Oh how sad! I agree with caseysmom. I was verry young when Lucky was a puppy but I do remember wearing boots whenever I interacted with him. Even though he was separated at the proper age of 12-14 weeks, he was jumpy and nippy like he-doublehockeysticks. After much ruined socks, shows, shirts, jackets, table legs, chair legs, etc. etc., I swear never to get a puppy unless it's for show or something utterly important!

Can you ask a Retriever rescue group to take in Bosco? I know a lot of Grey groups pull from shelters just by word of mouth.
http://www.rescuers.com/rescues/DogBreedShow5.asp