A PENNY FOR YOUR THOUGHTS… Our May 2013 Dog of the Month We all know that a penny is a copper coin with an etching of Abe Lincolns’ profile on one side. It is worth exactly one cent. The world is full of sayings and songs about pennies…”Pennies from Heaven”…”A penny for your thoughts”…”Worth every penny”…”In for a penny, in for a pound”…”A bad penny always turn up.” Well, you get the idea. We at Central Bark have another word for a penny – “Sweetheart!” Penny is a beloved, adorable, naughty, funny, mischievous big Yellow Lab who is the May Dog of the Month! Penny is a member of a family that consists of Chris (the mom) and Maria and Matt, Penny’s “siblings.” (Don’t you dare tell her that she isn’t human!) Penny joined the family in the summer of 2010 and it was a family project. Maria and Matt swore they would take care of Penny, and Chris made sure they kept their promise. Maria and Matt were outstanding as they took Penny for walks, made sure she was fed, kept her supplied with fresh water, played with her and even bathed her when the need arose! Penny attended and graduated from Central Bark’s Training Classes where she excelled as the demo dog…demonstrating what NOT to do! She was a naughty little girl with an iron will and a definite stubborn streak. She was also a pup with a wonderfully sweet disposition. She couldn’t have inherited her obstinate behavior from her wonderfully nice siblings…perhaps Chris?… Penny was quite a challenge. When she wanted attention, which was pretty much all the time, she would bark! And continue to bark. This made even getting ready for work a challenge for Chris. Penny also became a counter surfer extraordinaire. Loving food, like all labs, Penny would devour anything edible and some things that weren’t. Anything on the counter was fair game. However, Chris, Matt, and Maria persevered and got rid of her bad habits. Penny turned out to be smart, fun, and trainable. Chris has not only done a good job of training her puppy, but both Maria and Matt are very well behaved and polite. Chris must know a secret to making everyone around her lovable. The entire staff at Central Bark loves when the kids come to pick up Penny. Penny loves day care and it is a terrific outlet for her energy. She gets along with all the dogs and can be quite the party girl. Labs are known for their even temperament and their ability to be trained easily (well, maybe Penny is missing that gene). They are affectionate and a wonderful family dog. The breed originated in Newfoundland where they were initially used in working alongside fishermen, helping to pull in nets and catch the fish that escaped from the fishing lines. After being bred with Setters, Spaniels, and other Retrievers, the Labrador Retriever honed its skills as a true retriever. From this point in the breed’s history, "Labs," as they are affectionately called, were bred primarily to perform as an efficient retriever of game. With their stable temperament, they became suitable for a variety of activities beyond hunting. The Labrador Retriever thrives as part of a VERY active family or as a trusted hunting companion. A double-coated breed, it sheds s easonally and regular grooming keeps his coat at its water-resistant best. The Labrador Retriever has been America’s favorite dog for many years. After meeting Penny, we can understand why. Penny is the ” May 2013 Dog of the Month.” Should you see Penny with Chris, Maria or Matt, please stop and congratulate all of them!
Congrats, Penny!
