My dogs, Buster & Lily, are experienced travelers. They took their first road trip at one week old when we took a two-hour drive to take their mom to the vet. At 5 months old, we did our first multi-day drive from California to Alaska. It took us 5 days and I learned a lot about how to travel with pups. And in particular, packing for a solo road trip. When the dogs were smaller, there wasn’t as much need to organize the car to perfection but now that they are BIG, space must be utilized efficiently. Buster is 92 pounds and Lily is 70 pounds. They pretty much take…
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Sometimes life throws us a curve ball and sometimes the best laid plans go astray. There isn’t much you can do about it except roll with the punches. In January 2022, I moved up to Alaska to take care of my niece’s dog and bird while she attended university on campus. It was an opportunity for her to experience life on campus, albeit in this new pandemic world, it isn’t quite how it used to be. My mom had heart surgery in January so I would also be able to give my sister a break from taking care of mom. THE PLAN was to stay in Alaska until my niece’s…
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Raising littermate puppies can be very challenging. I’m not sure I would have raised littermates had I known in advance how difficult it would be. As a single owner, I discovered that you should never be outnumbered by your dogs! I think it helped that Labrador Retrievers have a friendly nature so I never experienced some of the more serious consequences of raising littermates. It was only after I had committed to the two puppies that I read some of the horror stories associated with littermate syndrome. Something Called “Littermate Syndrome” Littermate syndrome refers to behavioral issues that may arise when raising two puppies from the same litter in the…
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Labrador Retrievers have a natural inclination towards balls for several reasons, and some dogs may even exhibit a strong obsession with them. Originally, labradors were bred as retrievers, used by fishermen to help retrieve fishing nets and catch from the water. Hunters use labradors to fetch their game. This retrieving instinct is deeply ingrained in their genetics. The love for balls triggers their natural desire to retrieve, making it an enjoyable and satisfying activity for many labradors. Aside from their basic instincts, labradors are also known for their high energy levels. Playing with balls provides an outlet for that energy, allowing them to engage in physical exercise and mental stimulation. It…
