My Dogs Antar And Lucy

This page will be dedicated to my dogs Antar and Lucy. They are the two pups that motivate me to keep going and keep writing. They bring joy to my life when things can be grim. I am blessed to have these two crazy and loving duo in my life. How I care for my pit-bull boxer mix and feisty chihuahua involves balancing their routines, keeping them active, and showering them with love.

Background Stories: How Antar and Lucy Became Family

Antar’s Journey to Us

Antar, my big-hearted pit-bull boxer mix, has been with us (my family) for 9 years now. His story started in a very unexpected way. From what I was told, one brutal cold day, post-blizzard, a young girl found him wandering the streets of Flatbush. She brought him to a police station where my friend worked as a police officer. At just 7 months old, Antar was a hyper little guy, full of energy and curiosity. My friend couldn’t care for him though since he already has a responsibility taking care of his other dog. So one day my friend asked my brother, Roy, if he wanted to take him in.

I wasn’t on board at first. It was our first pet, and to be honest, we weren’t exactly ready. Money was tight, and we already had a lot on our plates. But Roy was determined and ended up naming him Antar after an Arabic character who is a warrior known for his bravery and courage. Somehow, we made it work, and I’m glad we did. Antar turned out to be the calm, loving presence we never knew we needed. Never realized how less depressed I got with him being around.

Lucy’s Turn to Join the Pack

Lucy’s story is just as unexpected. She originally belonged to our neighbor (married to my uncle), who got Lucy from a breeder. One summer, our neighbor went overseas for three months and left Lucy with my uncle, who was already swamped working 15-hour shifts. That means Lucy was left alone most of the time.

Then one scorching day, I was on my way to grab something from 7-Eleven when I heard relentless barking coming from our neighbor’s house. It turned out my uncle had forgotten to turn on the AC before heading to work. Luckily, my mom had a spare key, and after getting the okay from my uncle, we brought Lucy over to cool down and stay with us temporarily.

Lucy immediately clicked with Antar. They played together, walked together, and were practically glued at the hip. When our neighbor returned, we gave Lucy back, but she wasn’t the same. She barely ate, was completely withdrawn, and even avoided her owner. Antar wasn’t doing much better either. He’d sulk around the house while clinging to one of Lucy’s toys we’d accidentally kept.

Our neighbor realized Lucy was happier with us and decided to let her stay for good. Though it took some negotiating with the neighbor, but it worked out for the better. It was the best decision for everyone, and from that day on, Lucy officially became part of the family.

Personality and Traits: The Dynamic Duo

Antar and Lucy couldn’t be more different, but that’s what makes their bond so special. Balancing attention between two dogs can be tough, especially when Lucy gets jealous, but we always try to make it fair.

Antar is the calm, quiet one. At nearly 100 pounds, he’s a big boy, but he’s the softest soul you’ll ever meet. One of his favorite things to do is roll onto his back and do this little “dance” to scratch his back. He’s also got a knack for destroying toys. Stuffed animals? Gone in seconds. Even those indestructible Kong toys don’t stand a chance against him.

Lucy, on the other hand, is a feisty chihuahua full of energy and sass. At only 12 to 15 pounds, she’s barely the size of Antar’s leg, but that doesn’t stop her from being the boss. She’s got this pink bone she’s obsessed with and carries it everywhere like a trophy. Lucy also loves teasing Antar, especially when she thinks no one’s watching. She’ll bump into him or run circles around him until he finally gives in and plays. Sometimes she pushes her luck, and Antar lets her know by trying to get the upper hand, but she’s quick to shut him down with a little nip. It’s all in good fun, though.

Siblings at Heart

The two of them have their moments, but overall, they get along well. Antar’s patience with Lucy is impressive. Maybe because of his age. But he’ll let her steal the spotlight sometimes, though she definitely gets jealous when we give him too much attention. It’s a balancing act, but we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Daily Life and Routines: A Day with Antar and Lucy

Every day with Antar and Lucy starts with a walk. It’s the first thing we do in the morning, and it usually lasts about 30 to 40 minutes. Once we’re back, it’s breakfast time. They chow down on their kibbles and enjoy a light snack while I get my own breakfast and dive into the day’s work.

Playtime Breaks

When I need a break from writing or blogging, I’ll hang out with them for some playtime or take them out for walks. Walking routines for dogs of different sizes can be tricky, but Antar and Lucy have gotten used to matching each other’s pace.

In regards to toys, Antar and Lucy both love squeaky balls and chasing bubbles, but those are special treats for later in the day. Both Antar and Lucy have their favorite dog toys. Antar loves tearing apart stuffed toys, while Lucy can spend hours with her pink bone. Sometimes, she tries to get Antar to chase her around the house.

Also, finding the best toys for strong chewers like pit-bulls has been a challenge since Antar can destroy even the toughest ones in hours.

If I’m up for it, we’ll even roughhouse a bit. Nothing too crazy, but enough to get them hyped up and happy.

Snack Time and Shared Care

Dog snacks and treats they love, like beef jerky dog treats and milk bones, are key to keeping them happy and rewarded. They’ll demolish them in seconds. I always use positive reinforcement, which means I reward them with treats when they do well.

If I’m working outside the house, my parents or brothers, Roy and Karl, help with the walking and care. Roy’s girlfriend, Eda, even contributes a lot.

Adventures and Activities: Exploring the Outdoors

Antar and Lucy may not be big travelers, but we’ve had a few fun adventures together. One of my favorite memories was renting an Airbnb in New Jersey for a weekend getaway. We spent time in the open field, letting them explore and enjoy the fresh air. Antar, being the anxious one, needed some extra time to settle in, but Lucy? She couldn’t have cared less. She was off enjoying herself from the start.

Aside from that trip, we keep things simple with long walks when the weather’s nice. It’s nothing fancy, but for them, it’s the highlight of the day. Honestly, it’s a great way for me to unwind too.

A Forever Bond

Antar and Lucy are more than just dogs. They’re my family and my inspiration. They’ve been with me through ups and downs, always bringing joy, laughter, and comfort not only to me but to my family. This page is just a small way to share how much they mean to me. Stories about life with two dogs are never boring. Antar and Lucy keep every day full of laughter and surprises.

I’ll keep updating this page with stories, pictures, and memories as we make them. If you’d like to know about the products we love and use for Antar and Lucy, check out the column on the side. If you’d like to know more about me then head on over to my About Me page.

Thank you for taking the time to meet these two amazing souls. I hope their story brings a little light to your day.