Why buy a Labrador?

Daisy is what I call my “Rebound Dog”. My beloved Golden Retriever Sienna had passed away 4 days earlier and I was in deep mourning. I had told myself I wasn’t going to get another dog anytime soon. No dog could measure up. Famous last words.

So it was a Wednesday and on the way back from the grocery store I found myself being magnetically pulled toward the Humane Society. I decided “It wouldn’t hurt just to look” and there she was. When I met Daisy and she affectionately nuzzled her head into me when I kneeled down to pet her, it was all over.

Daisy and I have been together for three years now. Not only is she the longest relationship I’ve had, she’s also pretty much the best relationship I’ve had.  But that’s another story.

Turns out she wasn’t a rebound at all. She was the best $50 I’ve ever spent.

So why a lab? Here are my main reasons:

They are not aggressive. Springtime at the dog park is fun for us humans. Not so much for the dogs. Last Saturday we were doing our usual thing. I was talking to the other dog owners and Daisy was making her customary social rounds. However, this day was different. This day there were 2 rambunctious Labrador puppies that decided Daisy was utterly fascinating to them. They nuzzled, climbed, tripped, bumped, and nipped at Daisy for about 15 minutes and all she did was look up at me helplessly like, “Mom was I ever this immature??”

They are adaptable. I am one who, I admit, likes to sleep. Before I became a lab owner I had always heard of how “high energy” they were. You can imagine my surprise when I found out this is not the case! Well not totally anyway. Daisy can definitely get her play on when she is at the dog park. She can outrun and outplay just about any dog there. On the other hand, if there is a day when I just want to eat ice cream and go brain-dead in front of the TV, I have her full support.  She’ll just snuggle up to my feet and next thing you know she’s snoring.

They are enthusiastic.  I don’t care what we are doing, Daisy is just happy to be there. “Daisy I have an hour long appointment and want you to sit in my car!” “Whoopee!!!!” I feed her dry kibble twice a day. To me, it looks about as appetizing as chewing on a wad of paper. Yet the second she hears the rattle of the food bucket, she is dancing on her hind legs with her paws in the air.

They can smile. I mean really, what more can I say about that? You know it’s been a successful play date when your dog comes running up to you with a big grin on her face.

So now that I’ve sold you on the complete fabulousness of Labradors, where can you get your very own?

Go to Google and type “Labrador Rescue” and your state. You will find a plethora of places you can go get yourself your very own black, chocolate or white lab.