Labrador Retriever [Mix]

UPDATE October 28, 2009 I visited Mari at the boarding kennel on Oct 26th and was very pleased to see her sharing her kennel with an older male Black Lab. As well, she was well behaved inside the house with about 6 Border Collies. So, I feel very comfortable in her living with a dog of medium to large size, who isn't dominant by nature. Mari is currently staying at a boarding kennel as we don't have any foster homes available. We really need a foster or permanent home as boarding for any length of time is costly for the charity and, although she seems to be happy there, it's really not the best environment for any dog for the long-term. Everyone who meets Mari loves her almost instantly! Mari was born in Feb. 2007 and is a spayed, microchipped and vaccinated Black Lab mix, who weighs about 83 lbs. She's sweet-natured with people, learns quickly and is anxious to please. Mari knows her basic commands -- sit, lay down, give a paw and takes her treats gently from your hand. She definitely shows the potential to learn much more. She's a quiet dog, with little barking, and is content to be part of a family who's looking for a loving companion. Mari is a gentle-natured dog who'd do well in a quiet home, a place where she'll have a daily exercise routine. As is common with the breed, she loves the water. She doesn't mind being left alone, assuming she gets a good walk beforehand, for up to 4-5 hrs. at a time; and she hasn't been destructive during that length of time alone. Mari's only weak point is being protective of her food in the company of other dogs, probably from her days as a stray on the street, wondering where her next meal would come from and if you take her toys away from her without warning. 'Trading up' works good with the toys but, for the long-term, her new home must be willing to work on a program (which we can provide) to get her over this behaviour. It's done in steps, based on her positive response at each step. Being Mari is very bright and a quick learner in general, it shouldn't take her too long to realize there's no need to display this behaviour around food and toys and she'll progress thru the program at a good pace. Mari has also demonstrated a strong prey drive around small animals on occasion --- small dogs, cats and squirrels --- so she would do best in a home with dog experience and a secure fenced yard. She's looking for a home where she'll have her daily walks 'on leash' when off her own property, to avoid confrontations with small animals who might come up to her on their own, and to avoid her running into the bushes after a cat or squirrel as we must be willing to protect her as well as the other small animals. Mari will be a great companion in the right setting. She's one of the most loving dogs we've ever rescued. She's so willing to offer her affection to everyone she meets. Yes, Mari has a couple of issues that need work but she's also very deserving of a loving home so please email diannealdan@sympatico.ca if you'd like to consider Mari as a foster or permanent member of your family and, if it's a good fit, we can arrange for you to meet her!