John Gallagher is a world class photographer whose work takes him many places and he was in Eastern Washington 2 1/2 years ago on a shoot when he spotted a dog. "I was out photographing on a trip and drove in on this deserted road near the Columbia River that not many people go back in on and she'd been dumped back in there. It was near Tri-Cities, the middle of August, 100 degrees and she had no food and no water," Gallagher said. His wife Joan Vermeulen continued, "John said he came to a fork in the road and took one and she came scrambling out of the bush."

He called her and she came running up. So he loaded her in the car and took her to a friend's home while he took care of the rest of his work. "He named her Lucy because of the way she moved, 'She just moves all loosey-goosey'," Gallagher said. Vermeulen said, "We had been talking about eventually getting a dog so John left me a message at my job, 'We've been talking about it and I know it's absolutely impractical but I found this dog and she has such a nice disposition so I'm just going find a place for her here' and I said, 'You know....just bring her home and we'll try it."

Lucy is a pretty normal loving animal but she has one behavior that makes her extra special. She loves to sing along with fire engine sirens.
"When they go by and if they are really off in the distance she starts howling along, almost as if the pack is leaving her behind, and she does the same with bagpipes by the way," said Vermeulen. While that might seem odd, the couple said that Lucy really enjoys it, "We have regular howling sessions in the house, and luckily we have double pane windows," they said laughing.

Lucy likes carrots, apples and cucumber, chases squirrels, "but they are too smart," said Vermuelen.

Having a dog has had a positive affect on the couple beyond just being a member of the family. "We walk a lot more," said Gallagher, "three times a day minimum."

How to nominate your pet for Pet of the Week:

Want to nominate your pet for Pet of the Week? Stop by the VCA West Seattle Veterinary Hospital at 5261 California Ave. S.W. and just ask for a form. A nomination is not a guarantee of appearance and your name and photo may appear in our newspaper and online.

Photos may or may not be used and our "Pet Reporter" may be in touch with you to arrange to take a photo. Pets nominated will be chosen on the basis of uniqueness of the pet and the quality of the story and information submitted.