Labrador Retriever: A Loyal Family Companion

My Dog Carly

*By DJ*

What kind of animal gets to sleep in a bed, lay on the couch, and ride in the family car?

If you guessed my dog, Carly, then you're right! Ms. Berndl and fellow classmates, I'm going to talk a little about the breed of a Labrador, as well as my Labrador, Carly.

Labradors:

• Originated in Newfoundland, not Labrador.
• Are known to be good-natured and friendly dogs.
• Make good pets.
• Are often used as guide and rescue dogs.
• Like to hunt and swim.
• Are not guard dogs, although they do bark at people.

Carly has been a member of our family for two and a half years. My mom got Carly from someone she works with whose dogs were having puppies. Carly's mom was a blonde Lab, and her dad was a chocolate Lab. Carly is a black Lab. My mom insisted we get a female dog because we already have four boys in our family.

I remember when my mom first brought Carly home. She was so small you could pick her up in one hand! It didn't take long for her to grow, though. You should see her now. She weighs about 80 pounds. Carly, like other Labs, loves her food. She needs lots of exercise to keep fit.

Carly's Favorite Activities:

• Going for runs in the park.
• Playing fetch with a ball.
• Meeting her friends, Chaos and Kazzo, in the schoolyard.

If you mention the word "walk" to Carly, she'll immediately go and get her leash, and she won't leave you alone until you take her out. The worst thing about walking Carly is you have to pick up her 'mess' (if you know what I mean!).

Carly's Mischievous Side:

Carly can sometimes be a pain in the neck! She likes to take things from you, especially after school when you first walk in the door. She'll take your hat, mitts, and anything else you may have in your hand. She won't give it back until you trade her for a cookie!

Carly and the Chocolate Cake Incident:

As I mentioned earlier, Carly has a passion for food. One time, it was my brother's birthday. My mom bought a big chocolate cake and had left it in the kitchen in a box on the counter. We went out to run some errands, and when we got back, we found the whole cake on the floor! Carly had eaten the whole cake! We were very mad at her, but things got worse! Carly got sick! If you didn't know this before, dogs should not have chocolate. It is like poison to them. Carly got so sick we had to take her to the vet to get some medicine. We were lucky she was alright.

Conclusion:

If you are looking for a great family pet, I would highly recommend a Labrador Retriever. The saying "man's best friend" is true, especially when my dog Carly is concerned. She is a faithful friend.