Holly

I’m Holly, a seventy-seven pound, three-year-old spayed black Lab
mix who’s remarkably fit after having puppies.  People who have
gotten to know me say I’ve got a sweet, affectionate and playful
personality because I genuinely love being around humans. I warm up quickly
to new faces and welcome visitors in the home although in my excitement I may
do one excited jump when greeting someone new. With correction I settle down
immediately and have been referred to as being an extremely polite
houseguest. My foster human tells me how playful, smart, and full of
personality I am which makes me happy because I’m still wondering why
my owner abandoned me.

I don’t mean to gloat but I’m a pretty fabulous dog.
Here’s why: I’m potty trained, crate trained, ride well in a car,
enjoy both interactive play with people and other dogs. I’m what you
call an enthusiastic retriever with great energy and focus, even if I’m
still learning that I have to “drop it” to keep the game going.
Did I mention I love to play with my “crunchy” toys/ball and when
it comes to treats, I’m all in, which is why I’m very trainable.
(I do take them nicely).  Around the house I’m generally calm,
quiet, and easygoing. I sleep in my crate through the night without a peep
and stay relaxed when crated while my foster is away, showing no signs of
separation anxiety. I’m not much of a barker beyond the occasional
alert when someone approaches the house. I know the commands
“sit” and “no” but if you work with me (and provide
some yummy treats) I’ll learn even more commands. 

But want to know the best part? I have a medium energy level: happy to
run, retrieve, and play, but equally content to relax nearby while my human
works or unwinds. Once playtime is over, I settle nicely and enjoy coming
over for affection.

My leash manners are improving every day but they need work. Rabbits and
birds fascinate me, so I can pull on a standard leash when I spot one, but I
have made great progress using the transitional leash and respond well to
gentle correction. I don’t think sharing a home with cats is in my
future.

I’ve had a foster sibling to interact and play with which has been
great. I know it’s my foster brother’s home so I take cues
appropriately and respect boundaries when he communicates with me –
sometime I go nose to nose and start wagging my tail when he’s in a
grumpy mood and guess what, he starts to wag his tail, too. I guess you could
call me a social butterfly who is loving life. Now all I need is my forever
home with a family that loves me!  Please text Amy so I can meet
you.