Paige came to us from a high kill shelter. She did have a litter of puppies but when she arrived at the shelter someone placed the momma and litter into the wrong kennel and the small new born puppies fell down the water drain. After hearing this heart breaking story we just had to save this beautiful mamma. She is so sweet and loving and we hope to find her a forever home soon!

 

Foster Update 7/8/10: Paige is a sweet, gentle dog who loves to be near people.  She does not get on the furniture so she curls up at my feet when I sit down and sleeps next to the bed through the night.  There is no fear of thunderstorms and the sound of fireworks on the fourth did not bother her although sudden unexpected noises can make her skittish for a moment.

 

She is great in the car and prefers the front seat, probably because there is no one else with us so it is available.  On longer rides, she naps while I drive and on short rides there is no desire to stick her head out the window.  Our first trip to the dog park was a little bit anxious and when a huge, un-neutered male came sniffing around, she let out a loud yelp which sent him on his way.  She was wonderful with all the other dogs we met that day and in the neighborhood when we walk.  She is good on a leash with no pulling and we stop to greet anyone who happens to be outside.

 

She also did very well when left alone for a couple of hours loose in the house.  I was surprised to see her watching out the front bay window for my return!  Then there were lots of kisses with her tail wagging, letting me know how glad she was to see me. 

 

Treats are taken very gently and sometimes she will play with her Milkbone for awhile before eating it, pouncing on it and jumping back then rolling around on the floor batting at it with her paws.  She plays like a puppy and enjoys being cuddled and getting belly rubs.  Definitely no rough house play or jumping up on anyone.  

 

Paige is housebroken, cleans her food bowl (with a tablespoon of canned food added to dry) and is always curious about food being prepared but does not beg or try to steal any.  She rarely barks and then it is to alert us to the approach of someone or when she is startled by an unfamiliar sound.  She would be comfortable in a home with another dog or one where someone is home most of the time as she likes companionship and does not enjoy being alone.

 

*** According to www.dogbreedinfo.com, the Labrador Retriever is a loving, affectionate, lovable, patient dog. Once known as the "St John's Dogs," the Labrador Retriever is one of the most popular breeds in the United States. Originally from Newfoundland, Canada the Labrador was trained to jump overboard into the icy waters to haul fisherman's nets to shore. Specimens were brought to England in the 1800's by English ships coming from Labrador, where the dog's fine retrieving instincts were honed and developed. One of the best family dogs and canine companions because of their gentle, loving disposition, the highly trainable Labrador also excels in drug detection, as a guide for the blind, and service dog for the disabled. The breed is also an outstanding obedience and field trial competitor. Highly intelligent, loyal, willing, and high-spirited. Lively and good-natured, they love to play, especially in water - for they love to swim. They have an excellent, reliable, temperament and are friendly, superb with children and equable with other dogs. They crave human attention and need to feel as though they are part of the family. Labs are easily trained. These dogs are watchdogs, not guard dogs, although some have been known to guard. They have a life expectancy of 10-12 years.