Lola was found as a stray and was taken to one of our favorite vets: Animal Hospital at Vista Lakes.  We are hoping to find Lola a forever home!

Lola is heartworm positive, but don't let that scare you.  We are treating Lola with monthly heartworm preventative, our preferred method because it is a lot less stressful on the dog.  Many dogs with heartworms go on to live a healthy and long life.

Foster Update 05/21/11: Today I brought Lola home with me. She was immediately comfortable with me. On the car ride home, she moved from the backseat to the front and laid next to me as we drove home. She was so sweet and happy to be my companion. We took a walk around my neighborhood and then I tested out her stair climbing skills. She actually looks so cute walking up the stairs. Then we took a field trip to Petsmart to get some treats. Lola is great on a leash and staying by your side. When I stopped to talk to an employee, she just laid down on the floor and waited until I was done. She got many compliments from other customers. I then took her to my office to meet my co-workers. Everyone loved her. She rolled over asking for someone to rub her belly. When we got home she took a nap. She is so peaceful when she naps. She started letting me into her heart a little bit at a time. From her jumping up on the couch to snuggle in my lap instead of on the floor, to her barking when she heard a sound at the front door. She gets comfortable so fast. I can already tell she is a great companion and protector. She wants to make her owner happy. I think she is a great apartment dog too. She doesn't bark often, lays around a lot (rather than running around), and is good with stairs.

I recommend her to a college student or young adult who needs a companion. However, I think she would be a great addition to a family. I think she would be great with kids. Her temperament is so sweet and calming. She always has a smile on her face and is ready to make a special person or family very happy

 Foster Update 05/23/11: Lola is such a companion. She follows me around constantly. When I'm getting ready for work in the morning she has to be by my side every step of the way. She loves sleeping at the foot of my bed and being a little guard dog. Today we went for a walk and she met a neighbor's dog. After sniffing and getting to know each other a little, we let them off their leashes to play. Lola was very well behaved and loved playing tag with the other dog. She was great at staying close and coming when I called her. I have to say I was a little nervous, but she did very well.

Another great quality about Lola is her ability to adapt.

Foster Update 05/31/11: Lola went on vacation for Memorial Day weekend! She go to visit 3 other dogs and she had the time of her life! She loved having a big backyard to run around and chase the other dogs. They played tag, hide and go seek, and fetch. Lola is great with other dogs, especially ones her age. She really bonded the the male dog that was her age. I think she would be best with a male companion rather than another female dog.

She adapted great in a new setting for the weekend. We were at the new house from Thursday to Monday and I think she didn't want to leave. But she adapted right back to apartment living when we got back.

She usually resists going in the crate, but when we were on vacation, she observed the other dogs go in and get a treat and praise. Finally, on the last day, she went in all by herself!! It was quite an accomplishment and I was so proud!

She is very respectful to other dogs but loves to play. If she senses the dog is not in the mood to play, she knows to leave them alone.

I have been talking with family recently about how I think the only reason she won't get adopted is because she has heart worm and we came up with a great saying for her. "I may have heart worm, but I will warm your heart." That is exactly what Lola will do. I think it would be worth spending the money to get her treated for heart worm and then put her on prevention so she can live a long and happy life. She deserves it. I researched it and it looks like it's only $1,000 for the entire treatment process. I have also heard from friends that some research vet schools may even do it for free. In particular, the University of Florida vet school has done treatment for free in the past.

I've said before, Lola is adaptable and she gets along with pretty much everyone. She is perfect for a family, a single person, a couple, another dog's best friend. Really, anyone! I hope someone adopts her. She will be at the Oviedo mall this weekend so come out and visit her to really see this special personality

*** 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.