Wabi Sabi

Picked up as a stray by the Yavapai County Animal Control in Prescott, Wabi-Sabi was taken to the Yavapai Humane Society where she spent a month before being taken into DLRR.  Upon meeting her, her foster realized why the shelter had named her Wabi-Sabi.  She is truly beauty in her imperfection.  She is a perfect example of why we choose a Labrador Retriever to be our companion.  She is 2 years old, affectionate, funny, smart, energetic, loves toys, people, pets and other dogs to play with.  She has a beautiful shiny, soft, black coat in a sleek body at only 53.5 pounds.  Yet, her limp shows her imperfect front right leg.  According to the vet, she may have been injured as a puppy and the injury was left to heal on its own.  The result is a front right leg with curved bones that causes her foot to turn out. She drags it when walking.

Wabi-Sabi is still a puppy (we know Labs never grow up) and full of energy.  She plays ball and runs as long as she wants.  She and her 6-year-old foster sister play very well together. Swimming would be great exercise for her as long as she used the stairs to get in and out.  She is curious and loves to explore.  She might excel in low-impact activities like scent work or therapy dog.  The vet’s advice is to let her set the pace.

She is crate trained and house trained (no accidents).  She knows basic commands like sit, down, stay, come, wait.  She sits for her food and can wait at the door.  She pulls a little on the leash, but she isn’t going to be the dog to take on long walks.  Short walks are good.  She will go anywhere.  She travels well in the car and got right into the motor home.  She will be your travel companion.  She doesn’t seem to have any separation anxiety. She has some excitement when meeting new people and jumps up a little.  This can be worked on with her healing.  Occasonally, she puts her paws on the counter.  A firm “nope” seems to be all that is needed.  She will respond well to the boundaries.

She will be a beautiful and loving companion to anyone willing to accept her imperfection.