The Homework

Jimmy and I started looking for a puppy last summer. As it goes, we'd discuss it for a week or so and by the time we'd make a decision, the puppy was sold. We had a couple lengthy conversations with a friend who is also a veterinarian and he offered his wise counsel about breeds and their characteristics. As we would find a dog we thought we liked, we'd either talk ourselves out of the responsibility of raising a dog or the opportunity would dissolve. But through these exercises several facts were clear. Jimmy wanted a good dog--a dog that would be worth the investment of training to hunt. Of course Jimmy had another requirement...it must be a Labrador Retriever!!! That's the ONLY dog as far as he was concerned. We knew that we both wanted a smaller style lab with a nice head and broad through the shoulders. Black or Chocolate. And my primary requirement was that it have a great disposition. After all, it must be able to tolerate me, Jimmy and our grandchildren and friends without any hassle. We're looking for a "buddy".

In an email to my high school buddy, Karen, I mentioned this quest for a Labrador. She answered back that her daughter's prize dog just had her first litter of puppies--3 Females and 5 Males. All were sold except one or two. Karen and her husband owned her brother and he is laid back and gentle. She forwarded my email to her daughter who had one male puppy left and thus began our deliberation of the ultimate dog.