The Labs of Laurel Way

Tarra and Bella

2011-11-17T13:28:00.001-08:00

Happy 7th Birthday to Chie

2011-09-15T11:21:00.000-07:00

How can 7 years pass by like that, in the blink of an eye? Happy birthday to that sweet, sassy, beautiful girl who has taught me some of the greatest lessons in life: Know your priorities. Keep your eye on the ball. Do what you love every day. Don't whine. Share. Take it like a big girl. Be hopeful. You can charm the pants off almost anyone. Drama is overrated. Everything is wonderful and amazing. True leaders are kind, gentle, and fun. Tennis balls rule.

Hero Dogs of September 11

2011-09-10T20:01:00.001-07:00

Cover Boy

2011-05-03T22:21:00.000-07:00

Finn is featured on the cover of this month's Bay Woof newspaper! His photo was taken by the world's greatest pet photographer, Tonya Perme.

Finn's Turn

2011-04-08T23:12:00.001-07:00

At last...Finn is ready for adoption! It has been my great privilege to foster this amazing dog; I wish that I could be half as good as he is. Please visit Indi Lab Rescue to read Finn's bio and for more information.

Finn Wins!

2011-03-28T22:12:00.000-07:00

Finn's photo came in 3rd in Pampered Puppy's February photo contest! We won a Nina Ottosson dog puzzle, which is something we've been wanting to try out. Pretty cool!

Another One-Year Anniversary

2011-03-18T01:21:00.000-07:00

Happy Permanent Foster Day to Henry! One year ago, Henry came into our lives...and what a year it has been. Here's a look back at just some of the highlights...

Henry started by opening up his own neuter in the car on the way home from the shelter, leading to more days in a cone than should be legal.

Henry's weapon of mass destruction took its toll on the walls, legs (human and canine), and the paint on the fence. During this time we also caught our first glimpses of Henry's Frustration Intolerance and its trusty sidekick, Redirected Aggression!

We also noticed that Henry has cat issues and dog-dog fear issues. Oh, and squirrel issues and gopher issues. And duck issues...and geese issues. Also, probably, animals-he-hasn't-met-yet issues.

A traffic-stopper on the Indi Lab Rescue web site, twice Henry was placed into an adoptive home and twice he was returned. We started Difficult Dog and Nose Work classes at the humane society and Henry proved to be an oustanding worker. In order to avoid scary encounters with unfamiliar dogs, we started taking "private" walks in areas with low dog traffic. Here's one of our favorite walks, with Mt. Tam in the background, on a glorious day.

Henry even made friends with some carefully selected dogs like Lakona (middle) and Vesper (right). He also fell in love with his foster sisters and his foster brother, Finn.

He swam, hiked, and managed to have a pretty good time (and practiced posing for calendar photos).

Day by day, he wormed his way into my heart. Henry can be one big ol' Bad Boy, but he can also be the sweetest, wiggliest, most adorable Stay Puft Marshmallow Man (as my friend Maria calls him) you ever did see! We celebrated our one-year anniversary with an official ID tag of his very own...

Happy Birthday, Viela!

2011-03-10T18:19:00.000-08:00

Queen for a Day

This is Viela (left) and her brothers, Vader (right) and Vesper (bottom), three years and 45 weeks ago.

Today we celebrated with half a banana for breakfast, a hike (with a heart-shaped puddle just for V!), a bully stick, and scrambled eggs for dinner for the whole family.

Happy 4th Birthday, Baby V!

One Year

2011-02-02T00:01:00.000-08:00

It's hard to believe that today is the one-year anniversary of the day that Viela, Yvonne, and Rocky ate snail bait and almost died...a most terrible and terrifying experience that had the happiest ending imaginable. Sometimes bad things happen and we do not understand why. Sometimes good things happen and we are simply, humbly, eternally thankful.

Frenemies

2011-01-25T23:12:00.000-08:00

The pain medications that were supposed to be helping Finn recover from bilateral knee surgery turned out to be wreaking havoc on his liver at the same time. The liver biopsy and bile acid tests show that he is in liver dysfunction...we are back on all-too-familiar ground. If goodness had anything at all to do with who got better and who did not, this sweet and good boy would be guaranteed a speedy and full recovery.

Merry Christmas from the Labs of Laurel Way!

2010-12-24T09:53:00.000-08:00

photo by Tonya Perme Photography

"Who turned the lights out, and does it smell like dog food in here?"

2010-12-22T13:44:00.000-08:00

Plan B

2010-12-13T00:10:00.000-08:00

Life with Henry the past 9 months has been, among other things, a lesson in the importance of having a Plan B (i.e., exit strategy). Of being flexible and resourceful...anticipating, adapting, setting him up for success.

We've had quite a bit of rain lately, so on a damp and grey Saturday morning we drove down to the beach in the hopes that everyone else might have decided to stay home so that we could have the beach all to ourselves. I hoped to give Henry the rare treat of an off-leash run in the sand and ocean, but no such luck...I could see about a gazillion dogs on the beach as we pulled up. Since Henry has what is referred to in the dog behavior world as proximity sensitivity around dogs that he does not know, a crowded off-leash dog beach is definitely not a good option for him. Big bummer.

It seemed like a shame to have made the drive for nothing, so we set out toward the hills instead. We found a beautiful, wide, quiet fire road that wound its way through gently rolling hills covered with grasses, shrubs, and trees in the process of losing their autumn colors. The view was breathtaking...not a person or dog in sight! All we could hear were the sounds of birds and leaves blowing in the wind. After an hour and a half, we had forgotten all about the disappointment of the beach and Henry returned to the car one very satisfied dog. Plan B came through once again.

Photos are not great--they were taken with the lowest-tech cell phone available.

First Day at the Beach

2010-12-05T22:29:00.000-08:00

A dark, cold, and rainy weekend--perfect for Finn's first post-op trip to the beach on our way to the local holiday craft fairs! The look on his face pretty much says it all.

We went with our friend Sunny, who immediately got to work on her Things To Do At The Beach list.: 1. Grab your tennis ball. 2. Dig like there's no tomorrow. 3. Repeat. (Please note fabulous shot of water drops. Thank you.)

Suddenly, Finn spotted it: a Labrador-eating predator disguised as a log. He was at a loss as to what to do. He surveyed the scene and strategized for a very long time. Finally, he decided that the smartest thing would be to run like the wind away from that thing that was lying in wait.

A few moments to regroup, and Finn felt brave enough to confront the thing. Stealthily, he approached it from behind, using the element of surprise in his favor.

Finn looks around to check whether anyone saw that. "Guys? It's OK. It's just a log!"

Finn and Sunny

This is one happy boy. Off to the dog wash!

Rehab is Fun!

2010-12-02T21:33:00.000-08:00

Finn had his 12-week post-op x-rays this week. Unfortunately, the surgery to fix his knees was not a total success and he still has some instability ("tibial thrust"), making it difficult for him to stand up straight and causing him to carry most of his weight in the front half of his body. His bones are done healing, so there won't be additional structural improvement. So, now we begin the task of trying to make him as strong as possible in an effort to compensate for the instability as well as the effects of arthritis, the result of having gone for so long on wrecked knees. We hope that by building sufficient muscle mass in his hind legs, Finn can still have excellent quality of life. Reset the clock: 6 more weeks of aggressive rehab. The good news is that Finn is cleared for full activity!

We celebrated with an off-leash (!) walk in some of the most gorgeous open space imaginable, with views of the San Francisco Bay area including the Golden Gate, Bay, and San Rafael-Richmond bridges.

Running with his friend Miranda...or is that a bunny?

All smiles! Check out those happy ears.

Brave and sweet boy.

Total contentment--12 weeks of confinement are over! This is Finn's reward.

Rolling hills, fresh air, beautiful views...good for the body and good for the soul.

Tired but oh so happy.

We had the place to ourselves and we were on top of the world.

Wildlife Sighting

2010-12-01T22:32:00.000-08:00

Here is an item from the crime blotter in our town's weekly free paper. Please keep children and small animals indoors for their own safety!

I'm 3!

2010-11-26T11:49:00.000-08:00

Yvonne III is three years old!

For the celebration, a beautiful basket of apple cupcakes from...where else? Barkn Belly Bakery!

The torture of the birthday photo. If you look closely, you can see that Chie (aka Ms. Lacking-Impulse-Control) broke off the stem of her apple when she tried to jump up and snag it.

Perfection

Contemplation

Thanksgiving

2010-11-25T21:10:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving from the Labs of Laurel Way! We are thankful for lives saved and changed, friends and family, beauty all around, new things to learn, kindness, generosity, fun, togetherness, and...

...tennis balls and retirement...

...(foster) brothers and sisters...

...new knees, hydrotherapy, hiking trails...

...good smells, good things to eat, good places to walk...

...life...

...and health.

Happy 5th Birthday to the Girl Who Got Away

2010-11-17T00:29:00.000-08:00

photo by Tonya Perme Photography

cake by Barkn Belly Bakery

Effie Goes to UCLA

2010-10-27T22:28:00.000-07:00

Effie, Chie's daughter from her third litter, is now 18 months old. Her puppy raiser has done a fantastic job raising her! Soon, Effie will have the chance to show us what she's got...she is turning in for advanced training in 2 short weeks. Good luck, Effie! We will miss you...especially big sister Yvonne III and Henry, who (in the words of our 6-year-old friend, Lucille) crushes on Effie. Big time.

Final road trip, to UCLA. First plane ride. She charmed the pants off everyone!

Kerkhoff Hall

Royce Hall

Effie got Row 12 all to herself!

Another happy United Airlines customer

That's MY airplane!

Bad Boy, Bad Boy, Watcha Gonna Do?

2010-10-26T12:04:00.000-07:00

The Queen of Disdain

2010-10-15T07:49:00.000-07:00

Visit Draw the Dog to see more dog cartoons like this.

R.I.P. Quacker and Honker

2010-10-14T23:58:00.000-07:00

We celebrated the start of Finn's 6th week post-op with some new stuffed toys: Quacker, Honker, and 3 Busy Little Bees. Our new friends didn't last long!

Male bonding...Henry shows Finn the fine art of demolition, but gentle Finn can't quite bring himself to do it to the bee. He pretends to eat the bee for Henry's sake, but he's actually just kissing it.

Hmm...that bee tasted weird.

Henry knows what to do...Quacker is not long for this world.

Duck guts

Chie, Yvonne, and Honker

Honker is sad to see his the guts of his friend Quacker all over the lawn.

Chie's M.O.: slam that goose into the ground and make him honk.

Rehab

2010-10-07T12:07:00.000-07:00

Finn is now in week 5 post-op and started rehab today with his new therapist, Sarah. He spent some time on the underwater treadmill, where Sarah said he was a star...it takes some dogs up to four sessions to get the hang of it, but Finn figured it out right away! What a smart boy. He was in 18" of water on a treadmill that was moving a little more than a mile per hour...the goal is to keep all four feet on the treadmill with just the right combination of buoyancy and resistance. Finn spent about 6 minutes total on the treadmill, a great first session. Afterwards, he got 20 minutes of cold compression using the fanciest ice pack (huge understatement) imaginable!

What a lucky boy. After suffering in pain for too long, Finn is now on his way to a healthy and happy life! Thanks to Indi Lab Rescue, his doctors, and Sarah for helping him get there.

Phoenix is Home

2010-09-29T23:19:00.000-07:00

Phoenix, the German Shepherd who was used as a bait dog and had his ears cut off by some cruel and terrible person, has been adopted! Read his story in his blog. Check out the story of his adoption and see more photos and video in the O.C. Register. Support Coastal German Shepherd Rescue, the group that saved him.

And keep this phone number handy: The Dogfighting Hot Line, sponsored by the Humane Society of the United States, (877) 847-4787. Someone is available 24 hours a day and your call is confidential.

$1.50 Off Nylabone Coupon. Print! Save!

2010-09-27T22:56:00.000-07:00

Along Comes Finn

2010-09-24T21:24:00.000-07:00

Meet Finn! He is a sweet, handsome boy of approximately 3 to 4 years. His family surrendered him to Indi Lab Rescue because they were having a baby (?!) but didn't mention that his anterior cruciate ligaments in both knees were badly damaged. He had probably been experiencing excrutiating pain for quite some time. Finn's first foster parents noticed that he seemed to be in some discomfort, so off to the orthopedic surgeon he went. The surgeon recommended immediate surgery on both knees. Ouch. But then soon, hopefully, no more ouch. Finn had his surgery on September 17 in LA, then hitched a ride to Laurel Way on the Homeward Bound Golden Taxi.

Here's Yvonne, just hanging out with her new fobro. Yvonnie always tries to make the foster boys feel better when they're down and troubled.

Bully sticks help pass the time.

New knees, new life...

Seal Girl

2010-09-22T08:28:00.000-07:00

Visit Draw the Dog to see more dog cartoons like this.

Buds

2010-09-19T09:17:00.001-07:00

We Are Good Citizens of the Canine Variety

2010-09-18T22:28:00.000-07:00

We passed! Viela and Yvonne earned their Canine Good Citizens today!

We got all dressed up for the test.

Yvonnie was pretty sleepy after pulling an all-nighter...

Sister-to-sister pep talk

Some of the dogs in our class...

Luke

Stuart, who has a tiny crush on Yvonnie

Tashi the Tibetan Terrier

Raleigh

Our CGC evaluator was Martina Contreras, also our current trainer

Viela II, CGC

A Canine Good Citizen holds on to her certificate even when it is very windy.

Yvonne III, CGC

Teacher Martina congratulates the new CGCs.

Yvonne feels a bit overwhelmed by the physical contact. Viela feels that she is too good for the CGC.

Seven months ago, we did not know if these girls would live or die after ingesting snail bait. So this day is about so much more than the Canine Good Citizen...it is a day to celebrate life and loving and learning together.

Finn

2010-09-18T00:30:00.000-07:00

Our newest foster, Finn, is on his way! Finn is a yellow male Labrador Retriever whose owners turned him in to Indi Lab Rescue. Shortly after he entered rescue, Finn's foster parents noticed that he was having trouble walking. Turns out he had significant injuries to both knees and required surgery to repair his anterior cruciate ligaments. He probably sustained these injuries quite some time ago and had been suffering in silence for way too long. Indi Lab Rescue funded the surgery, which was a success, and Finn will now spend his recovery period with us! Thanks to Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue for offering Finn a ride on their Golden Taxi, whose volunteers make 2 - 3 trips per week between southern California and northern California in an effort to save as many Golden Retrievers as possible.

Speaking of saving dogs, Indi Lab Rescue will be taking in 5 or more new dogs this weekend. We were originally planning to pull 3 dogs from the Bakersfield animal shetler--one of the highest-kill shelters in the state--but due to severe overcrowding they are euthanizing dogs at an alarming rate. All of Indi's foster slots are full and many veterinary hospitals are closed for the holiday weekend, so even getting dogs into boarding is a challenge. We're doing everything we can to make sure these dogs (including an 8-month-old puppy) don't die.

A Phoenix Rises

2010-09-14T23:02:00.000-07:00

An update on Luke, now Phoenix, from Coastal German Shepherd Rescue:

"I have been doing rescue for quite a number of years and I have to say Phoenix is one of the very special ones that takes a part of your heart and settles right in. Phoenix's face tells a story of trauma and violence and yet he stands tall regal and proud. He is wise way beyond his years and has lived a life that few of us can even imagine.

The very good news is that he is safe now and will never know abuse again. He was most certainly used as a bait dog and bears the typical scars from that disgusting sport. His ears were cut off by an inexperienced hand and left to heal on their own. The scar tissue has built up from the years of attacks. Our wonderful vet (Dr. Wheaton, Alicia Pet Care Center) feels that some of his wounds are as young as 3 weeks old, so he was very recently being used as bait. He is suffering from ear canal infections, skin infection, flea dermatitis, emaciation and arthritis.....just to name a few of his ailments.....but with good vet care, love and affection his medical issues will be solved.

On to a more positive note, Phoenix is AMAZING. My toddler daughter hugged him and gave him loves and told him we would heal his booboos. Phoenix cuddled with an orphan kitten and made friends with a bouncy terrier pup. There is no other word to describe him, except amazing!
Thanks to all who had a hand in his rescue!"

Phoenix's story was featured on the 10 pm Los Angeles news tonight on KTLA. Learn more about dog fighting, and how you can help stop it, here.

To make a donation toward Phoenix's care:
Paypal: admin@coastalgsr.org
Mail: PO Box 50726, Irvine, CA 92619
Web: www.coastalgsr.org

Luke, a Ghost in the Shelter

2010-09-14T12:08:00.000-07:00

I received this email yesterday through the Indi Lab Rescue network but didn't want to post it until I could report that Luke was safe. Today, he is.

"Many times as a rescuer, you are at the shelter and by chance, you get the story of a dog who is turned in by his owner, or the details of where a dog was found and what his or her story is…However, most times they are nameless animals, with only an intake ID number, where we can only guess and speculate about their past.

But meet Luke.

This one photo of him tells the story of a thousand words.

The story of heartache, despair, abuse and neglect.

Animal ID# A4183774, Kennel# 115

Downey Shelter

11258 S. Garfield Avenue, Downey, CA 90242

(562) 940-6898

His ears have been completely chopped off, he has scars all over his face and neck. He is just so scared.

He was due to be euthanized today [9/13/2010], but Linda, a shelter volunteer, has begged for a few more days for him. The shelter does not have his picture on their website, so he is like a ghost in the shelter with no chance of being saved. But this is his chance, here he is, let’s tell him that he is not forgotten, that he has a future, and that we think he is beautiful!

His heart-wrenching past has not broken his spirit. He is the most beautiful soul ever. He is full of love. Has lots of scars, no ears at all. His back legs look a little weak. He is very thin and he is about 7 years old. Tonight he was lying on the cold concrete floor so Linda gave him a bed and blanket and he curled up in ball and wagged his tail at her. There is another Downey volunteer that is willing to pay for food and medical for him.

He needs a rescue with a foster to take him immediately or he will die without ever knowing the simple pleasure of a family.

Please, I am on my knees begging for mercy for this angel, who has never known love, goodness or kindness till he was blessed and embraced by Linda and other dedicated Downey volunteers who are fighting for him.

Despite his past, he is full of forgiveness and love, and this is one dog that deserves to live out his life surrounded by the love of a family that cherishes him. As my young son Wyatt says, Luke needs a collar with a name tag so that he knows he is safe and has a family who loves him.

Who can give him this beautiful, priceless gift???"

A heartbreaking plea for help. And a heartwarming response. In addition to the Downey shelter volunteer who pledged to cover Luke's food and medical expenses, another kind rescuer offered $300 to the person or rescue group who would take Luke into a foster home, on the condition that he not be boarded.

As of 11:48 this morning, Coastal German Shepherd Rescue had pulled Luke from the shelter and he was on his way to the veterinarian and a new life. Luke is safe.

The dedication and resourcefulness of rescue volunteers is staggering. Every day, countless dogs are saved just in the nick of time by people who drop everything to help. Every day, countless dogs cannot be saved because of a lack of foster space, resources, and time. As one rescuer said, "the sadness I feel looking into cages is nothing compared to how it must feel looking out."

Please foster, adopt, donate, volunteer...however you can, whatever you can. Please help.

Tribute

2010-09-11T11:25:00.000-07:00

Chie's 6th Birthday

2010-09-10T09:26:00.000-07:00

Happy 6th Birthday to Chi-ha-ha! Hard to believe it has been almost 6 years since this beautiful, sweet, sassy, smart, opinionated, charismatic girl came into my life. She is definitely the heart and soul of our household--a girl with that certain je ne sais quoi, who proves that leadership doesn't mean dominance and believes that everyone is a friend.

So...time to celebrate the Chie Pet! The birthday girl enjoyed a special birthday breakfast of a scrambled egg, yogurt, strawberries, and kibble. A few extra sessions of playing ball. We ordered the most elegant doggie birthday cakes you have ever laid eyes on from Barkn Belly Bakery. Even the packaging is to die for--each cake individually housed in a simple brown box with a bow on top.

A peek under the lid suggests that something delightful is in store...

Have you ever seen such a beautiful doggie birthday cake (or any birthday cake, for that matter)? Exquisite.

The tall cake in the middle was for Chie. The smaller cakes were for our birthday party guests. They were banana cakes made with human-grade ingredients (good thing, because more than one human was seen taking a nibble), covered in fondant, and garnished with pure elegance.

First, the torture of the birthday photo session. This is not easy for a girl who struggles with food avoidance! I'm so proud of my 6-year-old.

All that self-control, and not even a bite. More torture...family photos.

Sometimes it's best to avoid looking at the object of your desire.

Viela almost breaks.

Chie almost breaks.

Pavlov's dog.

OK, well...close enough.

Ready, set...go! Like any good birthday girl, Chie instantly demolishes the rose on top of her cake. Yvonnie looks at her mom in awe....or for pointers...or...? She cannot quite figure it out.

Miranda (front) and Fluffy (back). Their parents said that they should each only have a quarter of a cake since they are such tiny girls. Huh. Go figure.

Got milk?

It's probably hard to tell from these photos, but this is Henry...passing up his photo-with-birthday-cake opportunity and going straight to the birthday cake.

Thelma (left) and Wendell (right)

Wendell cannot believe his good luck! "There's a huge piece of cake coming my way! Lemme open up!"

Waterboarded by birthday cake.

Anticipation

The cake is so delicious that Thelma's ears go into flight mode.

Thelma gets down to business.

All in all, it was a pretty good 6th birthday. Happy birthday, birthday girl.

A is for Antonio

2010-09-05T22:48:00.000-07:00

Guess who's in kindergarten? Our friend Antonio! We have recently begun including Henry in our play dates. Although all interactions are closely supervised (as they are with all of the Labs of Laurel Way), Henry has been incredibly responsive to Antonio--gentle, sweet, and tolerant. One of the things Antonio does, as a way of getting some propioceptive feedback, is push on the dogs, which is what he's doing in photos 5 and 6. Amazingly, Henry does not seem to mind, even though he might not accept this from most adults. As you can see, Antonio even put his hand inside Henry's considerably large and imposing mouth in an effort to extract a tennis ball (no luck)...another thing most adults would not be advised to attempt, but which Henry greets with a wagging tail and relaxed body posture.

It's moments like this that give me hope and make my day. Henry will always be a special case, a tender and vulnerable boy whose life was terrible before it was saved by Indi Lab Rescue...but this just shows that even the most fragile of us can bring joy to others.

Help! Pit bull! Run for your lives!

2010-09-02T22:52:00.000-07:00

Impound No: A4181631
Details
Email to a friend.
Impound Date: 9/1/2010
Sex: Female
Primary Breed: PIT BULL
Age: 2 Years, 0 Months
Location: CARSON

Happy 2nd Birthday to Chie's Es!

2010-08-28T12:47:00.000-07:00

The Es at 2 weeks of age

Enroe, raised in prison in Florida, at 7 weeks of age - released?

Etta IV at 6 weeks of age, released for distractibility

Essex IV at 9 months of age, now a breeder

Emory IV (left), released for hip dysplasia, and Chie in August 2009

Eloise IV, released for distractibility, at 1 year of age

Big Sister, Little Sister

2010-08-17T23:18:00.000-07:00

Cheyenne

2010-08-17T17:38:00.000-07:00

I'm Cheyenne! I am a three-year-old spayed female Chocolate Labrador Retriever. I have high energy and like people. I lived with a male yellow Lab and we got along fine. I do have some special needs. I tested positive for heartworm. Luckily for me, I live at the Mendocino Ukiah Shelter, one of the few county-run shelters with the resources and commitment to treat a dog with my health issue. I just need a calm place to be and short leash walks for 30 more days and then I will be set to go. If you would like to help me (foster or adopt), please contact Sage at 707-467-6453 or email her at mountais@co.mendocino.ca.us. Thank you!

Sparticus and Gauge

2010-08-16T23:03:00.000-07:00

Hello! I am Sparticus. I am a 7-year-old yellow Labrador/Great Pyrenees mix. I am neutered and negative for heartworm. I am up-to-date on all of my vaccinations. I weigh 83 pounds and am a gentle giant. I am tall and very handsome! I walk well on a leash. My past people said that one day their 8-year-old grandson came to visit and I loved playing with him. So why am I at the Ukiah Shelter? I was left alone all day in the back yard with my doggie friend. We were lonesome and thought that barking to get people's attention was a great way to spend part of the day. The neighbors did not like that so off to the shelter we came. I know some people will say I might be too old to join their family. Well, let me tell you there is still lots of life in me...my teeth look great and I am up for being your dog! The Ukiah Shelter is just 2 hours from the San Francisco Bay area. To find out how to adopt me, please email my friend Sage at mountais@co.mendocino.ca.us.

ADOPTED! Hello, I am Gauge! I am a purebred neutered male yellow Labrador Retriever. I am a big guy and probably weigh over 90 pounds. I am friendly and easygoing. I tested negative for heartworm and am up-to-date on all of my vaccinations. I am about 3 years old. I am not sure why I am here at the shelter...my person knew I was here and never came to take me home. The shelter I live at is in Ukiah, just 2 hours from the San Francisco Bay area. To find out how to adopt me, please email my friend Sage at mountais@co.mendocino.ca.us.

Day Before Spay

2010-08-11T19:35:00.000-07:00

Viela is getting spayed tomorrow. Her blood work is perfect--no signs of liver dysfunction or liver failure--or, for that matter, of any residual effects from metaldehyde toxicity. It's amazing to be able to say that...and a little scary...seems way too good to be true. She has been through so much this year! Tomorrow Viela de Vil has one last item to cross off her "to do" list.

Doctor's instructions: no food past 8 pm tonight. We went on a hike, then dinner...and at 7:15 pm everyone joined Viela in a "Day Before Spay" CET Chew celebration.

Congratulations, Graduate!

2010-08-10T23:37:00.000-07:00

Blackberry Season: A Primer

2010-08-09T23:53:00.000-07:00

A Labrador deprived of daily blackberries...

...is a Labrador deprived of love. Truly.

It's a little-known fact, but Labradors have been known to die from blackberry starvation and lack of love. Even still, heartless humans sometimes refuse to give up the goods. If you find yourself in this predicament, understand that your very life might be in danger. Desperate times call for desperate measures. You must take matters into your own hands.

Figure 1. The best technique (not shown here) is to hold onto the fence for support. That way, you can search for--and select--the most succulent blackberries only while avoiding Rookie Mistake #1: jumping up in the air and grabbing a mouthful of thorny branches. OUCH.

Figure 2. Don't get caught. If you do, try not to look like a deer in headlights (shown here), which will surely give you away. Just act natural and pretend that you were practicing your obedience commands, protecting the property, or picking up your own poop.

Lazy Sunday Morning...Sleeping In

2010-08-08T13:10:00.000-07:00

Another typical 68-degree, summer of 2010 day...good excuse to snuggle and snooze. Everyone has their favorite spot and personal style for enjoying this lazy, hazy Sunday.

Craigslist Ad of the Week

2010-08-03T23:41:00.000-07:00

Ipod Touch 32GB
Date: 2010-08-03, 8:47PM PDT

Hi, I'll trade my Ipod Touch for a german shepherd, pitbull, rottweiler, doberman or a husky. Must be a pup, Thank you

Adoptable Lab Watches Cat TV

2010-08-02T23:40:00.000-07:00

Patience, my virtue

I watch and wait for Cleo

Then I lose my mind

Focus

2010-07-29T23:34:00.000-07:00

Saturday Play Date

2010-07-25T00:45:00.000-07:00

Chie and Effie

Henry

Dee

Vesper

Scottie

Yvonne

Chie

Effie

Viela

Henry

Chie

Adoptable Lab

2010-07-19T22:51:00.000-07:00

It's official! Henry's bio and photos are now posted on the Indi Lab Rescue "Adoptable Labs" page. Now we just wait for the right application to come in...fingers and paws crossed!

Don't Jump on People Who are Drinking Red Wine

2010-07-18T18:58:00.000-07:00

"You should have seen the other guy!"

It was a birthday celebration for our beloved friend, Jim.

Akia

Josie

Lakona

"I find that there is nothing more refreshing on a hot day than a stuffed toy dipped in water, then dropped in someone's lap!" - Vesper

Chie is apparently thinking that she'll be getting one of these.

Trying Out the New Camera

2010-07-15T23:04:00.000-07:00

Foster Families Needed!

2010-07-14T12:43:00.000-07:00

Indi Lab Rescue has 198 approved families waiting to adopt dogs, with 15 - 20 new applications coming in every week. That's a lot of dogs we could save!

However, we can only pull as many dogs out of the shelters as we have foster slots. Indi Lab Rescue and other rescue groups are working as hard and as fast as possible to save as many lives as possible, but too many Labrador Retrievers and other breeds are still dying every day. California law only requires animal shelters to hold dogs for 4 - 6 days before they are euthanized, but in the fall of 2009 Governor Schwarzenegger proposed reducing the mandatory hold period to just 3 days. These are the photos of just some of the dogs who are waiting in California shelters right now.

Please, please foster. It's a short-term commitment but you'll do a world of good. We can find a foster dog to match your lifestyle and handling ability. We will provide support. If you can't foster for Indi Lab Rescue, please foster for another rescue group in your area.

Foster families save lives. It's that simple.

SPENCER - ID#A0924098
My name is Spencer and I am a neutered male, black Labrador Retriever.

The shelter thinks I am about 4 years old.
I weigh approximately 80 pounds.

I have been at the shelter since Jun 19, 2010.

This information is less than 1 hour old.

For animals under the age of 8 weeks and/or moms with litters, please contact the Center for availabliity.

Adoption fees include spay/neuter surgery, all animals will be sterilized prior to release.

TURBO - ID#A3648794
My name is Turbo and I am described as a neutered male, black Labrador Retriever

The shelter thinks I am about 4 years old.

I have been at the shelter since Jun 22, 2010.

DUKE - ID#A476223
My name is DUKE.

I am a neutered male, black Labrador Retriever.

The shelter staff think I am about 2 years and 1 month old.

I have been at the shelter since Jul 08, 2010.

This information is less than 1 hour old.

FLIPPER - ID#A637916
My name is Flipper and I am a spayed female, black and white Labrador Retriever.

The shelter thinks I am about 5 years old.

I have been at the shelter since Jul 07, 2010.
This information is less than 1 hour old.

Mother and Daughter

2010-07-12T15:57:00.000-07:00

Eve

2010-07-09T11:48:00.000-07:00

Got a request today to help Eve, a 10-year-old female yellow Labrador Retriever at the Orange County, CA animal shelter. This photo will break your heart. No girl should have to spend her senior years in a shelter, behind bars like this. There are so many seniors waiting for homes...please consider adopting one. If you do, you won't regret it. That's a promise.

Update (7/9/2010, 12:30 pm): Eve is safe! She has been adopted!

Craigslist Ad of the Week

2010-07-07T22:54:00.000-07:00

Wanted Puppy English Bull Terrier or ?

Date: 2010-07-02, 9:47PM PDT

Hello please do not laugh a psychic told me my dog is reincarnating in a new dog body between June 20 and July 20th 2010. I am looking to adopt or purchase the pup that feels right that is born between this range of dates.

The dog is reincarnating as a english bull terrier, yet will consider other dog breeds if the pup feels like my old dog, Thunder. This is probably the most wacky dog wanted ad, but I am totally serious and on the level. If you have any leads on pups born in this time frame, please help. Or if anyone knows of an English Bull Terrier breeder who might be trustworthy that would also be a great help. Thanks to any and all who respond.

Bad Dogs by Draw the Dog

2010-07-07T10:51:00.000-07:00

The Inhumanity of Humans

2010-07-06T10:57:00.000-07:00

This beautiful girl, Scarlett, was found with chemical burns on her face and body but her craigslist ad (scroll down...Scarlett is at the end) says that she is still hopeful, still loving, and looking for a good home. Scarlett is being fostered by Rocket Dog Rescue in the San Francisco Bay Area. If you visit their web site, you'll also get to see a photo of Rock-Steady, a 10-week old baby pit bull whose beautiful face will break your heart.

Rescue groups take in dogs who have been forsaken by the people who were supposed to keep them safe. Each case is a labor of love and a huge commitment of time and resources. If you can help, please do. There are so many ways to help--fostering, donating money or supplies, transportation, administrative support, etc.

"I have found the paradox, that if you love until it hurts, there can be no more hurt, only more love."

- Mother Teresa

The Life

2010-07-04T14:23:00.000-07:00

Here's Dino, our very first foster dog from Indi Lab Rescue. Dino came from Taiwan, where he probably spent most of his life in a cage...the scars on his feet prove it, as do his teeth, which are worn down from chewing on the bars. Still, he is a sweet, loving, silly boy who loves his soft toys and is eager to please. Before coming to the US, Dino contracted (and recovered from) a case of erhlichiosis, a tick-born disease. His new family sent this photo of Dino celebrating his first 4th of July as a US citizen. What a lucky boy! Dino's mom said that he smiles all the time and plays until he can't keep his eyes open. She said, "he fills our hearts."

Boca

2010-06-29T23:24:00.000-07:00

Posted on craigslist: 2010-06-29, 5:52PM PDT

Yellow lab pup left with a broken hip and apparent head trauma needs help!

A woman contacted us asking for help with a pup that has suffered serious neglect & suspected abuse. We, of course, can't know the whole story but from what we've been told, and from medical records, this is what we have figured out-

Boca was bought from a breeder as a young puppy (has AKC paperwork).. within a few short months his 'owner' grew frustrated with his playful puppy energy and lack of training. We were told that the owner was "rough" with punishment.

At 6 months old this little guy was brought into the vets after a "TV fell on him" - he had a broken hip. After xrays & an estimate was given the owner left the vet - unwilling to treat boca, (due to cost). the injuries were left untreated. When he was brought to us Sunday afternoon we were alarmed to see the large (solid) lumps on his head, each larger than an egg - his skull looks badly mishapen- I can't even imagine what had caused this..He is thin, and has a difficult time walking or playing because of the injuries.(It's apparent that his hip is painful) at a glance it apprears to be out of the socket -

This boy's face is full of trust and sweet devotion. Boca has been such a nice boy, loving,happy, and eager to please. His eyes light up when you look at him and even though it's painful to do so, his little bottom wiggles back and forth with his happy wagging tail.

Boca is safe in our care at this time. So it's all going in the right direction from here on out. His medical care could run into the thousands and are absolutely committed to raise what is needed to provide him with the best possible care but we really need your help..!!

Any thing you can donate will help!!

Rocket Dog Rescue
Boca's special care
PO box 460826
SF CA 94146
Or go to our website:
www.rocketdogrescue.org
and donate.

We are also planning a garage sale to raise funds for this pup's care. So if you are near San Francisco and have quality, cool or unsusual items we would love your donated stuff!!

We are looking for a perfect home for boca - If you are at all interested in meeting, fostering or adopting this boy please TEXT me !!

415-756-8188
or email angelbaby1100@hotmail.com

Craigslist Ad of the Week

2010-06-26T08:24:00.000-07:00

How many things can go wrong in one craigslist ad?

Barter For Labrador Retriever w/papers

Date: 2010-06-25, 2:59PM PDT

My husband recently brought home a one year old male black Labrador retriever with papers as a barter for services. We currently have a 16 year old lab that has seen better days. We have been giving glucosamine pills which helped the last year, but the economy has made it difficult to keep the medicine he needs on supply. I (with heavy heart) beg anyone who is interested in a male black lab retriever to fund the euthinization of our eldest dog in exchange for the puppy with papers. We have two children and everyone works all the time, I feel that this new puppy needs to go to a family that will give him the attention that he needs or has other dogs with the same energy level to play with. Our elder dog just does not have the energy to play with the new one.

So please can anyone help.

WILL BARTER A EUTHINIZATION FOR A NEW PUPPY WITH PAPERS!

Sinbad (Viela x Baja)

2010-06-25T10:34:00.001-07:00

7 months old

8 weeks old

A Good Mother

2010-06-23T23:51:00.000-07:00

Eric the humane trapper (who, it turns out, will not actually trap the raccoons...he is more like a raccoon advocate) came back out this week and declared that he can't go under the house to fetch Raquel and her adorable family of at least 4 babies. Apparently, there is too much space under the house and they could escape into nooks and crannies that Eric wouldn't be able to get into...so there would be the risk that one or more babies would be left behind. So he sprayed some more male raccoon scent and coyote urine all around--and, why yes, humans actually can smell that stuff. The reason you use the male raccoon scent is that male and female raccoons only meet when mating. Male raccoons will kill raccoon babies in order to force females back into season so that they can ensure the survival of their own genes and not some other guy's. Anyway...Eric the humane non-trapper also sealed up Raquel's entrance and opened up a different (bigger) one just a few feet away. He said that the larger hole would be easier for him to work with later when he comes back to install a one-way door (because the old hole is surrounded by pipes), but at this point it just looks like a larger, nicer hole designed to make things as comfortable as possible for Raquel. Hmm. Oh, and he retrieved my radio from under the house, which is now covered with little dusty raccoon paw prints because my radio apparently made a great climbing structure for the little squatters. I don't want the radio anymore.

The great thing about the new and improved hole is that all of the dogs can stick their heads through it and Yvonne could probably jump right in, since we have already seen her squeeze right through a 7" x 7" cat door and the very small openings in a deer fence. In order to avoid having to pry Raquel off the face of one of the Labs of Laurel Way, during the day the hole is enclosed with an x-pen to keep Her Royal Highness safe from inquisitive Labradors. Is anyone else starting to feel like the balance of accommodations being made vs freedoms curtailed is tilting way too far in favor of the uninvited guests?

Eric Friend of Raccoons also said that I could try spraying Raquel with a garden hose straight into her chest to make her feel unwelcome. So tonight, in an effort to become the most pathetic person in the world, I crouched on top of the toilet in the dark, fully loaded spray bottle in hand ready to spray Raquel right in the chest the minute she set off on her nightly hunt. She finally emerged and I could see that she was more cautious than normal, probably hyper-vigilant due to the male raccoon scent or the coyote urine. Her babies poked their heads through the opening as if to say, "where you goin', Mama?" Raquel took a couple of steps, listened, turned back to her babies, nuzzled them, and put her hands up on the ledge of the opening as if to say, "shhh...stay inside...keep quiet...it's not safe out here tonight." Three, four, five times. Once in a while Raquel sensed my presence and looked straight at me. A couple of times she scooted all the way back into the hole, not convinced that it was safe to leave her babies despite the need to search for her dinner.

The spray bottle got emptied into the sink. Hopefully they'll be gone by the 4th of July.

Ezra, Yazmin, and Pau Gasol

2010-06-23T09:53:00.000-07:00

Here's a heartwarming story that was brought to us by our friends at Draw the Dog. Watch the video, then click on the link to see the cartoon that Ezra's story inspired.

Henry's First Day at School

2010-06-22T23:11:00.000-07:00

Henry started school today! He is enrolled in the beginning obedience class at A Dog's Best Friend, led by Martina Contreras. Even though it's a beginning class, there are plenty of adult dogs in it...which is good, because it would be kind of embarrassing for Henry to be sitting there with his giant grown-up bobble head in the midst of a bunch of baby puppies! There are 10 dogs altogether: 2 Australian shepherds (one puppy and one 4-year-old rescue dog), 1 Golden Retriever, 1 Goldendoodle, 1 Tibetan Terrier, 1 Lab (mix?), 2 Shih-Tzus (littermates), 1 mixed breed rescue dog, and Henry!

We got there early so that we could greet the other dogs, and Henry did just fine with that. He actually approaches other dogs now to say hello, whether in class, at the park, or on the fire road. Big change for a boy who had no interest (except for the wrong kind of interest) in other dogs just a couple of months ago! Martina came over to meet us and Henry also did just fine, although he thought her outstretched hand contained a treat (oops!). Since it was the first class, Martina did a lot of talking. She had asked us to bring long-lasting treats to keep the dogs occupied while she talked. Henry brought a bully stick in his lunch box and ate it in about 15 seconds. The other dogs had raw knuckle bones or stuffed marrow bones...the really good stuff! Henry wanted to trade lunches with another kid, but it was too late because he had already eaten the snack he brought from home. :( So instead we took advantage of a really good training opportunity...how to hold it together around 9 very delicious, high-value, long-lasting treats that other dogs may or may not be eating at any given moment.

The lesson of the day was loose-leash walking, which was great because it's something Henry really needs to work on! Martina took each dog in turn for a demo. When it was Henry's turn, for some reason he gave Martina a perfect "let's go" in heel position, trotting right along, making eye contact. Amazing! Martina said, "WOW! Everyone look at Henry! Why is he in the beginning class? You've obviously been working with him. You'll be bored in the beginning class!" Not true...we have lots to work on...but what the heck...we did bask for one tiny moment in the compliment. This is what we looked like:

After class, Henry and his foster sisters went to the dog park. The park sits next to the bay and a harbor seal was just hanging out, watching the dogs, swimming lazily, diving...and climbing onto the bank. Of course, never in these moments do you have a camera handy so we missed an incredible shot of Yvonne on one side of the fence and the seal on the other, looking right at each other.

Pretty cool day.

Pet Food Recall

2010-06-21T21:42:00.001-07:00

Natural Balance has announced a voluntary recall of their sweet potato and chicken dry dog food. Click here to read the FDA press release.

Artemis: ID#A496591

2010-06-19T20:06:00.000-07:00

Artemis...an 8-year-old female Labrador Retriever...used her for breeding by her family, who then failed to treat her tumor when it was still easily treatable. The tumor grew to the size of a melon and the family dumped Artemis at the animal shelter, instructing the shelter to euthanize her because they would not even pay to end her life. Indi Lab Rescue was contacted and agreed to take her in. They would arrange for the surgery to remove the tumor, spay her, and then--when she was ready--find her a loving adoptive home.

Artemis went to the vet hospital, where she was scheduled for surgery this coming Monday. The veterinary staff fell in love with her. Artemis figured out that if she talked, the staff would come visit and take her out of the kennel. So she talked, and they came...and they all fell in love with this sweet, brave, forgiving little girl. Volunteers from Indi Lab Rescue also went to visit with her, take her for walks, and bring her chicken treats.

Last night, the tumor burst. Emergency surgery was scheduled for this afternoon. Despite the pain that she must have been experiencing, Artemis was a happy, wiggly, loving girl when Indi volunteers went to see her today. The removal of the tumor was successful, as was the spay.

As they were closing, Artemis had a heart attack and died.

In just a few short days, Artemis managed to win the hearts of everyone who met her or heard her story...Indi volunteers, the hospital staff, and the generous donors who came forward to contribute to her care. Tonight, hearts are broken.

To Artemis, an angel...we are so sorry that help came too late. May you find peace, knowing that you were greatly loved in the final days of your life.

Please Vote for Indi Lab Rescue's Henry!

2010-06-16T00:04:00.000-07:00

Henry has entered the Greenies "Show Us Your Smile" contest! Click on the link to vote...you can vote once per day per email address.

In other news, rough day for Chie. We were visiting a friend who has a gorgeous, lush, one-acre, fenced back yard with grass, fruit trees, and flowering plants. Chie was in an all-out happy run...bottom tucked, sailing through the yard, around trees, under bushes...our friend's dog got excited and reached out to give a little nip. Chie gave a little squeak...her ear bled all over the place...off to yet another veterinarian for anesthesia and stitches. The ear is fine but looks pretty terrible right now...7 to 10 days until the sutures come out. Oh, and the worst part: no food or water until the morning.

Maddie's Adoptathon: June 12 and 13

2010-06-11T23:37:00.000-07:00

If you are thinking about adopting a pet, please consider saving the life of a shelter animal this weekend! Maddie's Fund is working with 38 shelters and adoption organizations in Contra Costa and Alameda counties to save as many animals as possible. Adoption fees will be waived for qualifying adoptive homes, and Maddie's Fund will donate $500 to the shelter or adoption group for each adoption that takes place during the next two days. Maddie's Fund hopes to donate more than $500,000 altogether!

Click on the logo above to learn more about the adoptathon and to see which organizations are participating...then go find the love of your life! Here are just some of the animals who are hoping for new families this weekend.

S.O.S.

2010-06-11T23:11:00.000-07:00

We aRE BeiNg tErRoRiZeD aNd TerRIfiED anD hELd HostAgE iN oUr owN hOme bY a fAmiLy GaNg oF iNcOnsIDeRaTE aND rUde AnD vEry VeRY mEaN RaCcOO nS. Oh By tHe wAy ThEy aRE nOt NocTUrnAL - tHey PaRty aLl dAy aND nIGhT. RAqUeL mADe aN EaRlY aPpEarANcE toNiGht At 6:30 pM wHEn tHe RuLes sAy That It IS stiLl LaBrAdOR tImE iN tHE bAcK YarD aND We wERe JuSt MiNdING oUR oWN bUsSiNeSs. ShE sTucK HeR hEaD riGHt Out oF hEr HoLE sO aLL 4 oF Us wEnT tO sCarE hEr oUT oF oUR HoUsE. aNd tHat RaCcOO n...ShE wAs nOt aFRaId oF Us. ShE sTood hEr GroUNd wHiLe wE ricOChetED aLL OVeR tHe PLacE AnD ShE gRoWLeD aNd SwiPeD aT us. So wE RaN wEnt iNsiDe aNd LoCkED tHE dOoRs EveN tHoUGH iT wAs sUpER HOt aNd nOw We aRe aFRaId To gO OutsiDe.

pLeaSe sEnD fOod aNd teNnIs BaLLs.

CHie, vIeLa, yVonNie, aNd hEnRY

Craigslist Ad of the Week

2010-06-06T18:01:00.000-07:00

American Bulldog Puppies for your ?? American Bulldog Puppies for your ??

I have a litter of purbred NKC Johnson lines AB puppies due any minute. Id like to start finding them homes, I know times are hard and money is tight so we are offering to trade them (GOOD HOMES ARE THE MOST IMORTANT!) for almost anything. We are interested in store credit, guns, motorcycles, outdoor kids toys, game systems, digital camera, king size bedroom set, flat screen TVs, patio furnitures, a nice BBQ... pretty much anything except tattoos!! The trade item should equal as close to $600 as possible please. Previous litters we have had went for closer to $1,000, but like I said times are hard and money is tight!!! Hope to hear from you soon!!

EO Products Online Warehouse Sale: One Week Only!

2010-06-04T23:51:00.000-07:00

EO Products (click to start shopping and click the "back" button to return to this page) is having its once-in-a-while online warehouse sale! EO products are made from natural and sustainable ingredients, and the company is based in our very own state of California...and, no, we're not on their payroll. :) We just love their products because they're better for the environment and they are so much lovelier to use than some of the stinky old products out there. They're especially nice on those days when you realize that you went to the store with dog drool smeared all over your shirt or that a fanny pack no longer seems like a fashion faux pas, or when you catch yourself picking three dog hairs out of your food and eating it anyway. On those days when grime seems to rule, EO products are more than just personal care or cleaning products...they're a downright glamour makeover.

Supplies are limited, so shop early...the sale runs June 5 - 12. Here are a couple of our favorite sale items. Lavender sanitizing wipes are great for cleaning crates, puppy pens, barfed-on floors, whelping pools, bathtubs...

Lemon sanitizing hand wipes are individually wrapped and fit perfectly in the aforementioned fanny pack, glove compartment, or service dog cape and come in handy at the dog park or beach...when those cheap poop bags you bought live up to the "you get what you pay for" rule...or when the person adopting your foster dog turns out to be a real hottie and you need a quick pick-me-up before shaking hands...

Henry's Man Friends

2010-06-01T08:08:00.000-07:00

Henry officially has two man friends! This is very exciting...a milestone in his socialization. For the past couple of months, Henry has been learning to interact with dogs, a skill he apparently did not have the chance to practice in his previous life. He has done a great job and we are so proud of him! Until this point, however, his best friends have been girls...specifically, his three foster sisters, Lola his Dysfunctional Bobble-Head Twin (a Rottweiler), and Effie the Dreamgirl. He has met other males with varying degrees of success (almost overwhelmingly very successfully, unless said male tries to punk him), but those interactions have mostly been a case of peaceful co-existence. Until now. Lakona and Vesper are two easygoing, friendly, well-trained, sociable boys and now they are Henry's friends. The big difference is that instead of merely engaging in side-by-side wandering and sniffing as he has with other males, Henry actually initiates social bids and invites Lakona and Vesper to play. Go Henry!

The Friends (L-R): Henry, Lakona, and Vesper

Vesper (Me) and Effie (Mini-Me)

Family photo (L-R): Effie (Chie x Lamond), Viela (Chie x Baumann), Chie, Yvonne (Chie x Terence), Vepser (Chie x Baumann)

Rocky and Richard Need Our Help

2010-05-30T09:29:00.000-07:00

Indi Lab Rescue is asking for donations to help Rocky and Richard, two yellow Labrador Retrievers who were abandoned by their family. A neighbor took them in and brought them to a vet to be neutered, but something went terribly wrong and now both boys are fighting for their lives. Click here to read more about Rocky and Richard on Indi's web site and to make a donation (warning - some of the photos are graphic). Any amount is greatly appreciated.

photo from www.indilabrescue.org

Landscaping on Laurel Way

2010-05-29T21:15:00.000-07:00

After two years of commuting every week between Laurel Way and LA, our car might be in the "not happy" department, but our lawn is definitely in the "very happy" department. (Raquel the Inconsiderate and Selfish Squatter/Raccoon is obviously in the "very happy" category, but we won't even get into that.) Today we noticed that the shrubs next to our front porch also seem to have benefited from our recent part-time presence on Laurel Way!

At 13 weeks of age, these precocious pups launched Vesper and Viela's Landscaping Company, specializing in pruning and demolition. The Vs actually expanded the family business begun by their mom, Chie, when she was just a baby herself.

By the time the Ys came around, Vesper and Viela's Landscaping Co. had perfected its technique. Their work was a little crude, but they were quick and thorough. Here's Yaeger at 8 weeks of age, wondering where this pile of sticks came from.

photo by Sara Webb-Schmitz

But, now, today, 3 years later...look! Leaves and flowers! We didn't even remember that these were flowering shrubs...that's how long it has been.

TUAPA

2010-05-27T00:11:00.000-07:00

Last night four lucky Labrador Retrievers arrived from Taipei to begin their new lives in the United States. Luke, Snow, Ben, and Ward were rescued in Taiwan by the Taichung Universal Animal Protection Association (TUAPA), a non-profit organization that helps homeless animals in Taiwan. After a long flight and more than 24 hours in their crates, the dogs were welcomed into the eagerly awaiting arms of volunteers from Indi Lab Rescue, which will be responsible for their foster and placement.

The dogs finally emerged from customs and we could hear one of them barking with excitement! Several other breed rescues were also there to welcome their own foster dogs.

These were the stickers we were looking for...the Indi dogs were home!

Ben and Luke waiting patiently in their crates.

It was a sight to behold. With lightning speed, the crates were unloaded from the trolleys. Zip ties and cables were cut. Each dog was gently led from its crate and presented with an ID tag from Indi Lab Rescue. Then a much-needed potty break, a long drink of water, and something to eat. In the meantime, our incredible volunteers cleaned and broke down each crate, packed up supplies, checked paperwork, and made sure each dog went safely to its new foster home.

Snow

Ward

Luke

Ben

Luke and Ward

Volunteers and dogs from Indi Lab Rescue and Southern California Golden Retriever Rescue

Puppy Fix!

2010-05-19T10:39:00.000-07:00

Study Break

2010-05-18T19:58:00.000-07:00

Chie is working on her Ph.D. in Tennis Ball.

Henry has also recently discovered the fine art of tennis ball appreciation.

Yvonne couldn't care less about tennis balls, except that stealing Chie's is a fun way to drive her crazy!

Lalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalala!

"I forgot...what was I gonna do with this ball anyway?"

At first glance, a Labrador innocently enjoying his tennis ball. But Chie knows better...that's stolen property.

What a dog. As much as she LOVES her ball, Chie will never take it back by brute force...

...not even when it is repeatedly and cruelly taken from her.

Left: bewildered...how could someone do such a thing?

Right: indulging in a moment of righteous indignation.

Henry and Yvonne discuss and observe: "We're funny!" "Chie should loosen up!"

My heart goes pitter patter.

Dog Food Dilemmas

2010-05-17T21:47:00.000-07:00

Proctor and Gamble (makers of Eukanuba and Iams) announced recently that it will be acquiring Natura Pet Products, makers of brands such as California Natural, Innova, and Evo. We picked California Natural for many reasons: its high-quality ingredients, the company's excellent reputation, and the wide array of options to meet different needs, including limited-ingredient varieties for dogs with food allergies. We also liked the idea that Natura Pet Products was privately owned since we generally try to shop at independent and local retailers whenever possible.

So now the search begins for a new dog food. The choices are overwhelming! Raw? Cooked? Commercially prepared? Homemade? Grains or no grains? Organic or conventional? Dry or canned? Dehydrated? Extruded? Baked? Help!!

We've managed to eliminate some options...

The Labs of Laurel Way have begged for NO homemade. Apparently, they worry that meals prepared in a kitchen that does not actually see a lot of action is a risky proposition. Lucky for them, there may be some support for their fear of the homemade meal. Nerds that we are, we read some of the research literature on canine nutrition and learned that it can be quite challenging to ensure the proper balance of nutrients in home-prepared diets (see Remillard, 2008).
We've also decided against raw. Our crazy commuting lifestyle does not really lend itself to hauling large amounts of raw meat from one place to another. Furthermore, there isn't conclusive evidence that raw diets offer any advantage over cooked diets and, in fact, may pose a public health concern because raw food has been found to contain pathogens, such as Salmonella, at levels not found in cooked diets (80% of raw diets sampled in one study contained Salmonella; see Joffe & Schlesinger, 2002). Although dogs may not demonstrate symptoms of salmonella, they can shed it in their poop and pass it along to humans (see LeJeune & Hancock, 2001). Yuck. Also, the raw-vs-cooked issue can get confounded with the commercial-vs-homemade issue (see above).

...and identify some must-haves...

High-quality ingredients
Nutrition information (including calories) clearly labeled on the packaging and on the web site
Manufactured by a company whose entire product line is high-quality

...as well as some "in a perfect worlds"...

Privately owned company
Available at independent retailers, although not limited to just one or two stores (a la our crazy lifestyle)
No cute animals on the ingredients list (sorry, chickens and fish...you are cute, too, but at least we'll try not to add to the list of animals we eat by staying away from rabbit, deer, duck, etc)

This could turn out to be a full-time job. All suggestions are greatly appreciated!

At Last

2010-05-16T09:48:00.000-07:00

Yana II (Chie x Terence) graduated this weekend as a skilled companion to a little girl. Congratulations to Yana, her puppy raisers in the PBSO S.T.A.R. Program, and the volunteers who helped socialize and train her in West Palm Beach, Florida! Most of all we are happy that Yana finally gets to go home.

Dreamboat Meets Dreamgirl

2010-05-16T09:43:00.000-07:00

FoBro (foster brother) fell in love this weekend! At the very least Henry was, as our 5-year-old neighbor Lucille likes to say, crushing on Effie. Effie is Chie's daughter, a gorgeous one-year old yellow Labrador Retriever who was named for Jennifer Hudson's character in the 2006 musical film Dreamgirls (click the "back" button to return to this page). It was love at first sight. Never before has Henry hit it off quite as quickly as he did with Effie...he was relaxed enough to initiate play with her and even throw a play bow or two! Henry also met a new friend in Effie's "brother", Lakona, a sweet and earnest three-year old black Labrador Retriever - Golden Retriever cross. Although Henry was instantly smitten with Effie, he and Lakona shared a few lovely man-bonding moments...Henry's first buddy!

The Dreamboat:

The Dreamgirl:

The big bro:

The big (but small) sis, Yvonne III:

Shout Out to B and L

2010-05-11T21:15:00.000-07:00

We send good thoughts, best wishes, hugs, and kisses to two friends who are having significant veterinary procedures this week. The girls who survived metaldehyde toxicity have sprinkled some of their miracle dust your way!