Ellie (Ginger 10-037) [1]

Ginger came to me yesterday all the way from Sioux Falls, SD (thanks Kathy and Ellie!) from a rescue shelter so not much history is known about her. She looks to be about 3-4 years old.

I have had her less than 24 hours, but this is what I know so far:

She’s a yellow Labrador retriever! The shelter reported that she was a GR mix, but I believe her to be all Lab. She’s got your typical Lab sweet personality and stockier build; she weights 68 lbs. which seems to be a decent weight for her, tail wags a lot, loves attention and a good appetite. She rides GREAT in the car and is even a good shopper—meaning she sits quietly in the back seat and either lays down or looks out the window while you drive and waits very patiently in the car when you go into the store!

Her first night here was good—you kind of expect the first night to be a little restless and little sleep, but she did great. I baby gated her in the kitchen with a comfy bed and she was quiet all night from about 10:30pm until I got up at 7a.m. Also, she didn’t touch the baby gate, but will report on how that continues to go. We’ve already been to the vet so she is up to date on her shots, microchipped, she came into RAGOM already spayed. She is currently being treated for kennel cough and seems to be on the mend. About one more week of antibiotics and she should be good to go. Otherwise, the good doctor said she’s appears to be very healthy.

I’m also wondering if she might be a former hunting dog. She came from S.D. as a stray and when she walks on the leash, she zig zags. She needs a little training on how to walk nicely on the leash and not be too overzealous about meeting new dogs. My resident dog Murphy has already corrected her a couple of times and she seems to respond well. She will back down without incident.

I think Ginger is still stressed about the long ride, being in a shelter and all the new things and people. Right now she really needs a lot of TLC, but I can already tell she is starting settle in a bit (she is snoring on her bed right now) and when things become normal, and she gets regular attention, she will be a great pet.