healthy dose of puppy-like energy, and is on the small side, weighing in just under 50 lbs. Unlike his namesake, Luc has no bald spots; he sports a full, medium-red coat that's great for petting. And while his skin is a bit dry in spots on his underside, he's shown no allergy symptoms so far.

An extraterrestrial extrovert. When Luc first came to us, he was a bit timid, but he has since come out of his shell nicely. We see now that he's quite the outgoing golden! He wants to be first at everything: first out the door, first in the door, first to get a treat, and first to greet. His small stature permits him to wiggle his way over, around, and under anything between him and his superior officer. But he takes "no" seriously, and can show patience when required.

Permission to leave the bridge. Luc had a couple of accidents in the house early on, though we consider these to be our fault for not considering that he needs more frequent trips outside than our older goldens. He doesn't give a strong signal to go out, but waits until you're ready to take him or he runs out of control. His control has increased significantly since his first arrival, and we think he will have no problem in the future.

Trash-capades land Luc in the brig. When left alone (with our two other goldens), Luc spread out the trash from an easy to reach can. Crating while we were out removed the opportunity and he's never demonstrated this behavior in our presence. Recently, we've had good luck leaving him uncrated while we are away. He crates well, if sometimes reluctantly--a treat easily removes the hesitation.

Fun with the away team. Luc loves other dogs and plays well with his two older foster brothers (Data and Geordi). His favorite outdoor activity seems to be fetching the ball, but he'll only give chase if it has sufficient velocity--a swift kick will do! Luc returns the ball, dropping it just before reaching you so that it rolls into position for the next kick. But if the ball stops short, you'll have to get it; if it isn't moving, he isn't interested!

Luc is also a very capable swimmer and spent the duration of the GRR 2004 SwimFest in the water. Baths are tolerated, but the hair-dryer is still a bit scary.

Obeying a superior officer. For all of his supposed Starfleet training, Luc didn't seem to know a single command when he arrived on our planet (amnesia from the crash?). But he's a quick study and he now consistently responds to "sit", "shake", and "down".

Bed habits. Luc sleeps well on his own (in our house, he'll even sleep downstairs where it's a bit cooler). He loves to snuggle in bed, but is easy to remove. He's quick to wake if something stirs him, but otherwise sleeps through the night. An early riser, he will come to you for morning kisses. And speaking of kisses, we feel compelled to remind you that Jean-Luc is French, so watch out!

A trip to sick bay. Luc had a few "cling-ons" (tics) when first found and was subsequently diagnosed with Lyme disease by a blood test. He shows no outward symptoms of the disease, and will complete a month-long course of antibiotics in mid-June. He will be rechecked and we are confident that he will get a clean bill of health.

Lay in a course for Luc's forever home. Luc would make a great addition to any home with other well-socialized dogs or kids (aged 8+). He's fun, easy-going, excited about life, and ready to bring smiles and laughs to everyone.

Captain's log, supplement. The two-legged creatures have taken me in and made me feel welcome here. I've found some of my crewmates and we are enjoying the good life. Alas, there is no room for me to stay in my present quarters, so I must find a new home--a place were I can grow and live the comfortable life of a young Starfleet captain. Engage!

More information can be found here from his foster family.

 Update from Adoptive Home 07/30/2004:

Oh my gosh. Jean-Luc (we usually call him Luke) is such an awesome dog! He is really pretty close to perfect, and I just love his smaller size. My younger daughter says "he is just the coolest dog." He has interacted beautifully with the children.....both gentle and affectionate (he's a licker!) and is a real snuggle bunny. We have taken him to our lake place, and he LOVES the water. He especially loves leaping from the dock to chase a tennis ball (which is his only toy, as he is obsessed with it.) He puts my male Golden "granddog" to shame, because that dog won't jump off the dock, preferring to go down the stairs into the water. My older daughter, who owns a female hyper-active Golden, wants to trade dogs with me!

At our house he doesn't snoop or chew up anything, is of course housebroken, and he minds remarkably well to have had no formal training that we know of. Kudos to the foster family! He walks well on leash for the most part and comes when called (also for the most part). He seems to know where he belongs and wants to be there! All in all, we are crazy about him and very grateful that he really does seem to be the dog of our dreams.
 

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