Meet Abby - A Lab Mixed with Love

Abby the Lab came from the wonderful folks at Love of Labs Indiana as a "mix" (I work in Indianapolis and during the work week- Abby and I are at my little place down there).  We got her in late Spring of this year, about three months after Barkley went to the Rainbow Bridge--the little Chicagoland Bungalow I share with my new husband just too quiet and our hearts just too empty. Barkley was purebred, the offspring of a colleagues wonderful dog--but this time, we wanted to add a rescue. She is not very large-- 82 pounds--10  of which was gained after we got her.  She also has the softest hair of any lab that's been a part of my family. Her hair is also a bit longer and in the sun, as you can see by the photos, there's a decided red undertone.

Her tail is also slightly bushier.

"Mom - you invited me on the couch with you-- are you sure I can stay?"

You can stay Abby - there's a reason when this old beat up "free" Broyhill sofa from Chaigslist was rebuilt and refinished and all new cushions made, we got black, easy to clean "lab colored"  fabric.

What do you think-- flat coated retriever mixed in there?

In any case - she's the best dog, doesn't chew, and is extremely gentle and loving even as she patrols the neighborhood like any good Canine security officer - keeping the grass free from dangerous rabbits and squirrel flash mobs. She also walks really well on a leash (yes, that's a U of I color leash my husband made out of paracord. )

There were a number of purebred labs at the rescue and much younger dogs--all fostered well and a good choice for our home But I wanted Abby with her fluffy fur and grey muzzle.

I don't know her background, other than she'd been left at a shelter--heartworm positive, but she had been someone's indoor pet.  She reacts very emotionally to children - wanting nothing more than to go to their side and snuggle, it was almost heartbreaking to watch the first time--she was missing her old home so badly.  She obeys basic commands, and she's good on a leash.She wouldn't get on the couch either - until I let her know it was OK.  When I threw a treat for her last night and instead of catching it in her mouth. it landed on the floor between my husbands feet as he did the dishes after I cooked supper,  she didn't grab it. She sat quietly until I told her she could get it.  I didn't teach her to do that.

She's a great dog all the way around.

Though we still get the "look" especially on pancake morning

"Sure-- "pancakes with syrup aren't good for dog" - you also told me squirrels weren't tennis balls thrown by God"

But she gets her treats - even if it isn't a plate of Mom's famous eggnog pancakes.

And she has lots and lots of toys, soft fluffy ones that squeak, being her favorite.

I'm sad to think that this wonderful dog was left at a shelter for months, heartworm positive.  I do not know her story - but I'm glad she's part of this home now and she's so excited to be part of the Blogville community-- ready to assume her duties (no Abby that's Duties NOT doodys!)

This blog was started to share more of Barkey's stories as so many friends asked for that.  But it's just as much Miss Abby's blog now--continuing that legacy of love he started 11 years ago. Thank you everyone for stopping in to say hello to her and thank you for the people who volunteer their time to rescue and foster.

Abby's Mom LB