June 2, 2006

Cousin Darla

Meet Darla, the newest member of our extended family, and first cousin to Angel and Jacqueline.

My sister recently moved back to Ventura, and is semi-retired. (Yes, I hate her.) She found her days longer than anticipated, and so she figured she needed a new best friend to help her round out those days. So, my sister found Darla, and has brought her home to live with her, and fill that need.

Darla is a Black Labrador puppy, and is as friendly and lovable as any dog you will meet. She still hasn't figured out her size yet, but it sure is fun watching her try. Jackie and Angel have not yet met Darla because there has been a bit of trepidation on my part concerning Darla's lack of coordination, not to mention a lack of understanding her own size and strength. I would hate for her to squish my little Jackie. I also worry about Jackie's now galvanized fear of large dogs. But I think they will all get together one day for a nice little backyard romp, and perhaps Darla can help my little Jackie see that all large dogs aren't bad.

Who could resist that face?
Darla and her favorite toy. Forget all about that silly rubber thing Uncle Jeff got me, this bowl is da bomb!
Lab, Pointer, what's the difference?
Some day maybe Jackie will even give Darla one of her famous ear cleanings. If she can reach them, that is.

Check in next week for a new chapter in The Adventures of Angel and Jacqueline. And don't forget to check out the Carnival of the Dogs at Mickey's Musings, and the Friday Ark at The Modulator for more interesting animals.

Posted by Jeff at June 2, 2006 6:53 AM
Comments

What a sweetheart. Lab puppies are one of the cutest dogs you can get. The problem is they love to chew for years so watch the shoes, and etc.
Happy to hear another human has found an animal love!

Posted by: momma at June 2, 2006 7:11 AM

Yeah, Labs will chew until they wear their teeth down to the nub -- no exaggeration. A nice gift for Darla would be a collection of hard rubber chew toys.

Posted by: Fritz at June 2, 2006 8:44 AM

My sister is an orthodontist, and she already noticed that Darla has broken one of her baby teeth. Most likely because of the chewing you two have described.

I think Lisa is aware of the Lab's love of chewing, but I will pass along the info just to be sure.She just bought her house, and has new furniture. I would hate to see it get all chewed up!

Posted by: Jeff at June 2, 2006 9:07 AM

What a sweet girl. My Coco is also leary of big goofy puppies so I understand your concerns in regards to Jackie.

Posted by: Simply Coll at June 4, 2006 4:27 PM

Yeah, them labs can sure do some serious chew damage. Nothing chews more than a lab, except a lab/shepherd mix. I got two, and for the first two years you hide everything. I also have chis, and I'd introduce your little babies to her when she gets a little more coordinated and she can respond to basic commands. But, the sooner the better if you plan to have them spend any time together later. Good luck, Lisa

Posted by: Lisa Kennedy-Szabo at June 7, 2006 10:48 PM