And Puppy Makes Five

When Travis & I went Las Vegas a couple of months ago, for Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation's Elk Camp, we started talking about getting another black lab puppy.  We met a breeder there who has donated a pup to the cause for over 20 years (this year's went for $8000, normally they go for $12000-$15000!!  WHAT!?)  We asked her how much one would cost...$800 or $1000 if we wanted breeding rights (which we don't).  Again, I say WHAT?!  So I started pricing them around here and they were around $600-$800.  I just don't see the point in spending that kind of money when there are so many puppies that need adopting.

Fast forward to last Thursday.  On Facebook  Travis saw a litter of black lab puppies for sale in the Idaho Falls area for $150 (the mother is AKC registered, and the dad could be, but they haven't filed the paperwork).  We went back and forth and every consideration I had was accommodated.  Do they have a black female?  Yes.  Are the parents good hunters?  Yes.  Can you send pictures of the parents?  Yes (they are really good looking dogs) and please send pictures of the two black females.  Check.  They were sooo cute.  As we were tossing it around, the "oh my god, we have to name it" fear set in.  That is the most stressful part to me.  And one of MANY reasons I don't have children.  How on earth do you decide on a name? (That's a WHOLE other blog post, LOL.)  So, instead of my normal obsessive repetitive thoughts, my one thought was "I'll know her name when I hear it".

We decided on Friday night to go over on Sunday to meet with the owners and check out the pups.  That night we were researching online for puppy names (though we had come up with a couple, Nala from Lion King and Remy after Remington products).  I said, "Since Bela and Riley have "L"s in their name, it would be cool if she did, too).  And then Travis read off several and when he got to "Halo" I just knew.  In my mind, she was Halo from the moment I heard it.  But I was open to seeing what the parents' names were (maybe they had cool ones that we could draw from) or maybe she already had a cool name.  [Side note:  Riley was "Susie' when we met her and we said, "No, thank you".]

So, yesterday we left at 7am (met up with Andy & Tessa, Mark & Cathy for breakfast at our favorite hole in the wall diner in the middle of nowhere:  "Dell Calf-A") and then met the owners at 2pm.  On the way there I read about 8 chapters of the "Labrador for Dummies" book that we bought when we got Bela & Riley 10 years ago, shared a lot with Travis, and I thought "If they don't bring them in a kennel, I'm leaving".  Up drives a pickup with a large kennel in the back.  They actually brought over three puppies...one chocolate female and the two black females.  The poor chocolate one was scared to death and hardly moved the whole time (what you DON'T want in a lab that will be your hunting buddy) and it was really hard not taking her home anyway.  Travis spent most of the time with the other two to see which one he liked better...and which one liked HIM better.  He picked the one that went potty right away and didn't whine a bit.

We talked to them for a while.  Come to find out, the owner was just getting ready to spay his female when his brother needed him to watch his male lab.  So, this was a surprise litter.  I am so grateful I can be a part of their little lives being saved.  I'm sure they all will go to good homes.  The owners were really kind people and I could tell they had good hearts.  And her dad's name is Remy...after Remington products!!

We put her in her kennel and she slept the entire way to Andy & Tessa's.  Not.one.peep.  I had to turn the kennel toward me so I could make sure she was still breathing!  Turns out, you can completely tire out a puppy.  Her first car ride, first time away from her parents and the only home she's ever known, a parking lot exploration, meeting new people, and another long car ride is all it takes!

When we got to Andy & Tessa's, we set her down on the ground and said, "Go potty".  And she did.  AND #2.  So the bowels are working!!  We played there for a bit and had our first photo op.  After we had dinner we set her outside again and said, "Go potty."  And she did.  And then slept until she got really hungry.  Her stupid people parents forgot to bring food (I thought of it, but decided against it, thinking we'd be home in plenty of time for dinner).  So bad!!!  Travis happened to have one of our USANA snack bars (oatmeal raisin - we made sure she didn't get a raisin) in the truck and we gave her little bites of that.  I wouldn't even consider doing that to a baby puppy otherwise, but I know the quality of our product and that it wouldn't hurt her.  That tied her over until we got home and she LOVED her puppy food!!  I honestly think that's all it will take for her to be trained.  All night last night she only whined to go potty or get a drink and every time she went on command.

Bela & Riley met her last night for a brief sniff and have spent all day today together.  Riley couldn't care less about her - she just wants to hunt and serve Trav.  Bela (our blind love) has already taught her a few "lessons".  Like "Don't walk near my face while I'm drinking from the patio."  And "It's best not to follow me to pee." (takes after her person mom already, huh?)  Bela is definitely the mama bear. She has to know where Halo is at all times and is always "looking" for her.

Halo has been stepped on, lost in the tall grass (lawn getting mowed today!), fallen off the porch, taken family photos, explored the back yard, slept in our bed, slept in her kennel, played with her toys, followed Travis around, chewed on toes, fingers, ears and anything else in the line of fire, and has had more love that she knows what to do with!  And that's just ONE day!  :)