Introducing:

Taken in: 2014-12-12

I've had to go through a few changed environments over the last few months. Most of the time I remember all the right things to do. But other times I've made mistakes. My foster parents have reassured me that I'm entitled to make mistakes, so long as I learn from my mistakes. They tell me its not my fault that my world was suddenly turned upside down.

Well go figure - I am actually very successful in foster care today, even though I know I will have to transition again into a new, unfamiliar environment. To help with that, here is a bit about me...

I am a dog that loves to walk and take rides in the car. Sometimes I get over-excited when it's time to go out - and I bark unnecessarily out of sheer joy. I've been reminded in foster care that a QUIET beginning gets our walks started sooner. This is just an example of where I might need ongoing friendly reminders. I hope you're willing! Once we're walking, I am by far an excellent walker, no pulling or dragging. Oh oh and just a side note that I do the same thing when I'm in the car. I get excited that we're going to the doggy park so I unnecessarily bark thinking it's going to get us there faster. Foster mom carries a spritzer and simply reminds me that barking while in motion is not cool. Eventually, I just settle down and go with it. Again - minor mistakes by me.

What do I do well? Well, being a successful pack member is to be noted. Today I live with a bunch of dogs, but most of the time while in the home I'm very independent of them. Yet when taken out with my pack, I love to give the younger pups a run for the money. I'm very socialized and balanced when it comes to my doggy etiquette.

My house manners are very good. I roam freely needing only a doggy door or access to the outside to take care of my business on time. Oh and did I tell you I love food?! Again - I'm all Lab. Now some of my major mistakes have been about food. You see, if I think there's food on the kitchen counters...I'm going to get curious. However my foster parents know that I can fall back into counter surfing habits so they simply redirect me and send me on my way, with consistency. Also I get treats in between my main meals which satisfies my cravings and ensures I won't get myself into trouble over food. As a result, I have successfully mastered that problem and no longer counter surf or dumpster dive while in foster care.

What I really prefer to have you know is that I am a gentle spirit, excellent companion, and will watch over you closely. I am very quiet in the home and am easily satisfied by being close to you. It's not at all unusual for me to be right under your feet while you're cooking, or attempting a snuggle with you or the kids in your bed. I only bark as a security measure when I think I hear something outside that you should know about. I am easily corrected, redirected and reassured. I am considered today in foster care to be a perfect gentlemen of a Lab so long as I get my exercise needs met, my tummy issues addressed on time, and my leadership and boundary reminders set down. I would make a wonderful full or part time companion to a family that prefers to be outdoors active. I am very good with kids of all ages but really like school aged kids who want me to cuddle in bed with them to keep the closet monsters from coming around. I currently do not live with cats but my prior owners reported me as good with them too. I do live with horses now and even though I jump in their face for attention, the horses don't take me very seriously which is confirmation that I am just a gentle spirit. I am the perfect retrieving dog and can play fetch for hours. I am proficient at doggy parks and doggy beach. These are strengths I immediately bring into my next forever home! As you will see from my video, I can keep up with the young pups, but really prefer to just be close to my people. My next family is one that is willing to keep me always indoor where I am most comfortable. If you feel you can satisfy these basic needs for me, then we should meet. Please contact your Family Rep if you feel we are a match! http://youtu.be/zQc8nxIGl7c