From Shelter to Sanctuary: Lucy’s Story

In November 2025, Furkids Animal Rescue welcomed a truly unforgettable guest: Lucy, a breathtaking Tibetan Mastiff. But behind her regal appearance was a painful reality: Lucy was in urgent need of medical care.

When Lucy came to us, she was suffering from a severe case of cherry eye that had previously been treated unsuccessfully, leaving her with even more complications. The condition, combined with excess facial skin, caused ongoing irritation and infection that made it difficult for her to see and live comfortably. During her time at Furkids, Lucy underwent not one, but two eye surgeries, followed by a specialized facial procedure to lift the excess skin away from her eyes, essentially giving her a “facelift” to prevent further infections and improve her quality of life.

It was a long road to recovery, but through it all, Lucy never lost her sweet, easygoing spirit. She soaked up attention, leaned into every bit of affection, and quickly became a favorite among everyone she met. It didn’t take long for Lucy’s story to reach beyond the walls of our shelter. After one of our dedicated volunteers shared her journey online, her story began to spread, touching the hearts of thousands. Including one very special person.

Actress Dawn Olivieri, known for her role in Yellowstone and other hit shows, came across Lucy’s story on a Furkids volunteer’s Instagram page, and instantly felt a connection. Dawn, who runs a beautiful animal sanctuary in Arkansas, knew she could offer Lucy exactly what she needed: space, peace, and a forever home. Lucy’s size and needs made her a challenging fit for many traditional homes, she simply wasn’t meant for city living. But on Dawn’s sprawling property, she would have room to roam and truly thrive. After seeing Lucy’s photo, Dawn said it was an immediate “yes.”

“When a follower sent me a pic of this giant mush ball of a Tibetan Mastiff I looked at that face and it was a big yes… She was too big for a city and needed a lot of space, and I knew we had that here for her. She is an absolute dream and healing well… This surgery has helped her beyond measure” Dawn said. “Open your home to dogs in shelters… They need our help so badly. The rescues and the fur kids. People that rescue animals are such beautiful humans… I have so much respect for anyone helping any cause in this selfless way.”

Lucy’s story may have started with hardship, but it ends where all rescue stories should: with love, healing, and home. Her life is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when compassion meets action. From complex medical care to the dedication of volunteers, to the ripple effect of one social media post - Lucy’s journey shows how many lives can come together to change one life forever.

At Furkids - we work hard every day for homeless pets just like Lucy. Want to help us change even more lives? There are so many ways to get involved!