Ernie

Name: Ernie<br/>Nickname: Hemmingway, Ernest (when he’s feeling brave)<br/>Breed: Yellow Lab<br/>Age: 3 years<br/>Weight: 85 lbs <br/>Before OMD: Ernie was released from a breeder and is just beginning to learn what life as a loved family dog looks like. Everything is new to him - couches, routines, visitors, and the concept of “home.” He’s figuring it out one cautious step at a time, with the help of his very patient foster mom.<br/>Energy Level: Low to Medium. He’s not here to run marathons. He’s here to quietly exist near you and form a deep emotional bond in the process.<br/>What we love most: Once Ernie decides you are his person, he is incredibly sweet, soft, and devoted. He follows his foster mom around like a shy shadow and looks at her like she hung the moon.<br/>Also: Ernie lacks confidence. He’s unsure and fearful. Big changes and new people are hard for him, and he will bark when he’s unsure…especially with visitors or anyone who doesn’t live in the home. He’s not trying to be difficult; he’s trying to be brave.<br/>Favorite job: Quiet Companion. Professional Best Friend. Emotional Support Lab….or maybe you’re his emotional support human? <br/>His Favorite Things: His foster mom. Calm routines. Other dogs. Quiet spaces. Predictability. Butt scratches - <br/>He literally grumbles and points his head to this sky like he’s thanking God that it’s happening. <br/>Least Favorite Things: Strangers. Visitors. Chaos. Being expected to know things he was never taught before.<br/>Housebroken: Nope, but he is finally making some strides with routine. <br/>Crate Trained: No, but he does best in an extra tall gated room.<br/>Dogs: Yes! Other dogs help him feel safe and confident. However he will get a little possessive of his foster Mom if she is giving attention to his fur-siblings. Nothing mean at all, he just forms his own little “offensive line” playing center, right guard and left guard to keep her all to himself. <br/>Cats: Unknown but likely okay <br/>Kids: No kids. He needs a calm, quiet, adult-only home.<br/>Ideal Home: Ernie is looking for a very quiet, very patient home that understands he’s starting at the beginning. He needs a low-traffic home (or simply separate him when visitors over). He needs adopters who won’t rush him, won’t overwhelm him, and who see the beauty in earning the trust of a shy dog. In return, Ernie will give you a bond that feels incredibly special - the kind you only get from a dog who chooses you as his safe place.<br/>PS - Ernie sheds like it’s his full-time job, is extremely handsome, and is the definition of “best friend material” for the right home.<br/><br/>Ernie is neutered, vaccinated, heartworm negative and microchipped. He is available for adoption to residents of IL and CT and their surrounding states. If interested, please apply on our website.

Name: Ernie
Nickname: Hemmingway, Ernest (when he’s feeling brave)
Breed: Yellow Lab
Age: 3 years
Weight: 85 lbs
Before OMD: Ernie was released from a breeder and is just beginning to learn what life as a loved family dog looks like. Everything is new to him - couches, routines, visitors, and the concept of “home.” He’s figuring it out one cautious step at a time, with the help of his very patient foster mom.
Energy Level: Low to Medium. He’s not here to run marathons. He’s here to quietly exist near you and form a deep emotional bond in the process.
What we love most: Once Ernie decides you are his person, he is incredibly sweet, soft, and devoted. He follows his foster mom around like a shy shadow and looks at her like she hung the moon.
Also: Ernie lacks confidence. He’s unsure and fearful. Big changes and new people are hard for him, and he will bark when he’s unsure…especially with visitors or anyone who doesn’t live in the home. He’s not trying to be difficult; he’s trying to be brave.<

Name: Ernie
Nickname: Hemmingway, Ernest (when he’s feeling brave)
Breed: Yellow Lab
Age: 3 years
Weight: 85 lbs
Before OMD: Ernie was released from a breeder and is just beginning to learn what life as a loved family dog looks like. Everything is new to him - couches, routines, visitors, and the concept of “home.” He’s figuring it out one cautious step at a time, with the help of his very patient foster mom.
Energy Level: Low to Medium. He’s not here to run marathons. He’s here to quietly exist near you and form a deep emotional bond in the process.
What we love most: Once Ernie decides you are his person, he is incredibly sweet, soft, and devoted. He follows his foster mom around like a shy shadow and looks at her like she hung the moon.
Also: Ernie lacks confidence. He’s unsure and fearful. Big changes and new people are hard for him, and he will bark when he’s unsure…especially with visitors or anyone who doesn’t live in the home. He’s not trying to be difficult; he’s trying to be brave.
Favorite job: Quiet Companion. Professional Best Friend. Emotional Support Lab….or maybe you’re his emotional support human?
His Favorite Things: His foster mom. Calm routines. Other dogs. Quiet spaces. Predictability. Butt scratches -
He literally grumbles and points his head to this sky like he’s thanking God that it’s happening.
Least Favorite Things: Strangers. Visitors. Cha