When we came across a touching tale in the Daily Sitka Sentinel about a blind elderly dog reuniting with her family, we knew it was too heartwarming not to share. An Alaskan family endured intense stress after their elderly dog, Lulu, went missing when she wandered away from their yard.
In Alaska, losing a pet is especially concerning due to the variety of wildlife inhabiting the area. With animals like grizzly bears, moose, and wolverines roaming the land, it's a dangerous place for any domestic animal to be lost. Lulu's family was understandably anxious about her safety. However, after three weeks, a construction crew found Lulu, who had been missing for quite some time. The workers initially mistook her for a bear hiding among the salmonberry bushes.
By the time Lulu was found, she was in poor condition, but she has since been reunited with her family and is receiving the care she needs. Ted Kubacki, Lulu’s owner, shared with the Daily Sitka Sentinel, “She means everything. I have five daughters between 4 and 13 years old, and they’ve grown up with her.”
Following Lulu’s disappearance on June 18, the Kubacki family was misled by a cruel prankster who falsely claimed to have found Lulu. The family’s initial joy was quickly dashed by a message saying, “just kidding,” which added to their growing concern. As days turned into weeks with no sign of Lulu, their hope began to wane.
Kubacki expressed their fear, noting, “She’s so vulnerable and helpless, and we worried she wouldn’t be able to get very far due to her blindness.”
Eventually, after three weeks, a construction crew discovered Lulu, who they initially mistook for a bear. Once they realized it was a lost pet, they rescued her and contacted the Kubackis.
Kubacki recounted the emotional moment, saying, “I called my wife from work, screaming with excitement. She started yelling, and then the kids joined in. It was an overwhelming moment of joy.” Lulu, normally weighing 80 pounds, had dropped to just 57 pounds and was found dirty, matted, dehydrated, and hungry.
Kubacki described Lulu’s return, noting, “When she came back, she could barely lift her head. But little by little, she started eating and regaining her strength. The other day, she managed to prop herself up on her front paws, snuggled up to me, gave me a kiss, and wagged her tail. It was such a wonderful moment.”
We’re thrilled this story ended so happily. Lulu is now enjoying her golden years surrounded by the love and comfort she truly deserves.