FINN - LABRADOR RETRIEVER (SHORT COAT) DOG FOR ADOPTION

Description

Dog Breed: Labrador Retriever (short coat). Finn is a sweet and gentle 4 year old male purebred Labrador Retriever with a kind, happy, enthusiastic and loving nature. He has a soft yellow coat and brown eyes which have a little sparkle of playfulness. He lived the first 4 years of his life as a member of a large family who loved him deeply and helped him grow into a wonderful pet and companion. Finn was surrendered to Brookline so that we could help him improve his health and prepare him for his new forever home. Even though he is naturally a very big guy for a labrador retriever, he did put on too much weight which resulted in injuries to the cruciate ligaments in his rear legs. Our veterinarian diagnosed him with torn ligaments on both sides with significant scar tissue build up around both knees (which does lend more stability to the joints allowing him to be effectively mobile). He will need to continue to lose weight until he gets down to a slender 85 pounds (right now he is at about 120) and then he might be a candidate for surgical repair and rehab. However, given the extent of the injuries, surgery may not be an option. Either way, the lower body weight will be so important in maintaining his ability to move well without discomfort. For now, he is on two pain medications to manage his discomfort, a 1200 calorie per day diet and instructions to get lots of safe low impact exercise. Finn’s health journey may take some time, but he is a natural at it and has been a joy to work with on increasing his walks, getting underwater treadmill therapy, and other physical therapy exercises. His mobility is impaired, but he just needs a bit longer to get loosened up and moving and then he’s mobile. He has a great attitude and makes all the work tons of fun with his sunny personality and sense of gusto. He is fully house trained and completely reliable in the house with no signs of mischief like trash can snooping, or destructive chewing. He sleeps soundly and enjoys being near his people. He loves to lounge on the couch as a huge lap dog, and is a big fan of outdoor time in the fresh air. He’s great in the car (although he needs a boost in to be safe) and is fantastic meeting new people and dogs when he’s out and about. He has been in his foster home with a calm, confident, friendly foster sister pup and takes cues and comfort from the companionship. In the last few weeks, we added a second foster to the equation and he has really enjoyed playing with the bouncy two-year old lab sister who brings a new energy to the pack. He would do well in a home with other dogs but if he is not asked to spend long stretches of time all alone without his people, we are confident that he can also be an only-dog and be happy. Finn’s only challenge is the injuries to his back legs, so he needs an adoptive family with some experience helping dogs through injuries or health challenges who will be dedicated to helping him lose weight, gain strength, maintain a slender frame and live a pain-free life. If you're looking for a big, handsome, friendly, goofy, loyal, loving, and gentle companion, and you are willing to put in the time and energy to help him heal and live his best life, Finn is the perfect boy for you. Read Finn’s blog to learn more about this special guy: brooklinelabrescue/blog/finn-5-yellow-labrador-retriever-male-4-years-old-id3232/ PLEASE NOTE: While this Lab may not be available for adoption by the time you complete the adoption process, other great Labs are always finding their way into our Rescue. For more information on this Lab, please contact infobrooklinelabrescue. If you are interested in adopting this Lab or any other Lab from our Rescue, please visit our Web site, brooklinelabrescue, for more information on our adoption process. If you need additional information about the adoption process or whether you are in our coverage area, please send an e-mail to our Rescue at infobrooklinelabrescue. Even if you are not ready to adopt, you can still help us help our Labs! Brookline Labrador Retriever Rescue is a 501(c)3 non-profit volunteer organization funded entirely by donations. Donations are always needed to help with veterinary costs, transportation, and supplies for our dogs. For information on donating to BLRR, please visit brooklinelabrescue/get-involved/donate/. Donations are accepted via PayPal or you can mail a check to Brookline Labrador Retriever Rescue. Brookline Labrador Retriever Rescue, Inc. P. O. Box 638, Warrington, PA 18976-0638 BrooklineLabRescue PA Kennel License #05190

• Physical Attributes

  Coat Length:

  Short

• Behavioral Characteristics

  OK with Kids:	Yes
  OK with Dogs:	Yes
  OK with Cats:	Yes
  Other:	Housetrained

• Additional Information

  Was the Dog Found	No
  Other	Up-to-date on Vaccinations