Since moving to area in January, Lab Lucy has gained fan base

By Greg Ellison

(Dec. 2, 2021) Susie and Kevin Gordon were amazed after their 10-month-old dog, Lucy, was awarded the annual “Pup of the Pines” title during the “Hometown Christmas” tree-lighting ceremony last Saturday at White Horse Park.

Susie Gordon said Lucy, a fox red Labrador retriever, has ingratiated herself with neighbors since settling in the Pines this January.

“She’s literally spoiled to death,” she said. “It’s her first competition or first anything.”

The Gordons, who relocated to Ocean Pines in May 2020, live near the golf course.

“We walk there and at the South Gate Pond a lot,” she said.

Also on Lucy’s short list of hot spots is the Ocean Pines Dog Park.

“She loves the dog park,” she said.

In fact, the Gordons were motivated to enter the pup contest after numerous dog-park cohorts encouraged the venture.

Lucy’s prize package includes a free 2022 dog park registration, along with being featured as the official representative for the amenity. Also the annual Pup of the Pines winner is featured in the Ocean Pines Activity Guide.

Pup of the Pines votes were cast during the Ocean Pines Halloween and fall festival on Oct. 30 and through an online survey.

“We were thrilled to death to win,” she said.

Funds raised from contest entries are dedicated for dog park improvements and upgrades.

With both their children and grandchildren residing out of state, Lucy has filled a void for the Gordons.

“She is just like one of the family,” she said.

Gordon attributed Lucy’s popularity to her overall affability with neighbors.

“She has to greet neighbors,” she said. “She refuses to go in the house if she knows they’re out there.”

Over the past year, Lucy has also assumed a leadership role among a number of smaller canine residents.

“She’s like the neighborhood watch dog,” she said.

At the moment, short of savoring the recent title, Lucy’s principal focus is the family Christmas tree.

“Right now she’s all about our Christmas tree and wanting to play with it,” she said. “She’s rearranging it for me and has moved a few ornaments.”