Three years ago today, I took the day off of work and drove down to pick up my new puppy.
I knew the breeder and she knew me, and I knew the litter was a good one with all of the good things going on that we look for when getting a new Lab puppy from a reputable breeder. However, I didn't really want a yellow dog and all the boys in this litter were yellow. Also, the evaluator said a lot of unflattering things about my puppy's temperament, things that did end up being a tiny bit true (maybe 5%), but certainly not to the level that she said they would be.
The days leading up to picking him up, I wasn't feeling confident with my decision to get this yellow pup. I do get analysis paralysis and I can be an over-thinker, but I've also learned over time to trust my gut. I felt conflicted. But, in the end, I decided to go through with it because I didn't have a concrete reason not to, other than nervous about change, and frankly I didn't want to back out on my commitment. This dog wasn't meant to be a performance dog, but a pet for me and a pal for Sam, who was just about to lose his older brother.
Three years later, I know I was right about one thing... YELLOW LAB HAIR IS THE WORST! Otherwise, I was wrong and the evaluator was mostly wrong (about his temperament). He's not aloof in the least bit, he's definitely not shy and he's never had traveler's diarrhea. He is 125% biddable which creates some handler sensitivity, but we've learned how to deal with that and make it work in our favor, otherwise, he has no issues with the environment or crowds or noise or any of that stuff. I have met over half of his littermates as well as his parents and he's definitely the most gregarious and extroverted of the bunch!
But, more importantly, Linus is the busiest, funniest, smartest, most biddable, most demanding, most workaholic, most focused Lab I've ever had and he has taught me so much about training and behavior and brought me into new sports (field work but also barn hunt and nosework though we're not pursuing those right now) and finally pushed me further into sports I've been dabbling in for years and years (obedience and agility). I've met so many new and wonderful people because of him and made many good friends. He's such a terrific partner. One minute he can be working and focused, driving for a bird or working in the ring, and the next minute we can be sitting in the grass together playing and cuddling, yes, even with gun shots and live flyers coming down. He is the perfect mix of performance and pet, driven and mellow. He's a true partner who cares about what I want. If dogs can be thoughtful or unselfish, his working personality defines this. There is also something about him that is different. He's caring, if that makes sense, and sensitive. Can dogs be intuitive?
To know him is to love him and he creates laughter and smiles everywhere we go. I can't imagine life without my little nugget!
Super tired after his first day home. Big brother is so happy to have a pal!
First pool party!
First swimmies (on brother's back)!
First holiday party!
First raw bone and being harassed by his "sisters" for a taste!