If you’ve found your way here, you might be wondering who Lucifer is. After all, with so many dogs living across Canada and around the globe, why does this one little pup have his own website?

Beyond just being the namesake of this site, Lucifer is a happy little pup with a story to tell. His story is one of resilience, determination, and love.

Here on Lucifer the Rescue Pup, we hope that sharing his journey from being abandoned in a ditch as a young puppy to living the spoiled dog life in Canada will help inspire and encourage others.

After all, reactive dogs are good dogs, too!

collage of a smiling puppy | Lucifer the Rescue Pup’s Story

A Rough Start

This little man’s journey began in the harsh reality of the streets of Tennessee. Abandoned and left to fend for himself, he and his littermates were discovered in a ditch.

Thankfully, a kind soul rescued them and brought them to the Baker Bridge Rescue. There, they received the care and attention they desperately needed.

Lucifer, then known as Gibby, was the smallest of the litter. Despite his size, he possessed a boundless energy and a playful spirit. However, he was also quite timid, especially around people.

His journey to his forever home wasn’t easy.

With the help of Rescue Riders Pet Transport and dedicated volunteers, he made the long trip from Tennessee to Ontario, Canada, during the peak of the COVID lockdown.

Just getting him across the border proved challenging as it was still closed from the pandemic restrictions. But it was well worth the effort!

three pictures of a young puppy in a pen | Lucifer the Rescue Pup’s Story

A New Canadian Beginning

As he settled into his new family, Lucifer started learning to trust. It wasn’t an easy process, as anyone with a reactive dog can attest – but each step forward was so incredibly rewarding.

Through positive reinforcement training, pattern games, and counterconditioning, we introduced him to new experiences, adventures, locations, and people – with mixed success.

Sometimes, his ability to learn and evolve blew everyone away. Other times, it was too much, and he felt overwhelmed.

Despite his fears and his struggles, Lucifer’s playful nature and infectious smile brought joy to his new family every day.

A Medical Mystery

In early 2022, Lucifer’s playful antics took an unexpected turn. A minor incident revealed a hidden past.

X-rays showed that he had suffered significant fractures in both front legs before his rescue as a little puppy. These fractures not only caused him pain but also had an impact on his growth and development.

two x-rays of a dog's legs | Lucifer the Rescue Pup’s Story

While these injuries affected his mobility, they hadn’t dampened his spirit. He continued to live life to the fullest, bringing joy to those around him.

This determination allowed him to keep powering forward, ignoring the injuries and living his life as the little Chaos Demon and high-energy puppy that he is.

A Future Full of Hope

As we navigate the challenges that lie ahead, we are determined to provide Lucifer with the best possible care.

With the help of an incredible orthopedic specialist, we were able to work through his physical struggles, building strength and allowing him to embrace his active ways.

While surgery is still a possible option in the future, we are exploring all avenues to ensure his comfort and well-being.

For now, he is living his best life – running through the woods at our cabin home, hiking across the province of Ontario (and maybe beyond, someday?), learning a wide assortment of new tricks, speaking with his talking buttons, and snuggling his mom.

three pictures of a german shepherd mix dog | Lucifer the Rescue Pup’s Story

Join Us on Lucifer’s Journey

Follow Lucifer’s story on Instagram and TikTok. Your support not only means the world to us, but it also helps us in our mission to encourage and empower reactive dog parents everywhere.

Reactivity can be overwhelming – but it isn’t hopeless.

Together, we can help reactive dogs everywhere live a happy and fulfilling life.