Lucy - Australian Shepherd and Collie Dog for Adoption in Milton, Georgia

Meet Lucy! Some dogs come into our care as strangers, but Lucy has been part of her shelter family for a long time. They've known this special girl her entire life, and now, at 78 lbs of love, loyalty, and fluffy Australian Shepherd/Collie charm, Lucy is looking for a place to finally call her own.

Animal control first picked Lucy up when she was just a puppy. She belonged to a gentleman who has long been a familiar face in a nearby homeless camp. Over the years, whenever her owner went to jail, Lucy would stay at the shelter.

Recently, Lucy found herself in a heartbreaking situation. Her owner had been in jail for about eight months, and although kind people from the camp had been doing their best to look after her, Lucy still had no safe, permanent place to go. She had been hanging around a gas station dumpster, eating whatever she could find and following familiar faces here and there, just trying to get by.

Then, one evening, an officer was heading home after a night out with his wife when he spotted a dog eating scraps spilled around the dumpster. He immediately recognized Lucy. He knew this girl, and he knew she deserved better. He walked around the area, hoping to find someone who could help.

The next day, someone from the homeless camp came to the shelter, and we learned the full story. Lucy had been trying to survive on her own for months, getting by on the kindness of strangers and the familiar faces she could find. Despite all the uncertainty in her world, she was still out there, doing her best.

And now, it's time for Lucy's story to have a happier chapter. Lucy reminds us how deeply dogs can connect with the people they know and trust. She has spent her life moving between places, relying on familiar people and waiting for things to feel safe again. What she needs now is someone who will choose her for good.

We would love to see Lucy find a forever home where she can trade dumpster dinners and uncertainty for a cozy bed, a full bowl, gentle companionship, and the security of knowing she will never be left wondering where she belongs.

We're hoping someone out there will fall in love with her, too — not just for a little while, but forever.

If you're ready to give this special girl the loving, stable home she deserves, please reach out to learn more about Lucy.

Apply for consideration to adopt at www.ruffdogrescue.org

Please note, we receive a large number of applications. We appreciate your patience as we complete our review processes. A personal interview, reference checks, meet and greet with pet, home visit and a solid vet history are required for adoption.

Ruff Dog Rescue—Turning RUFF Starts into New Beginnings.

The Australian Shepherd is a highly intelligent and energetic herding dog known for its loyalty and work ethic. Originating in the United States, despite its name, this breed is prized for its agility, trainability, and versatility in various dog sports and activities. Australian Shepherds have a distinctive medium length coat that comes in different colors, often with unique merle patterns. With proper training, socialization, and exercise, these dogs make excellent companions for active families and individuals seeking a devoted and playful four legged friend.

The Collie is a graceful and intelligent dog known for their loyalty, gentle nature, and exceptional herding abilities. They come in two coat varieties, rough and smooth, with colors ranging from sable and white to blue merle. Collies excel in obedience training and thrive on mental stimulation and physical activity. Their keen intuition and strong bond with their owners make them wonderful family pets and reliable working dogs in tasks such as herding livestock or in search and rescue missions.

How You Can Help! With the huge numbers of unwanted dogs and cats in the South, the animals depend on...