Lexi

Just a year ago our 10 1/2 year old yellow English Lab, Blondie, passed away. We were so sad and lonely without her. Rather than getting a new puppy, we decided to look for a mid-aged lab to bring into our family. Through Rudy's Rescue we found a beauty, Lexi. She had been held captive by a breeder who apparently treated his labs like cattle, not the wonderful dogs that they are. She had been kept in a chicken coop and did nothing but have puppies for the 4-5 years of her life. When we got Lexi, the wonderful Rudy's families had already taught her to walk stairs and introduced her to walking on grass! She was very timid and her eyes would often glaze over like she was in shock. At first I wondered if she would ever look me in the eyes. It was a little scary. What if she never acted like a real dog? Well, she did settle in and has become such a love! I remember the first time I walked in the house and she wagged her tail! I was overjoyed!

Lexi has learned how to play with toys, give "kisses" (very important in our family!) and gladly receives our love. Her greatest fear had been of older men. My husband has been so patient waiting for her to warm up to him. It took nearly a year but now she comes seeking his attention, as well!

We did find that Lexi was happiest with a second lab to keep her company. For a while we would bring our children's 12 year old lab, Cooper, to have playdates but we really wanted a fulltime playmate for Lexi. Our son heard about a younger lab, Troy, who was with a very good family who just could not be at home enough for him. He was crated, out of necessity, for many hours per day. Their love for him lead them to look for a good home and we gladly took him. He and Lexi are best friends, now, and we believe that two are better than one!. Lab puppies may be cute but we highly recommend looking for adult labs who need a good home.