Papaya Labrador Retriever Mix Blaine, WA

******Please note, once completing the initial screen you will be connected with the placement for a video chat. Transports run every few weeks and we will have the dog on the next available transport once approved. If you are not able to accept a dog until a specific time period, please apply at that time************

We are a volunteer run rescue and donate our time to these dogs. IF you are not serious about moving forward in our adoption process, please do not apply. If someone other than yourself is part of the decision making process, please make sure you have spoken with them and they are on board. We really do not want to waste anyone's time if you are not serious about adopting this dog.

Papaya, 1 year old, spayed female, laborador retriever mix, 36 pounds. Pappy is in a foster home in San Antonio, TEXAS and can transport out of state once an approved adopter is lined up!

Pappy is still a pup and has the energy of a labrador puppy at that - she's VERY playful but still learning to respond to social cues of other dogs. She lives with two foster siblings (one 58lb and one 80lb), both of whom she adores, although one is less playful than the other. With her biggest brother, Pappy struggles to understand why he doesn't want to play with her and keeps trying to engage him in play before finally accepting it and going off on her own.

Pappy does pretty much whatever her foster siblings do when she meets another dog, so if they begin barking - she's barking too. If it's just her and her Foster Mom, Papaya doesn't bark and is very neutral passing by other dogs.

We have no history with cats or kids, as Pappy has not been around either. She's still a young girl with a boisterous exuberance, so we'd suggest older kids for the time being as she may inadvertently knock over a small child with her tail. If her furever home were to have small children, we'd recommend normal supervision and some basic training to ensure everyone's safety but have no reason to doubt she'd be anything other than sweet as pie. No matter the age, we always recommend homes with kids who are old enough to understand and respect animal behavior cues.

Pappy is fully house broken and crate trained, being crated overnight for up to 8hrs. She doesn't make any messes, nor does she cry and whine. Admittedly, Papaya would rather not be in the kennel but she doesn't put up a fight about going in on her own. She's not yet trusted to be left loose while unsupervised in part because she's still very "puppy" and has been known to eat a dog bed...or two. :)

Papaya is still unsure of walking on a leash and needs practice to gain confidence. The one time she went out for a walk, several neighborhood dogs barked at her and this seems to have spooked her from venturing out. Her foster notes that Pappy gains confidence when in the presence of her foster siblings, so having another dog who she knows going out with her would help a lot.

Pappy is fed separately from her foster siblings as a general rule of her Foster Mom but has not displayed any signs of food aggression or resource guarding....although she is known to try stealing toys. She absolutely loves balls and tug ropes, and enjoys chasing them when tossed for her. She would appreciate a home that is moderately active as she has a bunch of young lab energy and plays a LOT.

Foster Mom notes that Papaya loves to cuddle and get belly rubs. She will throw her paw at you for more pets, eventually just laying on your lap to cuddle up. She's very loving and affectionate, and has never met a stranger she didn't fall in love with. She greets everyone she meets calmly and warmly, almost like she has to prove her best behavior to ensure they pet her. Her underbite and sweet, docile personality has helped Papaya make friends with almost every Amazon driver to stop by her Foster Home.

Pappy could stand to gain some training in normal puppy behavior - not mouthing or nipping when excited, chewing only on toys or chews, and her leash skills. Otherwise, she is a great girl destined to make a positive impact on her pack and people.

***Listed BREED and AGE - We are taking our best guess & recommendations from our veterinarian on age, breed and size when fully grown. We rarely know a dog's exact age nor are we able to tell the true or full breed mix of dogs as our information is limited most of the time. ***

Interested in applying to adopt her? Fill out an adoption application at the link below!

https://www.shelterluv.com/matchme/adopt/DDAR/Dog