Many have already seen her pics on Facebook. But just in case you have not, here is Millie. Got her Friday night at the Trout Unlimited dinner in Fayetteville. She is a 14-week old lab.
She has already blended into our family and gets along with two other labs, including 13-year old Rosie.
She is sweet, lovable and loves to snuggle. She came with her own crate and sleeps all night in it.
Her lineage includes dock dive champs and field trial champs. She also comes from a long line of sweetness. We have seen all of those traits including a leap off the front porch when a stick was tossed away.
Millie will be a big girl. She is at 32 pounds already and loves to eat. She devours her meals.
Sarah took the picture. We have a lot of photos but this is my favorite. Got tongue out a little, sort of her Michael Jordan look. She may be planning to lick Sarah.
I will say that retirement has been going good for you. Way too much fun and enjoyment which is what it is supposed to be. Yes there are some bad but who cannot love have a dog like that will follow you everywhere and be your pal. You have time to enjoy that now too, Labs started out snagging salmon so maybe trout will do just as well.
So far so good. Jean Ann consistently leads the way in our house. The labs are hers. She does share them. Millie will get to swim in our rivers.
We have learned today that she will bring a tennis ball back and give it to you without much coaxing. She releases anything into your hand without much trouble.
Labs are just the coolest dogs… but I got to have the blonde kind like you have… I may break down and get one myself. Might go over to the rescue center and see what they got… isn’t it expensive to keep dogs though with shots and things of that nature??
Vets are not cheap for sure Billy. We typically spend about $300 for Mr. Bojangles annual check up. The first year it was about $700 for all shots and nurturing him. (Poor boy) It’s worth every penny. Some shelters may have already taken care of some initial fees.
Thanks Danny I might look into it… I hear Labs are very energetic and even though I have an apartment I try to walk at least 4 miles a day which will give plenty of exercise.
While buying a dog from a shelter is a worthy effort, you might also consider buying from a reputable breeder. Dogs in shelters can make wonderful pets, but you run a risk that there can be health or temperament issues.
Reputable breeders will screen their dogs for known health issues in their breed. I screen my dogs for hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, cone degeneration (day blindness), cardiac problems, and eye problems. Those tests are not cheap, but they provide some assurance.
Labs are one of the breeds known to have hip dysplasia. So be aware.
All of that said, dogs can provide wonderful companionship.
Our pup came with all those DNA tests for our dog and the sire and dame. Peace of mine. For what I paid, we got a deal considering the shots and tests and pedigree information. We will get more from AKC registration. Pretty cool.
Great point on hip issue with labs. Have had two AKC pedigree labs come down with it after about 11 years and it was heart breaking to see them look at me when they could not do their normal things as result. Lost our fourth lab 18 months ago and wanted to get one like Clay’s Misty but after much thought declined as did not want to go through that again. I miss them laying on my feet when at desk or reading. Best time was getting up before work (pre retirement) and going for morning walk and then coming home to see them at door waiting on you. Dogs are great just like good friends. My labs were in 100# class and when young they were hand full to take on walks because they wanted to check everything out and off they would go with me handing on for the ride…
@ClayHenry, just be sure not to let her be too fat as a young dog. There have been studies that show that if puppies are overweight, the development of the hips can be affected. I know that she will wrap you around her paws.
