It's MuttNation Monday! Time to re-introduce you to a dog special to both Wayne and Tay...

This is Luca. If he looks familiar, it's because he is a "MuttNation Monday Alumni" and visited The Wayne D Show / The Big 98 back in July '22. (Back when his name was Velcro) Luca, aka the dog formally known as Velcro, is what we call a "return adoption" here at NHA. Even though this excellent dog was ADOPTED shortly after the last time he was featured, he's back at NHA, through no fault of his own, looking for a forever home once again. Because once you have a home with NHA, you are family, and always have a home with NHA.

You may remember him as the dog who would rather Wayne D love over a freshly grilled burger. Yup. He's just that kind of big love: His heart is bigger than his belly, and affection is more important to him than treats.

Quick history on Luca: Back when he was going by the name of Velcro, he was transported to NHA from an overcrowded shelter partner of Nashville Humane's. Back at NHA, he has (once again) totally won over the hearts of our dedicated Staff and Volunteers who have just fallen head over heels in love with this large, older, black, mix breed dog. Everyone just can't wait for Luca to find the perfect (paw-fect?) #LoveHarder home he deserves. Thank you, Miranda Lambert's MuttNation, for giving Luca this 2nd chance on this "check me out and adopt me" platform! Luca's personality shines just as much as his beautiful black fur.

Anyone out there reading this and falling in love with his pictures plus the Facebook Live with Wayne D Show on The Big 98... Please know that meeting Luca in person is even better. Seriously. Everyone, just like Wayne & Tay, who meets Luca pretty much says the same thing after their introduction: "HE IS SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO SWEET!" It's true. Luca. Is. Sweet.

A note from Luca himself:

"Hi, my name is Luca! I'm so eager to please, I just need someone who wants to teach a big puppy like me some new tricks! Some of my favorite things include playing with Kong toys and romping around with my dog friends here at NHA. I do prefer female friends, so if you're interested in me, bring your pup along so they can meet me too! Do I sound like your perfect match? Meet me today and I promise I'll put my best paw forward to show I'm your guy!"

A little bit more about the happiest boy:

Luca's large life loving personality fits his large size: He's almost 5 years old, and a Black Labrador Retriever / German Shepherd mix who weighs 63 pounds. He is neutered, up to date on shots, and is microchipped. For a dog his size and strength, he walks amazingly well when on a leash. He's not a fan of being in a kennel here at NHA. So, anyone that wants to meet him, we ask that get assistance when putting a leash on him. Due to the fact that his excitement to "go out" may be a little overwhelming to some.

More Fun Facts:

Luca has the most expressive face, too. Not only does he look like he is always smiling -BUT- his ears also seem to have a mind of their own. Up, down, a little bit of both. One just never knows what ears you'll see on top of his head. Which, almost instantaneously, puts a smile on any hooman that is with him! Yup. His energy, looks, and outgoing/happy personality is totally infectious. He is an active boy who is always ready for an outside adventure and doggie play dates. Please note that he is selective with who he enjoys playing with. Since moving to NHA and having supervised play dates, he appears to play better with dogs his age, and opposite gender, rather than a pup still in that active-bouncy teenager phase. So, if you've got an adult female dog looking for a BFF... Open Paw Invite to bring them in to meet Luca! Luca also has great inside potty manners, very smart, very silly, and when he sits for you, just get ready that his next "trick" is to jump up and lick you in the face! Because of this jumping up habit, and his size, we recommend a home with older children (not toddlers) may be the best for him.

Bottom Line:

Luca will fill your heart with so much love and laughter. He loves being outside and being active just as much as he loves being inside the home, right by your side, getting belly rubs and forehead kisses, and being repeatedly asked "Who's a good boy?" Trust us - He knows the answer is "ME!"

We could go on and on about mister happy pants... a dog who is so easy to love but seems to be harder to get adopted because of his breed mix, color and size. He deserves a Forever Home like all the pets do. Once you meet Luca, you will see that no other dog will ever #LoveHarder when ADOPTED! Who will be the lucky one to adopt Luca?

Again & Again:

Thank you, Wayne, and Tay for letting this Big Love visit your studio. OK. Who wants to meet Luca??? NHA is open for adoptions Tuesday through Sunday starting at 10am. Please come visit and ADOPT this wonderful adult dog. THANK YOU!

PS:

Now through Sunday, December 11th, all thanks to BISSELL Pet Foundation's Holiday Hope Event, Luca has a reduced #EmptyTheShelters Adoption Fee of $25!

MuttNation Mondays with The Nashville Humane Association