WELCOME TO 2015 AND OUR JANUARY 2015
DOG OF THE MONTH
Our New Year’s dog is Riley, a German Shepherd/maybe Lab, mix. Riley’s home is with Ellen and Dave, empty nesters. While Riley loved her human brothers, and loved seeing them graduate from college, compete in golf tournaments, get married, etc., she is secretly delighted to now be queen of the household.
Riley is energetic and fun-loving. A Shepherd and Lab mix makes a dog that is very fond of children, once a relationship is established. This combination makes for a loyal family pet and a good guard dog. Both breeds are the ideal choice for many families.
German Shepherds and Labs require lots of exercise and grooming. Riley is sheared at Central Bark to help reduce her shedding at home. Riley loves the pool, that’s the Lab in her, and will happily “dig to China” while in the water, splashing herself and any friend that happens to stroll by “her” pool. Riley loves to play and is usually confident and a bit bossy – unless she is with her friend of many years, Nala, our day care Great Dane. You can see by the picture that Riley clearly is kissing and catering to Nala.
Characteristics of the German Shepherd exhibited by Riley is her direct and fearless, but not hostile, expression, self-confidence, and a certain aloofness that does not lend itself to immediate and indiscriminate friendships A Shepherd is eager and alert, fit and willing to be a companion, watchdog, blind leader, herding dog, or guardian.
However, we cannot forget her Lab influences. An ideal sporting and family dog, the Labrador Retriever thrives as part of an active family or as a trusted hunting companion. A double-coated breed, which sheds seasonally, regular grooming keeps his coat at its water-resistant best. Because of his even temperament and trainability, millions of Americans own a Labrador Retriever as a pet.
Riley, encompassing the best characteristics of these two breeds, is January’s Dog of the Month. This delightful, pleasing dog Ellen, Dave, and Riley would love to have you stop and offer your congratulations!
