Welcome to the Family, Ryder!

Ryder
Adopted November 3, 2012

A few weeks ago, my parents lost their one-of-a-kind black labrador, Elwood. Elwood gave our family twelve and a half wonderful years full of love and great stories. He was truly an amazing dog. A true alpha. There will never be another dog like him. Ever. Until we meet again, Elwood. We will love you, always.

As my parents began their mourning, they started to discuss adopting a new dog. They felt that their second dog, Barney (a.k.a. the beagle), needed a companion to ease his anxiety, and also to help the healing process for all of them. Opening your home and heart to a dog does wonders for the spirit. Although they will always love Elwood and he is very much irreplaceable, my parents started the adoption process.

My dad has listened to me preach adoption for years, and my mom also shares my belief in adoption being the best option. So Dad set out on his search for a dog to adopt. Our family has always had a soft spot for labs. Although there have been a few other breeds in the mix, labs have dominated our family. They are such great dogs. I told my dad about rescue groups specializing in specific breeds. Adopting doesn't mean you have to get a mix. (Although they are wonderful, too!) When I worked at Petco, I was taught that 25% of all homeless dogs are pure bred. You have so many choices for your new best friend!
 
My dad found a group on-line based out of Indiana called Love of Labs. They had several adoptable dogs on their site that were wonderful! My dad started filling out their application. It was quite an in depth application. Please do not let a lengthy process deter you from adopting. These groups are ensuring these animals go to a forever home with a good quality of life. They may have several rules and requirements, but is in the best interest of the dog as well as that of the family.

About a week later, my dad had a phone interview. Of course he passed with flying colors! I have never seen a more dog friendly home than my parents...well my home is very dog friendly as well of course. But I inherited my love of dogs from the best! My mom sent in some photos of their home, the yard, and where the potential dog would spend most of his/her time. Once again, they passed with flying colors!

Now came the fun part. Which dog would they like to meet? My parents picked a dog named Ryder. He was an 11 month old black lab/chow mix. He was absolutely adorable! They set a date to go meet him.

Two weeks after the adoption process began, my parents and Barney were headed to Indianapolis to meet Ryder. They of course fell in love, signed the paperwork, and loaded Ryder into the backseat. He was such a happy, content boy. His family had finally found him.

Ryder is now getting used to his new home and his new brother, Barney. Barney is still a little unsure of Ryder, but I am sure they will be fast friends very soon! They have already been caught stealing food together, thick as thieves!

Ryder has a wonderful yard to play in everyday, a couch to snuggle on next to his people, and a queen size bed to sleep on at night next to his daddy's feet. He now has a wonderful home to call his own. He truly won the doggy lottery.
  
Please consider adopting your next best friend from a local rescue group or your local animal shelter! You will not regret it!

Thanks for stopping by!

-Laura


This post is in loving memory of Elwood. April 22, 2000 - October 18, 2012. We love you, Baby El. Always.