| Brookline Labrador Retriever Rescue Helping Labs Find Their Fur-Ever Homes |
In the spring of this year, about one year after the loss of my dog Daisy, I
felt the need to include another waggy tail in my life. I had adopted a
homeless cat prior to the death of my dog and we had become fast
friends, but cats are not dogs and so I began my search. I was interested
in a lab or lab mix because of their personalities. I was open to either a
puppy or a young dog that was good with cats, but I was really leaning
toward a puppy. I searched in the local papers and on the internet, and
came across Brookline Lab Rescue. After reading their purpose and
intent, I decided to register with Brookline because of the thoroughness
of their application and the personal interview. After I was cleared to
adopt (which didn’t take a long time), the search for the right match
began. There were not many puppies…so, I consented to adopt a young
dog named Chloe whose first family could no longer keep her. Chloe is a
lab mix who is almost three, housebroken, trained and grew up with
cats—an almost perfect match, it seemed. My first meeting with Chloe
was May 22, and the introduction with the cat did not go as well as
expected and I was not sure that Chloe was a good fit. My Brookline
volunteer worked with me through the rough times, stayed in touch daily,
found internet information about dog-cat interactions and gave me
contact information for another Brookline volunteer who is also dog
trainer that could help with dog-cat issues. I spoke at length to that
Brookline volunteer about the issues and incorporated everything she
suggested into our routine. It is now about three months since Chloe, the
cat and I first met and we have achieved the “Peaceable Kingdom” at my
house.
felt the need to include another waggy tail in my life. I had adopted a
homeless cat prior to the death of my dog and we had become fast
friends, but cats are not dogs and so I began my search. I was interested
in a lab or lab mix because of their personalities. I was open to either a
puppy or a young dog that was good with cats, but I was really leaning
toward a puppy. I searched in the local papers and on the internet, and
came across Brookline Lab Rescue. After reading their purpose and
intent, I decided to register with Brookline because of the thoroughness
of their application and the personal interview. After I was cleared to
adopt (which didn’t take a long time), the search for the right match
began. There were not many puppies…so, I consented to adopt a young
dog named Chloe whose first family could no longer keep her. Chloe is a
lab mix who is almost three, housebroken, trained and grew up with
cats—an almost perfect match, it seemed. My first meeting with Chloe
was May 22, and the introduction with the cat did not go as well as
expected and I was not sure that Chloe was a good fit. My Brookline
volunteer worked with me through the rough times, stayed in touch daily,
found internet information about dog-cat interactions and gave me
contact information for another Brookline volunteer who is also dog
trainer that could help with dog-cat issues. I spoke at length to that
Brookline volunteer about the issues and incorporated everything she
suggested into our routine. It is now about three months since Chloe, the
cat and I first met and we have achieved the “Peaceable Kingdom” at my
house.
| Chole |
We are now in “dog school” as part of her socialization and the instructors have told me more than once that she is the best
“rescue” dog that they have ever encountered. Chloe is a very smart, willing to please young lady. She is a happy dog with a big
heart who is willing to try anything at least once, but understands the boundaries. Chloe had a great start with her first family who
loved her, cared for her and taught her right from wrong. It is a tribute to them that they sought out Brookline Lab Rescue for their
dear Chloe. Chloe is a “star” in class and out of class she has made my life full once again.