Hi from South America!!

[sharlene]

I'm a proud yellow lab owner living in Venezuela, South America. He's 18 months-old now and fills each of our days with joy. My boyfriend and I used to live in an apartment, where "Cousteau" (that's his name) was terrible!, but now he's got a house with a big yard to run free.
Surprisingly, although labs seem to be so common in the US and Europe, here they are a rare breed; people even get scared of their big size and think they're dangerous!! (only if they'd know!).
I'd like to share experiences with other lab owners, as well as any other breed, we're considering in having another dog, so we'd like to hear about other breeds.

[lhg0962]

Hi Sharlene!
I love Laborador Retrievers. They are so smart, active, loving, etc. I currently have two Golden Retrievers (both females)who I also love. They aren't quite as hyper as the labs I have had in the past. Might be because they are girls.
If you love labs and have the room, why not get a second lab or do as many have, look into a shelter and see what you find.
Welcome to Pet Talk. You'll find out that a lot of us will have an answer to anything you ask! Whether we give good advice, I don't know if we always do, but we sure do try hard.

[BoxerLover]

Wecome Sharlene!
I'm new here, too and so far this site is the place to be! If you are looking for another dog, consider a boxer! I have one and she is the best dog I have ever had. She is sweet, loyal, loving, and obedient. She is also adorable. Boxers are social and I believe one would get along nicely with your lab.

[This message has been edited by BoxerLover (edited November 13, 2000).]

[karen israel]

Hola Sharlene! You've certainly come to the right place!!! Welcome to the fabulous Pet Talk Forum! We are happy to have you! We are full of advise and fun, stories and adventures-never boring!! Feel free to join in!

[dukiemom]

Hi Sharlene!
I'm kind of new here too and think this site is terrific.
I have one black lab now (22 months old and calming down very nicely) but have had others in the past - 3 yellow and one other black lab. They were all sweet 100 pound babies.
Welcome to Pet of the Day.
Dukiemom

[RachelJ]

Sharlene, BoxerLover, DukiMom
Welcome all of you to Pet Talk. It is so neat to get to know dog lovers from all over the world. I think you will find that here you will fit right in.

Sharlene, I too hope that in getting that second dog, you check out a shelter. Look through the Dog of the Day archives (past Dogs of the Day) and you will find wonderful stories of dogs who are on their second owner and have made the lives of their families so rich and complete. It will also give you a chance to "meet" a variety of breeds and mixed breeds. Please don't rule out a mix until you have seen some of these beauties.

If you have not had two dogs before, be prepared, it is more like having three dogs. There is dog #1, dog #2, and the dog that is created by the two of them together (this one can be quite a challenge).

[sharlene]

Thanks all for your advices and welcome!, we've been thinking about getting another lab, maybe a black one (chocolates are very had to find here), that keeps up with Cousteau. Thanks Rachel for bringing up the fact that "2 dogs=3 dogs", we never considered it that way! : )
As for shelters, i'm sorry to tell you that here in Venezuela they aren't as widespread as they are in the US, in fact there aren't any in the city we live in (i know, is such a shame). So the dog lovers (as us) take the time o feed some of the stray dogs and give them some love...i can tell about that later.
Anyway, thanks a lot, i'm considering all your advices!!.

[RachelJ]

Oh, and one more thing, once you have two, after a while... (that is, after the insanity of having two sets in)..... you'll WANT THREE.

[sharlene]

LOL!!!

[lhg0962]

RachelJ,
You are so right!!! I long for another dog and know I don't have the space or time to handle another one. I think that is why I am so willing to "babysit". My dogs are so easy to get along with that any visitor fits right in. My parents have finally started bringing their Retreiver mix, Scout, every time they visit. She fits right in and lets my dogs know immediately who is the boss! And we had Dexter, a rescue dog that I found and later placed in a loving home, last weekend. He did fine too!! I'd have a ton of dogs of I could afford them!

[ktreva52]

Sharlene: Welcome (I'm a little late getting to this topic) and congratulations on your dog. Labs are great big boisterous children and smart. What are some of the more "common" breeds in Venezuela? You might consider a terrier or herding dog to companion your lab, both smart, active breeds. I used to have seven dogs at one time, but they didn't all agree on everything, so one went to a new home, one got put down after she bit my hand (an error she didn't intend, but it wasn't the first time), and a couple went back to my mother and daughter, whose they were. Now, I'm down to one dog and two cats and they all get along, but another JRT (Jack Russell Terrier) will be joining the pack within the year -- I just have to find the one I want. Anyway, Sharlene, and all the other new folks (I should talk), this is the greatest site for discussion of doggie things ever. Enjoy.

[SheltieLover234]

Well I own a Black Lab and your right they are so sweet!and there cloats are so soft!

[ownerof3dogs]

There is a yellow lab at the place I work (Kennel) his name is Max. He is the funniest dog. I call him the Arnold Shwartsinager(?)
of Labs. he has muscles bulging every where. He looks more like a Rotty colored like a Lab