About Libby and Lucky

Driving home one day from her job as a media specialist at North Surry High School in Mt. Airy, NC, Libby Bagby rescued an injured dog.  To her family and friends, this was typical behavior for Libby who already had five other dogs at home.  Little did she know how helping this dog was about to change the “plot” of her life. 

Looking forward to retirement after teaching in both Mecklenburg County and Surry County, Libby was eagerly anticipating hours spent reading, gardening, bicycling, and traveling.  Her dreams of reading and traveling came true but not exactly as she had imagined.  At the vet she was informed that the breed of the canine she had assisted was recognized as the state dog of North Carolina.  Amazed at the news that North Carolina had a state dog, Libby wondered how many other Tar Heels were aware of this fact of North Carolina history. 

With encouragement from many friends and colleagues and using her 30 years as an educator plus her masters in both teaching and educational media, Libby decided to make it her new mission in life to spread the word about our state’s courageous hunting hound.  She began by writing a children’s book entitled Lucky’s Plott.  It is the heart-warming tale of her Plott Hound’s journey into her life while teaching breed characteristics. 

But she didn’t stop there!  Using her knowledge of curriculum and the educational system combined with years spent researching the breed across the United States, Libby designed a presentation to teach other native North Carolinians about this state symbol.  Her presentation is entitled "Staying on Track with Lucky's Plott.”  In it she explains the history and physical characteristics of the breed, shares information about the Waynesville, NC, family that is credited with originating the Plott Hound, and explains the legislative process involved for an object to become a state symbol.  With tons of enthusiasm for her subject and with Lucky by her side, Libby with her collection of primary source pictures, printed materials, and memorabilia collected from the Plott family and Plott fanciers throughout the United States, makes the presentation one “howling” good time!