French bulldog becomes Lakeside CrossFit’s beloved ambassador

Lucy the French Bulldog has spent the past few years greeting members and passersby at Lakeside CrossFit's front door in downtown Coeur d'Alene, turning heads and drawing smiles as the gym's ambassador.

Matt Anderson, who co-owns the gym with his wife, Sharon, and business partner, Pat Sprague, said Lucy belongs there. 

"She loves all the members. She greets them at the door," he said. "She just hangs right there. Doesn't run out in the street, nothing. She's like my shadow." 

Anderson and his family adopted Lucy from a friend who needed to find her a new home. She was already 2 years old and needed only light training. 

"She's super smart," he said. "She's always been a really good dog. She listens super well." 

The Andersons have been operating the gym for two years. Anderson, a Coeur d'Alene native, grew up when downtown was quieter and described acquiring and running the gym as a natural extension of their long involvement in the local fitness scene. Someone essentially "put it in our lap," he recalled, and the location felt right.

The dog has a touch of separation anxiety and prefers to stay close to the Andersons. Lucy will spin in circles when she senses Anderson is about to leave. She has even been known to rise as early as 4:45 a.m. to accompany him. 

"She won't let me leave without her," he said. 

On the rare occasion she did wander, she didn't go far before a good Samaritan picked her up and took her to Companions Animal Center. 

People walking by frequently stop to take photos, and some members even stop by to see her. Lucy has been a part of the gym's story from the start. The Andersons got her when they were still building out the space. 

"She's been here since the beginning," Anderson said. "It's been super fun."

    Owner Matt Anderson said that it has been super fun learning and growing the business with Lucy by his side.