11/17/2024 ON HOLD

Thunder here, with a pupdate—foster mom says it’s time I tell my own story! I’m one of the recent breeder rescues, and I’m told that I’m a purebred yellow lab and that I’m very handsome! From the moment I stepped into my new surroundings, I knew my life was about to change. I was overwhelmed by the sights, sounds, smells, and movements, and I retreated to my safe havens—a cozy crate and a quiet laundry room. I am gradually learning about all the new things. Stairs? Guess what, I mastered those in a day! Before long, I began to emerge from my shell. I expanded my horizons and discovered the joys of a backyard. When I go outside, my personality shines through; I do a happy dance, roll around on the ground, and zoom around with boundless joy! However, the world outside my fence still holds many unknowns. Walks have been a mixed bag. Most times, I enjoy all the new sniffs; other times, I’ve been surprised and alarmed by terrifying creatures like Halloween decorations and noisy trains. I go back and forth between curiosity and fear, but, with patience, I’m learning that there’s a lot out there that’s really fun, and I’m learning to trust that these humans have my back!

My day to day is comfortably predictable. I sleep all night in my crate and do my business outside—I’m not about to make a mess where I live! I have a good appetite, and could even gain a few pounds. While I may be more cautious than more experienced labs, I've made significant progress. I've learned to trust my foster humans, and I love the attention and affection they shower upon me. They are getting smarter, too, about reading my signals, since I don’t know their language. All I hear is “blah, blah, blah, Thunder, blah, blah, blah.” But I’m getting used to them and their ways. I've even made friends with a few canine playmates. They tell me that there’s a whole world out there beyond my backyard and my neighborhood, but first I have to overcome my fear of car rides. But I have my learner’s permit, so I will get there!

As I continue to grow and learn, I'm hopeful that I'll find my forever home. But for now, they tell me I’m “on hold” at least until I’m neutered on December 17, whatever that means. I don’t know how to tell time or read a calendar, so I guess I’ll just take it one day at a time! In the meantime, I'll be enjoying every moment with my foster humans. I may be a bit of a work in progress, but I promise to be a loyal and loving companion. I can't wait to meet my forever family and start a new chapter in my life. Thanks for joining me on the journey!

10/31/2024 ON HOLD

Thunder arrived on 10/23/2024 from a retired breeder. He is a 14 month-old (born 08/09/2023) yellow male. He is currently intact, and scheduled for neuter surgery on 12/17/2024. Initially, he was very fearful. He was unfamiliar with stairs and startled by sudden movements and loud noises. Lured by treats, he quickly overcame his fear of stairs. Once he is in the house, he prefers his crate or our small laundry room. In either of those locations, he welcomes petting and massages. He has warmed up enough that he approaches us for petting. He has not had an accident inside, and does his business routinely outside. Even though we have a tall fence, he must be leashed outside in case he is startled and tries to hide somewhere. His appetite is great and he is very food motivated, which is very helpful. I am confident that, with time, patience, routine, exercise, desensitization, and counter-conditioning, he will become more trusting and confident. At the present time, he will remain in foster until he is examined by the vet and altered. He may never become a "Chill Bill," but I expect that he will become less reactive and more comfortable with humans and indoor living. Stay tuned!