Crystal/Ginger
Crystal/Ginger spent her first three years chained to her owners' backyard pole. They had spent $1000 for this puppy mill yellow girl from a local pet store, so you would think they would treat her like a queen, but the family, who had two other dogs, would not dream of bringing their dogs inside to be a part of the family. Consequently, as most bored dogs do, the canine trio began to bark and soon the neighbors were threatening to sue. The owners were able to place their two males, but poor Crystal had no takers. She was saggy from many litters and looked more like an orange hound than a lab, but she was incredibly sweet and affectionate. With the help of the Charles County (MD) Humane Society who took her first, LRR brought her into our system where she got her first bath and first taste of inside living. She quickly took to all the attention and soft beds, and all of her LRR foster homes fell in love with her wonderful temperament. She was a little stiff in the hips, most likely a little dysplasia exacerbated by 3 years of laying on cold hard ground during winters, but it didn't stop her from galloping around the yard obviously pleased with her freedom. And, while some folks couldn't get past Crystal's "unclassic" look, one family fell in love with her personality and temperament, and even thought she was uniquely beautiful. She has since been spoiled with not one, but two, special orthopedic beds which Crystal, since renamed Ginger, adores. A better fairy tale ending for such a Cinderella would be hard to find. We were pleased to get this email from Ginger and her folks:
My new parents gave me my new name Ginger because it matches me perfectly since I'm a ginger colored yellow lab! Well, it's been about a month now that I've been in this new place and boy, am I happy! They even let me on the couch! That sad face routine I learned has had big payoffs for me. They still won't let me up on the bed, but I'm working on it... My mom and I are trying to maintain our figures together so we walk a couple of miles every day. At first, I was sooooo tired after that, but now I'm doing pretty well at holding my own. I also get to go to the park every morning and play with lots of other dogs -- and I don't even have to wear my leash! I get lots and lots of treats, too, since I'm learning how to be a very good girl. I do pretty well at everything except COME when I'm really trying hard to catch those young pups up there... My mom and I are going to dog training every Wednesday, which is great fun since it's TREATS, TREATS, TREATS.
Wags and licks,
Ginger
Ginger is such a joy for us already in the short time we've had her. The change in our lives is definitely for the better. All of our friends and family remark how well behaved and mellow she is and can't believe that she was relegated to the backyard for so much of her young life. She was branded a chronic barker by her former family, but we hardly ever hear a word out of her. In fact, I can't quite get her to "speak" on command even! She's in great health and is adapting quite well to being the queen of the house! There are so many things to teach her that she didn't have before, but one nice thing she never learned is begging at the table! She simply sits nicely until we are done eating.... Most of the time she just wants to be as close to us as she can be and will try to fit her svelte 80 pounds on our laps as often as she can! She firmly believes that idle hands are meant for petting her and will place them accordingly! Thanks for being such a great organization and we look forward to seeing you at the picnic!
We are also pleased to announce that on April 19, 1999 Ginger got her CGC, passing the Canine Good Citizen test. Her folks are so pleased and Ginger is doing so well, that they have decided to continue in obedience toward competing for her CD in obedience competitions. They also sent this cute picture of Ginger relaxing. When you look at where Ginger started as Crystal chained for her first three years, it is wonderful how far she has come, not only as a beloved family member, but also as a labby eager to learn and full of fun.
