Our 5 year old, female black lab is joyful, curious, athletic, sweet and warm with family and friends and kids of all ages. We raised her on a ranch but recently moved to a cul-de-sac neighborhood when we had a baby. The changes have been hard on Lotus. She is currently at Aspen Animal Shelter because her only fault is occasional and predictable aggression towards certain dogs. She has many friends in our neighborhood, but one dog she really likes to brawl. She can easily hop our new fence, and escaped the other day. She got into a fight with Ollie and bit him in the face. These neighbors have two little kids that Lotus would never intentionally hurt, but if they had been in that mix it would have been awful. We need to find Lotus an owner who loves labs/dogs and can give her the love, time and energy she deserves. Our trainer believes in her and so do we, but we can't give her what she needs. We are desperate to get her out of the shelter since we can't fix our fence or contain her properly here in the meantime. It's a no-kill, new facility but it is not home. We will pay transportation costs to get to the right new home if it's the right fit for both new owner and Lotus. Please contact us if you're interested! Emily Hightower.

You could install an invisible fence to prevent the fence hopping. We have one to keep my lab out of the bushes my wife planted before we got Aowyn. They aren't to expensive only about 200 dollars and easy to install yourself.

Do you not have the time to spend with her? How is she with your baby? I have a 5 year old lab and she doesn't get the attention she used to because we have had two kids since then but her just being with the family is important to her. We try to take her on walks as a family and give her loving as much as we can. I would never consider separating her from us even though there are labs that have someone who spends all the time with them. You are going to have a hard time having anyone take her even a rescue becuase she has bitten another dog........keep that in mind.

I hope that Lotus is somehow able to find a forever home. Being labeled as agressive toward other dogs strikes a chord of nervousness in some people and often causes them to think that the dog is overall aggressive.

My girl, Bailey, loves the dogs in her pack. Loves them! But, she can be aggressive toward some female dogs. It is the sort of thing that we watch, and we don't leave her unattended in our yard. She wants to be in the house anyway. We remove her from the sourse of her aggression--the neighbor's chocolate girl...who is always running loose. It is in everyone's best interest.

Bear in mind that there are many people who live in a neighborhood setting. Perhaps with some more training and some changes to your yard/fencing situation, Lotus could once again be a valued member of your family. I am happy to hear that she is in a no-kill shelter. Supposedly aggressive dogs are euthanized quickly in kill shelters.

Please consider posting a picture of your girl. I hope she finds a wonderful forever home.
As an aside, I have three young sons. There is always an adjustment period. In the end, dogs, kids, and parents find a way to make it work.

I understand your dilemna and am glad you found a no-kill shelter for her. It sounds like you are trying to do your best by her. Sadly sometimes doing the best for our pets is the hardest thing on our human families. I applaud you for also thinking of your girl's best interest.

Here she is....she is just beautiful.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a143/lovemylabby/IMG_0080.jpg

What is your contact information?


Have you considered contacting a Lab rescue in your area. Here is one that I found in Colorado:

http://www.safeharborlabrescue.org/

Try contacting Rocky Mountain Lab Rescue also.

Rocky Mountain Lab Rescue:

http://www.rockymountainlabrescue.com/

This is a great organization. You can try contacting 14ergirl who is a member of this board.

jmho:
The invisable fence isnt going to stop a dog from being in her yard if it wants to be and that may set off the dog, nor will it stop a dog who wants out. that momentary shock is as annoying as a fly to some dogs once they learn that if they keep walking the shock stops quickly.

my thought was one of those large dog runs especially with the tops and that can be secured to the house. If you want the dog there has to be a way to work it out but the majority of places will not take a dog if it has shown ANY aggression nor will the majority of potential owners too much of a risk. one warning if you take the dog back be sure your insurance covers her completely so any accidental dog bite doesnt ruin you completely. the cost may be higher if you disclose the past bite but if you do not and they find out it may void your coverage should she bite again. one dog bite could cost you your house with the right attorney. this is said not to scare you but to tell you the uphill battle you face. (things we talk about in school!)

i wish you luck and hope in whatever home she ends up in lotus has a long and happy life!
amanda

she is beautiful. I am so sorry that you are in this position. I hope you find her a place that works.

I am sorry for your position. Thank you for making sure she is in a no kill shelter, it sounds like you are doing everything you can to find her a good forever home.