Age: 5 1/2 | Energy: Low | Weight: ~60 lbs
A couch potato. She likes eye contact and then will come in for a hug - it’s very cute the way she scooches over to be close to you. A few times a day she’ll be an aggressive cuddler, really leaning into you and rolling over for a big hug and lots of pets. She wants to lick but pretty understanding when I refuse, and then she’ll try again. Most of the time she just wants you by her side, on the couch. She does the happy dance when you come back even if you’re only gone for a minute.
She’s very gentle. Doesn’t drool and hasn’t shown any interest in toys or chewing. She hasn’t played with me at all yet. One time she initiated play with Nino (a younger, bigger lab) which lasted just a minute.
Everything is scary at first. Her family needs to be patient with her, but also push her to get off the couch now and again (sometimes literally). I think she’d do well in a quiet home - no young kids and maybe another low energy dog. She grew up with other dogs and gets along well, having a friend may help her feel comfortable but I think she’d be okay as an only dog. Haven’t seen her with cats but I think she’d be fine with them.
She has a bum knee and tires quickly so easy on walks. A reasonable/moderate walking pace and not very far. We take 2 a day but 1 would be fine. No stairs! Stairs are very scary and probably too painful, and that will only get worse with age.
She picked 2 spots here and is always at one or the other, either on the couch next to where I sit or on some blankets on the floor. Jumping is hard so she’ll need someone to teach her how to step up with a stool or a ramp - she manages it okay for now but we could make it easier for her. She doesn’t follow me around, just gives longing looks willing me to come to her.
As she gets older her knee pain could become a bigger issue for her. She needs a patient caring family that’s willing to help her get around when it hurts too much. But if you like cuddly dogs, she will more than pay you back with affection — she is super sweet.
Licking
Poor appetite / picky eater.
Refuses to do anything, eg she’ll say no to a walk but is happy once it starts.
Pulls random directions on walks. She needs to learn leash manners but since she’s had a harder time adjusting I have not started this yet. She doesn’t pull hard and is pretty easy to redirect.
Shy - avoids people she doesn’t know. But she’s already warmed up to a neighbor of mine after a few short visits. (friendly with meeting new dogs though)
Not crate trained but learning.
Often takes some food from the bowl over to another spot to eat there instead.
Knee pain and a slight limp that acts up on long walks. Arthritis and potentially an old injury that didn’t heal right.
Started taking Dasuquin (joint supplement) and will likely need to continue that for life.
Good teeth and breath
Decent weight (could lose a few pounds)