I wish everyone who is thinking about adding a DS to their life would read this thread and your experience. I fear that as they gain popularity we'll have more and more "breeders" who will allow anyone to take one home, promising them things that just aren't a reality. I've had high-energy, high-drive, crazy, nutso dogs my entire life, but I can't agree more that DS are not for 99% of the population. And I love this idea:
(Suggest we attach a label to most DS pups...don't try this at home")
We thought long and hard before even considering adding a Mal or a DS to our home and when the opportunity came to adopt Ku my husband and I sat down and made sure we were ready to embark on another journey with a super high-drive dog and we had the time and desire to work with him and give him the outlets he needs for his energy and intelligence. The last 6 months has been a challenge but we have also seen some great rewards as we've watched Ku develop and mature and settle down...just a smidge.
But the amount of time we have put into him is incredible and by no means is he where he needs to be. So it's with a different level of emphasis than with other breeds when I tell people that these dogs are NOT for everyone.
I applaud you for realizing that you cannot give Tara the life she needs or deserves but please, follow through with those instincts and there are plenty of people who can help find her not only a GOOD home, but the RIGHT home.
And as for Labs being "easy" or low energy I couldn't disagree more although I have met a few who might fall into that category. I've had Labs my entire life as has my husband, and they were all complete nutjobs who never truly outgrew their puppyhood. Some things decreased like destroying everything in their path, but they need a "job" just as most dogs who are bred for a purpose do. And as mentioned, too many of them now suffer from overbreeding/poor breeding which creates sketchy temperaments.
What prepared me for my DS? A little black Lab named Gryphon (pronounced Griffin). His drive and energy equalled Ku's on every level and this dog would have worked until he dropped. Even at 13 in the late stages of lymphoma he was driven to retrieve...to be on the move constantly. When people ask me when Labs "settle down" I always laugh and say "never" or when they pass the age of 11 or 12. We remark on a daily basis how alike Gryphon and Ku's behaviors are because they are the hallmarks of high drive dogs and I wake up every day thinking about what I need to do to funnel that energy so it doesn't come out in a bad way. But I love that challenge and I love these types of dogs. I do hope you find Tara a suitable home where she can thrive and know that by doing so you are doing the right thing. And if you ever consider getting another dog, keep this lesson close to your heart and head and don't believe what anyone may promise you. It's up to you to honestly judge what is best for your family.
Here's my DS in Lab clothing. The incredible, irreplacable, one-of-a-kind Gryphon (also known as Gritty or Grits). Oh how I wish sometimes he and Ku could have met but then I shudder to think of the mayhem they would have caused.
Gryphon made his DockDogs debut at the young age of 11 1/2!
Good luck to you and keep us posted on her status and any pictures would be helpful for possible adopters.
Facebook page.
And my senior Lab got a little "energy boost" since I have Marco. Today, he tried to chase some cats, he tripped over a tree root with his old wobbly legs and fell, I helped him up and he went after the cats again. I love this dude to pieces. He is an inspiration with his almost 14 years.
