I Love Lucy: A Senior Shih Tzu in Service

WCRL judge discusses journey with her heart dog.

When Kristin Platzer first brought Lucy home at 9 weeks old, she knew the young Shih Tzu was a special dog. The pair have spent almost every minute of Lucy’s life together, from training Lucy to be Kristin’s service dog to competing in their first dog sports together.  

“Lucy is incredibly special to me,” Kristin said. “We have an almost supernatural bond; she will always be my heart dog. She has traveled with me all over, done many things normal dogs never do, and been absolutely wonderful every step of the way. She has been a huge help getting me through some of the worst moments of my life.” 

Kristin has several health problems affecting her mobility, so Lucy is trained to help where she can, including picking up/retrieving items and turning out the lights using her own light switch at her level. Lucy has also worked in a large trauma emergency department as a therapy dog and helped Kristin train other service dogs, particularly those partnered with veterans.  

After some major life changes, Kristin needed a positive outlet and was encouraged to try rally, making Lucy the first dog she trained for dog sports as well as service. At 7 years old, Lucy easily transferred her obedience and other service skills to the WCRL ring, bringing home two first-place ribbons from her first trial. Kristin continued trialing Lucy in different sports for the next six years, including obedience, agility, scent work, Barn Hunt and tricks.  

“I never thought we could do agility due to my mobility issues, but she amazed me, getting us up to competing at the Master level,” Kristin said. “She has provided great amusement in hunting rats, which is a very unconventional activity for a Shih Tzu, and she became the nation’s #1 Shih Tzu in tricks for 2022. She is a happy, enthusiastic partner who just loves playing all these games with her mom!” 

Now age 13, Lucy has earned many titles with WCRL, including her ARCHMX2 last year. Some of Kristin’s favorite moments involve the times Lucy did something in such a cute way that she made the judge, steward and/or onlookers laugh. Most of all, Kristin loves looking down and seeing Lucy’s happy face staring back at her. 

“WCRL has played a prominent role in our journey, and in 2019, I became a rally judge,” Kristin said. “It was a great way to become more involved in this activity that Lucy and I have both enjoyed so much. Not only have we had a ton of fun and special moments, but we have also gained a ton of new friends and a wonderful new community.  

“WCRL trials are such positive trials,” she added. “I love seeing all the teams succeed and celebrating their awards and titles with them. I could not have asked for a better partner to get into this sport or a better community to welcome us in!”