Welcoming Anika, A Black Labrador Retriever
By The Parodist | September 30, 2008
Growing up, we’ve always had a dog or two around the house. They’re mostly mutts but we loved them. You can actually count with one hand the number of years we’ve lived without one.
A couple of years ago, Gail and Mark had let me adopt, Oscar (the grouch!), another mutt and I loved him. He was the very first dog I could call my own. However, I’ve always wanted a big dog. I’m sure Oscar wouldn’t mind the company.
Last week, our new home welcomed a brand new addition to the relatively getting smaller family, a black, show-type Labrador Retriever named ANIKA (of Portsmouth).
It felt like only yesterday when my brother and I were chatting about my hopes of getting a dog now that I’ve somewhat settled in. He had wanted a Boxer but I was adamant in getting myself a Lab.
I had then started talking to my cousins who were dog-owners. They have a Siberian Huskey, a yellow Lab, a couple of Pugs, and a Shih Tzu. We discussed possible upsides and downsides of owning a dog and a Lab at that. Plus they were the ones I turned for advice when it was time to bring home the pup of choice. Big thanks to J and P!
Choosing a black Labrador suited well with my taste esp since I do love black gadgets so why not the dog, too? (Dear me, whatta vain!) But, seriously, I love it that it’s not a common choice for colour plus Anika looks so gorgeous with that glorious, shiny black coat! I just couldn’t help but fall head over heels when we saw each other the first time!
I have to admit, though, that I’m a bit overwhelmed. My time now is divided cuz I need to personally oversee the care of Anika. I reckon for you to say that you’re a dog-owner, it’s not just you spending money to buy one and everything it may need but also to really take care of it, hands on.
Right now, Anika needs to feed 3x a day. Dog food plus milk at 7am. Vitamins at 9am. Milk at 1pm. Then dog food plus milk at 7pm. I’m also in the middle of potty training and leash training her. And then there’s the leg massage in the morning since she’s only six (6) weeks old, dog walks in the afternoon for exercise.
Why choose a Labrador Retriever?
If you’re the type who loves the perfect companion in a dog, the Lab will definitely exceed your expectations. I guess when I say perfect companion, I meant a dog that’s not too much of a headache. I love that Anika is not a noisy dog, who’d bark endlessly. She hardly barks at all. But she does whimper if she wants a bit of your attention. Heehee.
I absolutely adore Anika’s natural instinct to follow me around. I’d often watch her with a grin as she sits patiently on the other side of the door, waiting for me to come out again. On occasion, I can actually bring her out on walks without a leash. Labradors, I’ve learned are very intelligent dogs and affectionate, too. PLUS, even at just 6 weeks, Anika is already showing signs that she’s indeed a retriever.
If you don’t mind a bit of a mess (understatement — think piles of poop!) and smelly surroundings (if you own a dog, that’s to be expected), or finding chewed objects and furniture then Labs are a great choice of a breed. A week into owning one, I’m already finding that they’re worth it.
If you decide to get one, I would recommend dealing directly with a breeder. Male Lab pups usually cost around a minimum of Php 6,000.00 and females run for Php 8,000.00. These pups should have papers. Price usually depends on the red marks. Papers are important if you’re planning to do shows and breed.
What about you guys? Do you own a dog? What’s his/her name? What sort? What made you choose that particular breed? Or if you’re still in the planning stage, what breed are you planning on getting and any name ideas?
P.S. I’m still having trouble taking better photos of Anika. Too fearlessly active! Gah.
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Topics: Gallyvanting Episodes |
October 1st, 2008 at 12:19 am
Watch your shoe collection - labs are BIG chewers.
Other than that, and their love for turning over the trash can - you won’t find a better breed. She is beautiful - can’t wait to see her grow up!
* Christina´s last blog post.. Showing My Age: Shaun Cassidy
October 1st, 2008 at 12:33 am
LOL. Good thing she doesn’t do steps yet, er, well at least the tall ones. But I’m well-prepared. My shoes have their own nifty cabinet (with doors!) in my room.
Oh, dear. Trash cans? I already have my hands full with Oscar who loves them, too!
She IS beautiful! (I’m one proud mum aren’t I?) I’m looking forward to seeing her stocky and healthy unlike me who’s thin as a twig! LOL!
Hi Christina! I miss you! Hugs!
October 1st, 2008 at 1:08 am
she is gorgeous. love that color on her
October 1st, 2008 at 1:38 am
Fantastic that you think so! Thanks, Dexie!
October 2nd, 2008 at 9:07 am
how cute! when she starts teething on wood, splash tabasco on it so she’d stop chowing down on it. I did the same with my lab, Murfy, but he strangely LOVES tabasco.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:53 pm
That puppy is to die for! May I ask where you bought her? I want one.
* Joni´s last blog post.. My Choice
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:57 pm
i was searching for labrador puppies on the net and your page turned up. i was entertaining the thought of getting a lab. she’s adorable.
i lost my mutt dog just two weeks ago.
* emjay´s last blog post.. light fixtures series 2
October 2nd, 2008 at 4:06 pm
Alexei: Thanks for the tip! I hope Anika won’t take into liking tabasco, too! Do you have a photo of Murfy up online somewhere?
Joni: Thanks! I bought her from Red of Portsmouth Kennel. I reckon they still have a few pups available the last time we spoke.
Emjay: I’m sorry to hear that you lost your mutt. That can be heartbreaking. If you decide to take on a Lab, I’m sure you’ll treasure him/her.
October 10th, 2008 at 4:12 am
Aww… ang cute cute naman! Goodluck when it grows up
Labs shed (as in) a lot specially the pure ones. They kinda stink too. And oh, you’ll surely do a lot of cleaning up with Anika ‘coz Labs can really poop a lot! They eat a lot kasi.
Congrats on your new dog Anika! I’m sure you two will go along just fine. Labs are the most LOYAL and playful dogs! Uy, buhay pa ba si Oscar?
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October 10th, 2008 at 4:41 am
Yea, I’ve noticed that na. Anika does eat AND poop a lot. LOL. Thanks po and yes, Oscar is still around. Still VERY makulit. Hahaha!
October 10th, 2008 at 6:05 pm
I don’t own a dog, but I do love my cousin’s Shih Tzu. I’m not much of a dog lover, but her pet won my heart!
* toni´s last blog post.. New Twilight Trailer and more
October 10th, 2008 at 6:29 pm
I guess growing up around dogs have made me love having them around easily. Shih Tzus are adorable dogs. They’re real cute! Are you considering to get one now?
November 3rd, 2008 at 8:06 pm
[...] Anika, a black Labrador Retriever of 15 weeks. She’s a show-type and my baby. Puppy [...]