Fetch and WAR/ the Children toy theory..
Since Lucy was tiny, she's favored one type of toy above all else: the flossy chews (you know what I'm talking about, and if not, they're amazing- they keep her occupied and her teeth and mouth are so clean- every dog owner who's been close enough compliments her pearly whites!)
But back to the topic at hand- I learned early on that Lucy was motivated by more than fetching the toy; what clicked for her was making it a full contact sport (not literally!).
I throw the 'tug', and whenever she drops it like you say yours does, I try to appeal to her to get it, but if she doesn't, I make a playful sound and hurry towards the discarded toy. It's like magic (anyone who has ever dealt with a toddler who isn't interested in a toy until another child has it knows this effect. He doesn't want the fire truck- what do you mean she's playing with it, now?! THAT'S MY FIRE TRUCK!) She loves it! It keeps her involved that I'm involved, so her enthusiasm to bring it to me has grown exponentially.
That said, I'm sure I look quite ridiculous, running about, but the more I did it, the less I had to- if that makes sense..
Oh, and it helps that Lucy LOVES tug of war. I mean, LOVES.
She never plays fair, either. :lol: