noz34me said:
Black Labs- - have to be the smartest, and best mannered dogs on the planet.
We had one for nearly 15 years; all our kids grew up with her. Couldn't ask for a better dog.
About 6 months after we had to put her down (cancers) we got another black lab mix from a shelter. She had been abused, and unfortunately, I don't think she will ever be normal. After nearly 2 years, she still tucks her tail, and drops her head when approaching us. Give her a petting and a kind word, and then she responds, but it's like that every day.
I'd like to take a club to the guy that made her that way.
I couldn't agree with that sentiment more. It broke my heart to drop her off at a professional trainer this morning. With a new goat and all, I can't really afford it, but we live close enough to a road where I don't want her to bolt (she does it with my wife and daughter), and she get's so excited when people come over, she makes kids uncomfortable. Afford it or not, if she comes back as well-mannered as the dogs I met today, we're all going to be happy. All she wants to do is play play play!
I can't wait to take some pics with her and the car...will probably have one up for my avitar thingie in short order. In the mean time, I learned quite a few things today:
1. Don't trust on-line mapping software to be correct - and buy a good old atlas.
2. If you're going anywhere in Jefferson County, MO don't go without complete directions to where you're going (unless you have a day to waste).
3. If violating #2, rest assured you will lose a wheel bearing…and your cell phone will not work.
4. It would be wise to school the people who answer the phones for your business to know basic “north or south” from every major road in the area, especially when “I’m trying to think if that’s north or sou….” Gets cut off ;-)
5. A Labrador retriever is capable of inflicting more hearing damage than Judas Priest
6. Even while #5 is going on, some guy in Jefferson County will still yell directions to you if you ask. If you can actually find someone in JeffCo. to give you directions that is.
7. There are quite a few people in JeffCo that feel it appropriate to honk and try to run you off the road if #3 is occurring, causing more of #5, even if you are doing the speed limit.
8. It takes a lot longer to get back home when it sounds like a wheel is about to fall off your car (slight exaggeration there…I’ve heard worse)
9. Sometimes it pays to just trust a mechanic and your own inner voice, and take your father-in-law’s car instead.
10. I love my dog so much, I’d be willing to sign a piece of paper stating if she gets hurt and I cannot be reached, I’ll pay anything to save her life.
I agree with you about the breed too...she doesn't have to speak. I can see her thoughts through her eyes. I got mine from a highly recommended breeder because I wanted a pup I could raise and avoid what you have to go through. That would break my heart. I do praise anyone who gets a rescue animal and gives it a good life. And Pepper? I've uttered the words, "Good Girl" about a billion times over the last nine months. If she does something wrong, it's not her fault...I just have not done my job as well as I could have.
Later,
Gerry