LAB FIXATION

I went down to Folsom yesterday to get my Lab fix. Since I can't have a dog over 20 lbs. in this apartment, I must go and get my fix every couple of weeks at the Lab dog adoption in front of PetsMart. There were very large and mostly older dogs, as usual, but I enjoy the interaction no less.

My dream dog would be less than a year, preferably 8 weeks young to a year where I can train and bond with the animal and have him or her for about 15 years, if I or the dog is lucky enough to last that long. The dogs were great and really, really friendly where they would come right up to you and ask for pets and scratches. What fun they are. Their foster parents were casually telling people that were interested in their particular dog the good and bad traits of the dog, which I think was a really great thing to do. Not everyone wants a dog that doesn't like cats or small children.

I overheard the lady who was in charge of all of this saying to an interested couple wanting to know more about how to adopt a Lab saying, "If you don't like the dog or if the dog doesn't like you, you can bring him/her back and exchange him/her. And if you bring him/her back and you decide to adopt from a shelter, just bring the receipt and we'll refund your money." She kind of made it sound like you were shopping at Walmart. But I found this fair. I don't know if I'd be able to return a dog at any time. Usually when I adopt a pet, I then and there have made a commitment to the animal through good and bad times I will care for you forever. My animals usually turn out to be lovers to me and anybody who meets them. Even cats in my care end up, eventually, a very long eventually, in some cases, to be sociable and loving towards me and others.

When I went to the dog adoption a couple weeks ago, there was a lady there, perhaps an adopter's owner, who after the day was almost done, pointed out to one Lab and said that that one was the "Lab of the day." The perfect dog in temperament, looks, learning ability, etc., etc. I had to agree it was a beautiful dog in every way, but I could see myself with any dog and training, grooming and teaching it the way I would want it to be.

I believe I am the perfect owner. Maybe a bit too much about any animal, especially any animal in need of food, medical help, training, shelter. But don't we all think that way, but maybe aren't really that way after all? No, no, no. When it comes to animals and small children, I am a really, really a softy and get too emotional. When I go to the pet adoptions or any animal shelters, tears come to my eyes, and I get a choking, tightening in my throat. They are such beautiful animals that were created and I just don't know why I get those feelings. After all, they are "just animals." "Just animals," you say. "No, they're more than that," I say again. Wonderful, beautiful creatures.