Golden Retriever finds a new home at school

During these tough economic times, shelters across Southeast Texas are overrun with pets in need of homes.

A Golden Retriever that befriended a starving dog is one of the lucky ones, thanks to a middle school principal and his wife.

"She walks by every garbage can and sticks her head in it to see what's going on," said John Ferguson, the principal at Kountze Middle School.

Lucy's owners can laugh about it now, but it was the Golden Retriever's means of survival until she found a home.

"She's a survivor," said Ferguson. "The best way to say it, I guess, and she's in for the long haul."

Now the Golden Retriever has a loving family that extends far beyond the walls of John and Lisa Ferguson's home. Lucy is also a Kountze Lion.

"Lisa said she brought her up here because she didn't want to make her feel like she was abandoned, like she was left again, you know," said teacher Latine Mullins.

The Fergusons first heard about Lucy about earlier this month on KFDM News. She was in the Beaumont Animal Shelter.

Police believe the Golden Retriever befriended a starving dog after its homeowner moved away.

Police say the dog, which eventually died, was left chained in a yard for weeks without food or water.

After seeing her story, the Fergusons wanted to take Lucy home.

"Oh, I just hope we can give her as much happiness as she brought us, even in a week's time," said Lisa Ferguson.

"She's one that gives of herself and she's very conscientious," said John Ferguson. "She's so trainable too. She's got a big heart and willing to give of herself."

Now, the Fergusons are giving Lucy the love she deserves, a home with the Fergusons and a school that loves its new mascot.

If you'd like to adopt a pet, the Humane Society of Southeast Texas and the City of Beaumont Animal Shelter are looking for pet lovers.