Best day in a long time

[Jeff]

So a couple months ago, Hemi's vet contacted me, he had a pup, wanted to know if I was interested. He was born to very reputable breeder, champion lines. But he came in with cleft pallet. The breeder with 7 other pups was swamped but vet tech and vet took him and nursed him until he was old enough for repair surgery. They offered him to me. But I was still mourning Hemi, and still am. The vet tech decided to keep him, it was meant to be for her. Anyway fast forward a couple months, I asked Hemi's vet if he was still available and for maybe some weekend fun and get away. And I got the story, but they would love if he spent some time with me as he needs socialization and play and fun. So told the bosses today, I am out for the afternoon.

This was so healing for me, and we had such a great time. We played the name game, and super rewards for checking in while walking loose leash, and play and fun.

Excuse me big man with beard, I know you have the treats and I checked in, but you forgot to give me some.



We went to a secret spot I found years ago with Hemi. The splash pad.
https://youtu.be/_fkIzjUK6nk

After the splash pad we rested and relaxed on a bench for a while.



Nope he is not mine, but man what a great Lab, he has so much to learn, so many things to learn. I found several new things he was not used to under his feet, so we had happy time as we danced along them. I get to take him out when ever I want. Next Friday is a new adventure. But I have to say this was the most healing thing ever. Just to take time and share life's experience with a lab. Help them discover the world. I am honored to have been allowed to take him on adventures. I am honored Hemi showed me the way.

[Berna]

Oh, what a cutie! Is he spoken for or there's potential for foster failure?

[Snowshoe]

What is this cutie-pie's name? Lucky puppy to spend time with you. Maybe he will pave the way to a half sibling (same mother or father?) for you in a year?

Do you have photos of his cleft palate? Have never seen that in a dog. Well, not in a person either but have seen photos of people.

[Jeff]

Oh, what a cutie! Is he spoken for or there's potential for foster failure?

Nah, his mom is the vet tech that nursed him from a baby, I am just helping out. She totally loves him but already has 3 dogs, works full time, so throw in an energetic lab puppy into the mix and getting time for walks and adventures and things. So it is good for him and certainly good for me. I slept in till 10:00 am this morning and I am feeling muscles used I haven't felt in a while. If I can help do things with him and share those with her, to help increase their bond I am all for it.

What is this cutie-pie's name? Lucky puppy to spend time with you. Maybe he will pave the way to a half sibling (same mother or father?) for you in a year?

Do you have photos of his cleft palate? Have never seen that in a dog. Well, not in a person either but have seen photos of people.

His name is Cliff, or Clifford as well. Then maybe, the breeder was not one I knew about, they are really very close to me. After checking around, turns out a couple people I know have had labs from them.

Then nope no photos, I didn't bother to look, we were just busy bonding and playing, but I wonder too though if it gives him a super power. His human mom, has never trained him in nose work or anything like that. Hemi was a champ when it came to nose work, tracking, search and rescue but it was learned and practiced for years. Hemi was 3 or 4 when I seen him mastering outside nose work. Cliff is 5 months and I dropped a piece of kibble behind me on accident and it went into the crack in the side walk. We started to walk away, I seen his head flip back and nose goes and he walked right to it, he caught the scent in the wind and tracked it back 4ft. I thought at first fluke, of course he wants his kibble. Then a guy went by at the park with a husky 10ft away, he seen him and we kept going till the husky got down wind, there was a mild breeze. Cliffs head shot up and was standing there air scenting, fully taking in everything about that husky. Had Hemi not been so trained in this, I wouldn't have known the signs. What's even more is this was outdoors in wind, normally they start this inside with little air flow and after mastering they move to outside. The vomeronasal organ which is the primary organ for detecting scent is located between the roof of the mouth and the nasal cavity right where his cleft pallet is. I mean I do not know for sure, he could just be a natural at this, but it could also be part of his palate. I would have to talk to some of the state police friends Hemi worked with and get their input as well as the vet. Anyway just something for us to train and play games with see how he develops. Having a super power and being able to focus the super power is something that takes time, right now he is all puppy, after he air scented the husky he turned back to look at me and then the wind blew some leaves and, oh look leaves must chase them, so we chased leaves.

[katALlabs]

OMG Jeff he is too cute! This is a squishy face puppy breath if I’ve ever seen one… lol
So glad you enjoyed your time with him. I’m sure you’ll find a fuzz ball of your own soon, it usually happens when you least expected it.

[smartrock]

Oh, hey Cliff! What a fun way to get to spend some time. If Hemi's looking down from somewhere, I'm sure he's doing his happy dance to see you sharing some joy with this darling pup. After all, he's the one who taught you how to be such a terrific doggy daddy!

[Nancy0]

He is absolutely adorable. I’m glad you two had such a great, healing time. I bet Hemi would approve

[barry581]

No doubt, Hemi is smiling!