Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF Fri-Yay/Goodnews

Today’s good news comes to us from the Daily Paws. Here is the story unedited.

Elderly, Blind Golden Retriever Returns Home After 3 Weeks Missing in Alaska Wilderness

The Alaskan bush is tough terrain for almost anyone, let alone an elderly, blind, golden retriever.

CREDIT: CHENDONGSHAN / GETTY

If you’re a fan of Naked and Afraid, you know how hard it is to survive in the Alaskan wilderness. But let us introduce you to an older, blind golden retriever who held her own in the wild for three weeks alone.

On June 18, the Kubacki family’s beloved fur-baby, Lulu, went missing. “She means everything,” her dad Ted Kubacki told theAssociated Press. “I have five daughters, and they’re 4 to 13 years old, so they’ve spent every day of their life with that dog.”

The entirety of the Kubacki family searched for Lulu for weeks, but to not avail. Cruelly, someone even texted the family, telling them they’d found Lulu—only to then follow up with a “just kidding.”

But on July 5, a construction crew spotted the golden retriever, who they initially mistook for a bear, in a salmonberry bush lining the road they were working on. Lulu was about 15 feet down an embankment off the side of the road, not too far from the Kubacki’s home. Upon closer inspection, the construction workers realized they had found a dog who needed care.

Ted Kubacki told the AP that when he got word Lulu had been discovered, “I called my wife from work and it was just screaming. … She just starts yelling, then she yells to the kids. And I just hear them screaming like crazy.”

“I just expected to come back and be like, ‘Hey, here’s my dog.’ She’s going to jump up and wag her tail and kiss my face, and she couldn’t even pick up her head,” Kubacki told the AP. “She’d been through the wringer.”

But after medical attention, R & R, and food, Lulu is on the mend.

“Slowly but surely she started eating and she was kind of able to pick her head up. But then yesterday, she propped herself up on her front paws by herself, like nestled into me and gave me a kiss and wagged her tail and it was just so great,” Kubacki told the AP.

Kubacki told the AP he was worried about covering Lulu’s vet bills, but people from their town of Sitka had donated hundreds to foot the bill.

“We have our family member home,” Kubacki said.

The good news here is Lulu never gave up.

Todays JohnKu talks about giving up. I hope you have a great weekend.

Love by John W. Howell © 2022

Wanting to give up,

And we think the time has come . . .

Think of those we love.

 

77 comments

  1. OIKOS™- Art, Books & more's avatar

    Thanks for sharing this very empowering and heart touching story, John! Have a good weekend as well. Best wishes, Michael

    Liked by 3 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Michael. Best wishes to you.

      Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank for sharing the post, Michael.

      Like

  2. Harmony Kent's avatar

    Wonderful story and amazing dog. The prankster texter was way out of order. Fantastic and on-point JohnKu. Thanks for sharing, John. Have an awesome weekend 💕🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Can you imagine there are people like that? Thanks, Harmony. You are supposed to be on vacation so I appreciate your comment.

      Liked by 1 person

  3. davidprosser's avatar

    HEARTWARMING STORY JOHN. I;M A SUCKER FOR A HAPPY ENDING.
    HUGS

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Me too, David. The family and dog didn’t give up and it paid off. Hugs.

      Liked by 1 person

  4. Darlene's avatar

    Oh my, this is so heartwarming. I’m so glad they got their fur baby back. Pets are such an important part of the family.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      They are. The poor thing just wanted to get back to her family.

      Liked by 1 person

  5. Jill Weatherholt's avatar

    What a beautiful story. Thanks for sharing, John.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      It is a nice one. Thanks, Jill.😊

      Like

  6. Annette Rochelle Aben's avatar

    You can feel the love here!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes, indeed.😊

      Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I thought so too. Thanks, Charles.

      Like

  7. Joan Hall's avatar

    Amazing story, John. One with a happy ending.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Which is a good thing. 😊

      Like

  8. Dale's avatar

    Now this story just hit me in the feels. I am always amazed by animals that manage to find their way home; though in this case, with a little help.
    Beautiful story and wonderful haiku, John.
    Happy Friday!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Dale. I feel the same as you. Touches the heart. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  9. coldhandboyack's avatar

    Poor old girl. So glad they found her in time.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Seems like it was just in the nick of time.

      Liked by 1 person

  10. GP's avatar

    Animals can most often be smarter and capable of more than humans. I am thrilled Lulu is back home!!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Me too, GP. We al could use more happy endings. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  11. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

    It sounds as though Lulu was found just in time! I love your Johnku, words to live by, for sure.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I think you are right, Liz. She had a long recovery and now it looks like the family can celebrate.

      Liked by 1 person

  12. Writer Lori's avatar

    Awesome story, John. These pups are so precious….

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      The time with them is precious for sure, Lori. Always wish it was longer.

      Liked by 1 person

  13. Teri Polen's avatar

    Well, now I need a tissue after reading this. What a wonderful story.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I know right? We animal lovers get emotional about storied like this.

      Liked by 1 person

  14. Lauren's avatar

    Thanks for sharing this wonderful story.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      My pleasure Lauren. I’m glad you liked it.

      Liked by 1 person

  15. shoreacres's avatar

    These stories of animal survival always amaze me. It’s especially touching that a family with children were able to reunite with their pet.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      It is touching. I’m sure Lulu hung on out of love for them.

      Liked by 1 person

  16. Staci Troilo's avatar

    Having just been through worrying for a sick pet, I can relate to their fear of losing Lulu and their immense relief and gratitude upon getting her back. What fabulous news. FriYAY, indeed. Thanks, John.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes I’m sure you can.

      Liked by 1 person

  17. Gwen M. Plano's avatar
    Gwen M. Plano · ·

    Such a beautiful, heart-warming story! Thank you, John. Your haiku is perfect, and the final words are so wise: think of those we love. 😊

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Gwen. I love these kinds of stories.

      Liked by 1 person

  18. Debbie's avatar

    Aw, what a great story! Too bad this senior pup can’t tell us what she faced, what her feelings were, and how she managed to get back home. Must’ve been pretty horrifying, not being able to see and being lost.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I can not imagine. Thanks, Debbie.

      Liked by 1 person

  19. walkingoffthechessboard's avatar

    Yet another amazing story involving a dog working their way back home. A happy ending, and a happy way to start the weekend. Thanks for sharing, John.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      My pleasure Bruce. Thanks for the comment.

      Liked by 1 person

  20. Author Jan Sikes's avatar

    Oh my! What a heartwarming story. I’m so glad LuLu found her family again!

    Liked by 1 person

  21. D.L. Finn, Author's avatar
    D.L. Finn, Author · ·

    This made me smile.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      That is a good thing, Denise. 😊

      Like

  22. T. W. Dittmer's avatar

    Happy ending to a nice story, John, but with a negative sidenote. Someone texted they’d found Lulu as a joke? Life in the asshole era.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yeah go figure. Shows what asshats people really are at times.

      Liked by 1 person

  23. D. Wallace Peach's avatar

    What an amazing feel-good story, John. I was riveted and all teary. The happy ending was heartwarming, including the support of the community. A wonderful share. ❤ ❤

    Like

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I agree, Diana. It was a great story. Thanks for sharing your comment.

      Liked by 1 person

  24. The Coastal Crone's avatar

    Sweet story, John. I thought of the movie, “Lassie Come Home.” Showing my sentimental age, I know! TGIF! Take good care of your girls.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Jo. TGIF to you as well. 😁

      Like

  25. noelleg44's avatar

    This brought tears to my eyes. Such love!

    Like

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I’m glad it moved you, Noelle. 😊

      Like

  26. quiall's avatar

    Love truly is the answer and the cure. Lovely story. Lovely the haiku.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you so much, Pamela.

      Liked by 1 person

  27. petespringer's avatar
    petespringerauthor · ·

    I’m a sucker for stories like this. Throw in the fact that we’ve always had retrievers (one of them a golden) and our current yellow lab is named Lulu, and there is no way for me not to love this story.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I can see that, Pete. Glad we had a good one for you.

      Liked by 1 person

  28. Sorryless's avatar

    Wow, I want to completely ignore the prank caller but really, WTF is wrong with some people?

    But hey, in the end we have what counts most of all. The whole family is back together, just when they were beginning to think all was lost.

    Great story Sheriff

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thanks Pilgrim. I thought so too. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  29. Dan Antion's avatar

    This story touches my heart.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes it is a good one. Thanks, Dan

      Liked by 1 person

  30. Jennie's avatar

    I love this story!!!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Me too, Jennie. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  31. Resa's avatar

    Le sniff!
    Poor pup! But she’s sounding good now.
    The sentiment in the words of your JohnKu is what kept Lulu alive. She waited for her people!
    Kudos to the community for helping with the vet bills!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      It is a good story, Resa. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. XO

      Liked by 1 person

  32. circadianreflections's avatar

    I’m so glad she was found and is doing alright. I hope she makes a full recovery.

    Like

  33. Ilsa Rey's avatar

    Perhaps the best part of this is the people who helped pay the vet bills. Your John-Ku is very on point. Thank you for this, John. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes that was a frosting on the cake kind of thing.

      Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes it is. Thanks.

      Like

  34. dweezer19's avatar

    I love a great dog rescue story John. Thanks

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I like it too, Cheryl. Thank you.

      Liked by 1 person