I'm in trouble with this foster...

Here's the link to my newest foster, Maia.

http://www.petfinder.org/pet.cgi?action=2&pet=5412160

Anyone remember how I have always said that someday I will own a Golden? I am really in trouble with this dog. I *love* her!! She is awesome. She looks like a small Golden (only 50 pounds), only with short hair. She fetches, she is housetrained, she doesn't chew things up, she seems to know sit and STAY if you can believe it. She settles down and is not too pushy. She needs to be trained to not pull on a leash, but that's about it. She is a fence-jumper, but I have a 6' fence. She is also a somewhat dominant dog, but so far there haven't been any problems.

Nala is a little put out, though. She is used to being the center of attention when playing outside, and now Mommy is throwing the ball for this other dog and Nala doesn't understand the game. She would rather hold the ball and run around, letting the other dogs chase her. Unfortunately, the dogs Nala likes best are also the most difficult to live with!

Maia slept in my son's bed last night. I am going to have a really hard time letting her go!!

 

Maia really looks more Lab than Golden. Very pretty girl and I'll bet she has found her home already.
Sounds like she has the best traits of both breeds (Lab and Golden) WITHOUT the bad traits like eating your house.
If she continues to work on your training she will have a great person. :lol:

 

I was just wondering if she is more lab-like. I think it's her color that throws me. She's definitely more gold than yellow.

Someone else was describing the differences in typical personality between labs and goldens, but I don't recall now what they are. Can anyone elaborate?

 

"Yellow" Labs can vary between almost white to a darker yellow. My only experience with a Golden has been with Dukesmom's niece's Golden named Star. We baby sat Star one weekend with Duke when both were only about ten months old and before we had Freckles. That was one wild weekend and everyone, dogs and people, were exhausted when it was over.
Both breeds are gregarious people oriented dogs eager to please.
I think Goldens are a bit goofier than Labs, if that is possible. I think Labs are more cunning and, in a way, devious in "getting thier own way".
If you missed the Laughing Dog Press article on Golden's it really is both funny and true. I love the concept she describes as "eye shifting".
http://www.laughingdogpress.com/breeds/retriever01.html
Give it a read and see if you see any of those traits in Maia.
I believe the Lab will come to the surface once she gets anywhere near water or mud. Watch out. :lol:

 

what a cutie! she is definately part lab, I dont see golden in her except for color. I am getting real close to trying to foster, do they balk if you want to start with a dog like Mia, I mean potty and crate trained, thats the only way my husband would even consider it

 

Honeybears, I think starting out with the easier ones is the way to go. Ease into it. If a group isn't willing to let you do that, find another group. Once you get a handle on the "easy" ones, you can start working up to more challenging ones and it's not as hard to handle.

But beware - the "easy" ones are really, really hard to give up. :cry:

 

Wow, she's gorgeous!

I really admire fosterers. I would love to do it but am just not strong enough to let go.

 

It says she's not listed on petfinder anymore.

 

The link works for me. There was a glitch yesterday when I kept getting an old petfinder page for our rescue. I reloaded the page several times and then finally got into it from a different direction and the new pages were there. Odd.

Anyone else having trouble with the link?

 

I see some Golden there..especially in her face..the shape of her muzzle..of course that could just be the picture..but I mostly see lab.

 

Her face says "Golden" to me and so does her color. The short fur says Lab. I bet she's Golden/Lab. Seems like a good mix, to me.