When I was a teenager we had a lab/german shepherd mix, though she looked and acted much more like a lab than a GS. She was the world's perfect dog. Not one minute of any kind of training, but trained herself to our every word and movement. Absolutely wonderful dog. I've always remembered that dog and wanted one like her.
Then there was college, a 23-year-long failed marriage and a remarriage. A few years ago, we bought a pontoon boat because we are both avid boaters and water people. AFter going out time and time again and seeing people with dogs on their boats, we wanted our own boat dog. We had (and still do have) Basset Hounds, but believe me, they are not boat dog material. If one of them were to jump in the water, they would probably sink like a rock.
So we thought about it and decided on a lab. A lab fit our needs and criteria: would be like my teen years dog, loves water, friendly, smart, trainable. Who could ask for more? So we got Annie and she was like a dream come true for us. Then when we lost her, I stayed in bed all that day and night crying. When I got up the next morning, my husband was sitting in the studio. He turned to me and we both said exactly together, "We're getting another lab." It was kind of eerie.
And in less than a month after Annie crossed the bridge, we put down a deposit on Sally. And that's how our sweet Sally got here! ;D Since we got a lab mainly for our boat and at the lake, I don't think I could have gone out on the boat and enjoyed myself without a dog. Sally has been a godsend for us. :angel: