Chocolate Lab

Loyalty at its finest!

Today is for anyone who is debating whether to get a chocolate lab or really any type of Labrador Retriever. They have been the most popular dog in the United States and several other countries for the past 22 years. That is quite an impressive statistic. I have had many dog breeds throughout my lifetime, but the labs top the list in almost every category. I have had two, Ginger was my first, a yellow lab. Penny is my current chocolate lab and my loyal, devoted  friend.

We got her when she was 7 weeks old, one of a litter of 13. She had hazel colored eyes at the time and was a possible choice for a name. However, my daughter Rosemary suggested Penny and it seemed to fit her somehow. She was so energetic and I thought this puppy lived and breathed adrenaline. She literally never sat down! We started obedience training but when she was hit by a car at 4 months old, we had to stop.

The recovery from her broken pelvic bone was long and very tough for an energetic puppy. She had to remain in a cage for 6 weeks so she couldn’t injure herself further and give the bone time to mend. She recovered with flying colors and resumed her energetic behavior. Labs need to run an average of 5 miles a day. We fenced in about 6 acres for her with an invisible fence. I had fallen in love with this chocolate lab puppy and she had become my constant companion.

We have a pond and it was included in her fenced in boundaries. She quickly learned where the boundaries were and has remained safe all these years. It was a worthwhile investment. She absolutely loves the water and swimming has been a favorite activity. We
throw sticks and balls for her to retrieve in the pond. She always brings them back and places them gently in your hand. She never drops them.

My kids also loved the pond when they were growing up. My daughter pretended to drown once to see if Penny would rescue her. At the first sounds of distress, Penny was in the water and swam to my daughter and pulled her to shore. Amazing instincts these dogs have. I read somewhere that the only time a lab will disobey you is to save a drowning person. I believe it.

One time we were at my parents for Christmas and I was baking pies. I had just rolled out a pie crust and turned my back for a moment. Penny leaped up with her front paws on the counter, snatched my pie crust and raced to the basement. It was completely gone when I reached the bottom of the stairs! Another time she found 12 chocolate bars I had bought as a gift and ate them all in one sitting! She never even got sick.

At age 7 she was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor on her leg. I was devastated but determined to save her somehow. First, I prayed and asked the Lord not to take my dear friend. She had become my trusted companion and comfort as I went through my own serious health issues. Then I began to do research. I found a natural remedy to try and I did it for the next year, faithfully 3 times a day. Flaxseed oil and cottage cheese! She never got sick a day and the tumor never grew. She also loves apples and vegetables. She recently ate an entire box of apples. She picks green beans in the garden during the summer. I’m pretty certain she thinks I plant them for her.

Penny is almost 13 now and has slowed down a lot. She still follows me everywhere, loves to ride in the car and help feed the animals and gather eggs. She could teach lessons in loyalty. For any of you trying to find the perfect dog, consider the chocolate lab. Mine has been the very best experience I have had in the dog world. I really, really love this chocolate lab!!!!