|
|
Labs in the News
 |
Amber's Story
by Kelley Baca Weir
Spokesperson for the American Humane Association
Dog Sport Magazine
January/February 2010
|
Adopted canine movie star
Local Marley & Me lab was a rescue dog
Denver Dailey News
December 31, 2008
With an estimated $37 million worth of tickets sold through the three-day Christmas weekend, moviegoers flocked to see the Labrador Retreiver in the film Marley & Me. The film also featured Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson, who may have had something to do with the movie’s success, but it’s always a challenge to upstage a cute dog.
Local star
There were 22 cantankerous canines used for the role of Marley and one of them is poised to become Colorado’s newest star. Brodie, who turns nine on March 24, 2009, is part of the Middleton family, which includes mom Kristy, dad Andrew, their son Drew and their other Lab, Lava, who is 11. The family resides in Monument.
The Middletons adopted Brodie from Safe Harbor Lab Rescue in Golden and Kristy ended up becoming much more than a new Lab parent.
“I got involved with Safe Harbor Lab Rescue back in August 2001, when my husband and I were looking to adopt another Labrador to add to our family. I expressed my interest in volunteering, became the Intake Coordinator and shortly thereafter, adopted Brodie from them. I was then elected to the Board of Directors and later served as President for a few years. I resigned from the board in 2007, but continue to volunteer, working with shelters, Good Samaritans and other rescue groups to bring Labs into our program.
Successful audition
Brodie was chosen for the movie by a scouting company named Birds and Animals Unlimited. They had contacted Safe Harbor looking for a Labrador that would fit the requirements of Marley. Kristy sent in some pictures of Brodie. Birds and Animals Unlimited visited the Middletons to meet him and a star was born. Earlier this year, a trainer, Jim Warren,
Jessie - Our Famous Lab
 Yes, it’s true – we have a famous Lab in our midst! Just check out page 24 of the April 2007 edition of BARK magazine.There in all her smiling glory, you’ll see Jessie featured as a “Smiling Dog”.
When she came to us she tested positive for heartworm, had a broken pelvis from being hit by a car and needed major surgery on her hip. Her successful surgery and treatments are behind her now, and nice long walks, trips to the park and playtime with buddies are back on her agenda. -- but she has even more to smile about. Her wonderful foster tenderly nursed her back to health during her long recuperation. Then, when he was out of town, he missed Jessie so much he knew right then and there that an adoption was in order.
Now Jessie has a real forever home with the person she loves most of all. Jessie sure has a lot to smile about these days, and what a winning smile it is!
Info Worth Its Salt
"Pets: The Shadow Population"
Drive - The Magazine from Subaru
Labrador Retriever FAQ's
Welcome to k9web! Resources for the Canine Community
Why Rescue: "Top 10 Reasons You Should Consider a Rescue."
NESR
Looking out for older dogs
The Senior Dogs Project
Leilah's Laughs - Dog Humor and More...
The Top 10 Reasons to Adopt a Seasoned Labrador
- Adulthood: In most cases Seasoned Labradors are well past the chewing and digging stages of life. They cause less destruction than puppies or younger dogs. They also have a longer attention span, making them easier to train.
- Peace of Mind: Over 90% of older dogs are housebroken before they go to a second home. In addition, an adult dog has a larger bladder and can go for longer periods of time without relief, such as when you get stuck in traffic.
- Experience: Most seasoned Labradors have been socialized with other animals. They can provide an example and calming influence to younger dogs.
- Tolerance: Seasoned Labradors are good first dogs for children because they are patient with tail-tugging and rough petting. They'll walk away from a playing child rather than hurting the child.
- Companionship: Senior dogs don't demand constant watchfulness and attention. They're content just to be in the same room while family members are working or relaxing. A Seasoned Labrador will be just as happy with a sedate walk as with intense exercise.
- Dignity: Seasoned Labradors are generally calmer than young dogs; they won't scare small children or the elderly by jumping up to greet them.
- Adaptability: An adult dog will adapt more easily to changes in your household, such as a new baby, relatives or guests visiting, or being left alone for long periods of time when there is a sudden burst of overtime at work.
- WYSIWYG: (What you see is what you get). A senior dog is fully grown, and most of its health history is already known (hereditary diseases, arthritis, and hip dysphasia are some). There are no guesses about how big it will get, whether it will bark a lot, or what its energy level will be.
- Personality: A senior dog arrives with its own set of likes (soft places to sleep, belly rubs, tennis balls) and dislikes (cauliflower, squirrels, vacuum cleaners), and each one is different. Discovering all the facets of a senior's personality makes life with them truly enjoyable.
- Memories: Even if you have a Seasoned Labrador as part of your life for only a few years, the days and the adventures you share are precious. The love and joy you receive every day from a senior will more than compensate for the sadness of eventually losing such a wonderful companion.
|
