This is Rex.
We just adopted him from a Labrador Rescue in Yakima WA. Not only do I want to encourage everyone who is thinking of getting a pet to look into the pound, or rescues, but I want to make you aware of what a great thing you could do by donating your time, or even a small amount to your local rescue or shelter. This is Rex's story-
Rex was purchased from a breeder by a very wealthy family, they had just built a large new home, their dream home, and they wanted the "All American Dream" of having a lab playing with their kids in the front yard. While Rex was growing up he learned to scratch on the door when he had to go outside to potty. This of course was a good thing, but Rex's family got mad at him for marking up their door. They thought they would solve the problem and took Rex to the vet and had all of his front claws removed. This is a VERY painful procedure for dogs, and most veterinarians will not perform it on dogs. Rex recovered well and was a good boy, but his family decided they didn't want him to live with them anymore so they took him to Second Chance Lab Rescue in Yakima. They played with Rex and taught him some tricks, and eventually found him a new home. Unfortunately Rex went home with his new mommy and chased her chickens, she was warned that he was a "bird" dog but she thought she could fix him, when she couldn't she returned him to the rescue. Rex stayed their with Dana and her Husband for awhile and then he went home with another couple. He thought for sure he had found his new home, but yet again he had to be returned to the rescue when his mommy and daddy got a divorce and neither one wanted to keep him....
Our family had decided to look for a new family member and we knew we wanted a Lab. We also knew we would rather rescue a dog instead of "buy" one. I started searching around and came across Second Chance in Yakima, we saw Rex's picture and we fell in love. So I drove over to Yakima to meet him. As soon as I saw Rex he jumped up on the fence and barked, almost to say "Please take me home" my heart melted and I knew he was going to be our new baby. So I paid the $50 adoption fee, which goes right back into the rescue to help for medical bills, or food, or whatever the dogs need, (Second Chance is a non profit organization) and I loaded Rex up in the car. I thought maybe he would jump around a bit in the back but he laid down in the back seat and let out a sigh and went to sleep. He was just a perfect gentleman in the car. He was also wonderful and friendly when he met the other 3 dogs and Riley. Rex knows how to sit, shake, sit up, roll over, he is already fixed, house trained, doesn't bark, dig, or chew, and he is good on the leash. He is also neutered. What more could you ask for?
Rex has only been with us a few days but already he fits right in. He is the biggest baby I have ever met. He has not had 1 accident since we have had him and he has displayed no bad habits. He is just full of loves. He is the perfect dog in every way. He even sleeps on the floor next to my bed. As I type this Andy is on the floor scratching Rex, who is enjoying the intention immensely and is responding by making small puppy growl/whimpers which are complete contentment and harbor no grumpiness at all. He is simply happy. Rex has found his forever home, there is no way we will give up this perfect animal. He is now a part of our family and he is greatly loved.
So now that you know his story I really do encourage you to look into rescues and shelters before you go out and get a puppy. Older dogs are usually trained quite well, and they need a break, a family to love, and a family to love them. Look at us, we got a purebred lab who is fully trained and already fixed for a minimal fee, a fee less than what it would cost to have a puppy spayed or neutered, and a fee that I am more than happy to pay because it goes to save other dogs just like Rex.
Anyways, I will keep you updated on the family, stay tuned :o)
