Jerry's white facial markings appear to be part of the white coloring that extends from his neck, chest, and feet, etc. rather than from age.  He is very interactive and loves for toys to be thrown for him to retrieve.

 

Whoever thinks puppies are the only dogs that "get attached to you" has never adopted or fostered a dog - and has never met Jerry.  Jerry appears to be unbelievably loyal.  He is amazingly good with other dogs and with cats.

 

Jerry seems to know basic commands such as sit, down, drop it (the toy), etc.  He loves to play fetch with stuffed animals.  He will bring them back after you throw them and drop them at your feet waiting for the next throw.  Oh, and he does that cute little "tilting of the head" when you smile at him or talk to him.  He is such a happy dog!

 

Jerry Garcia was found as a stray with no chip so we have no way to contact his owners.  He is a great dog and everything you would expect in a Lab.  He'll make a great famiy pet.

 

02.13.10 Foster Update:  At this point, I have only "known" Jerry for about four hours.  We have gone for car rides which he absolutely LOVES.  He loves having the window open and the wind blowing in his face!

 

Jerry has also gone to a park along with my own dog, played ball, rolled in a pile of ice (see photo), met my other dog, and met my cats all of which he has been unbelievably good about.  Jerry has been submissive with my other dogs and knows that my cats are the bosses. 

 

Again, I have only known Jerry for about four hours and he is laying at my feet as though I have been his forever.  What more could you ask for?

 

02.14.10 Foster Update:  Jerry's first night in a foster home was good.  He slept in his crate with no problem.  When he needed to go out, he whined a little bit.  I let him out and then decided to leave his crate door open for the rest of the morning while we all continued to sleep.  I think he then went back into the crate or slept on the floor at the bottom of the bed.

 

Later, while I made breakfast he followed me around.  I think he just wanted me to get situated so that he could lay at my feet which he did.  He is doing the same while I'm on the computer.  That is after he came up and put his big Lab head on my lap and looked up at me.

 

Jerry just seems to want someone to love him, follow around, and to give him affection and for him to return the affection.  He definitely wants to be be with "his person".  He goes outside to do what he needs to do but has not wanted to stay out for extended periods of time especially by himself.

 

Everything has been great about Jerry.

 

 

*** According to www.dogbreedinfo.com, the Labrador Retriever is a loving, affectionate, lovable, patient dog. Once known as the "St John's Dogs," the Labrador Retriever is one of the most popular breeds in the United States. Originally from Newfoundland, Canada the Labrador was trained to jump overboard into the icy waters to haul fisherman's nets to shore. Specimens were brought to England in the 1800's by English ships coming from Labrador, where the dog's fine retrieving instincts were honed and developed. One of the best family dogs and canine companions because of their gentle, loving disposition, the highly trainable Labrador also excels in drug detection, as a guide for the blind, and service dog for the disabled. The breed is also an outstanding obedience and field trial competitor. Highly intelligent, loyal, willing, and high-spirited. Lively and good-natured, they love to play, especially in water - for they love to swim. They have an excellent, reliable, temperament and are friendly, superb with children and equable with other dogs. They crave human attention and need to feel as though they are part of the family. Labs are easily trained. These dogs are watchdogs, not guard dogs, although some have been known to guard. They have a life expectancy of 10-12 years.