There’s a saying that cats have 9 lives… but Lucia, the dog? Well, she might be part cat, too! This resilient pitbull mix has lived through more chapters than most, each one adding to her remarkable story.

Lucia (formerly Bomba) landed at a local animal control facility as part of a cruelty and neglect investigation. There, she finally had consistent food, shelter, safety, and dependable human care, but she was still missing the warmth and belonging of a true home. For nearly two years, Lucia lived without ever knowing the comfort and love a real family could provide.

Everything changed in September 2025, when her future dad saw her and decided to bring her home. Life in a shelter can take a real toll on a dog, emotionally and mentally, but Lucia never lost her spark. Her resilience and ability to maintain a happy, loving, and silly disposition throughout her long stay could easily count as her “second life.”

Her “third”? Finding her person. Finally, Lucia got to experience just how great life can be outside of a shelter, with someone who truly loves and cares for her.

But her struggles, unfortunately, weren’t over yet.

Just a month after her adoption, Lucia collapsed while on a walk. She was rushed to a vet, where she was diagnosed with advanced heartworm disease. This marked the beginning of her next chapter, her “fourth life.” Treatment was critical to save her life, but it is intensive and often very costly. Lucia’s dad paid for the emergency visit and began the first stage of treatment right away, but the additional treatments were expensive, estimated to come in at more than $2,000.

Determined to keep Lucia healthy and by his side, her dad reached out to the Connecticut Humane Society for support. Partnering with a grant from KodiakCare, Lucia got the treatment she needed, and the opportunity to stay with the person who loved her most.

By the end of January 2026, Lucia completed her heartworm treatment and returned home with her dad, where she’s now happily living her “fifth life.”

Lucia’s story marks a huge milestone: she is the 100th pup whose life was saved by CHS’ partnership with KodiakCare, serving as a reminder that every chapter, and life, is worth fighting for!

Today, KodiakCare carries that legacy forward by supporting dogs facing serious medical challenges and the people who love them. By easing the financial burden of treatment, KodiakCare ensures that a diagnosis doesn’t mean goodbye. Each case they support is another chance for a dog to keep living (and loving) at home. CHS is proud to partner with an organization so deeply committed to keeping pets at home with the families who love them.