A New Old Dog Joins the Pack

We are happy to be able to welcome old Buddy into our home.  He was my father and step-mother's dog since he was a wee baby adopted from North Shore Animal League.  His "mom" passed away last summer and Dad could not take care of him any longer so Buddy will live out his days with us here at OtterTail Farm.  He is 11 1/2 years old and has been blind for 5 or 6 years.  He seems to have lost most or all of his hearing in one ear, so locating sounds is difficult for him and he ends up circling to find his way.  He has a few health issues we are addressing.

I was worried that such a major move and change of life style might be too much for the old boy, but he is proving to be very adaptable.  Buddy gets more comfortable with our home, yard and schedule every day and is very interested in all the new smells.  He has always been ok with my dogs though not particularly friendly and sometimes annoyed if they came too close, but he is more relaxed with them now too and has initiated a few good sniffs of his own.  The thing that wowed me the most is that after only a few days of being lead on a regular route he managed to find his way from far out in the dog yard back to the stoop and figured out the dog door all by himself!  Way to go Buddy!  We hope he finds happiness here despite missing my Dad.  We are thankful to be in a position to take care of him and offer him peace for the rest of his journey.

Black Lab Painting - A Rescue Dog has a Happy Christmas

This black Labrador portrait painting is a surprise Christmas gift, so if you recognize him - shhhhh! Don't tell! It's funny that I feel pretty safe about posting it because it's for my husband and he does not read my blog. He already knows everything I'm up to. Heh heh, or so he thinks.

This is our rescue dog, Butch. If you've been following along you have probably read Butch's sad story by now. Click on his name here if not. He squeezed his way into my husband's heart despite much resistance and now they are inseparable.

Butch does not swim, but he loves to walk in the water right up to his chin. I think it makes his arthritic hips feel good and I know it strengthens his muscles without abusing his joints, so I'm glad he likes it. The painting is from once such day as Butch stood deep in our muddy pond, sparkling wet in the sun. He has very sweet deep brown eyes. I had to paint this on the sly as hubby came and went. That was quite a feat - I think he will like it though, so it will all be worthwhile.

It is too late to schedule any new dog portrait paintings for Christmas this year, I have 3 more in the works right now. However, if you have a special someone you would like to thrill, we can still arrange a gift certificate and create your own masterpiece in 2012. Check the information on my OtterTail Labrador Art website, then email me (otail@htva.net).

Black Labrador Painting for Lab Rescue - Shadow

This painting is for my new series of dogs that have gone through shelters and/or rescue programs or that I have rescued myself. 25% - 40% of profits from the sale of prints in this series will be donated to Lab Rescue. Most original Labrador paintings in this series will also be available and donations will be made from those sales as well.

You may recognize this as our old black Lab foster dog, Shadow, from 2009. The reference photo was taken early in his stay with us and I entitled this black Lab painting "I Rest My Weary Head". Shadow was a serious and grumpy guy when he first moved in with us, but he had been through some trying times. He was also grossly overweight, arthritic and, dealing with so much as a 10 1/2 year old man, he was tired. On this particular day he was beginning to adjust and make himself comfortable in our home. Over the course of the 2 months that he lived with us he transformed into a sweet, happy, affectionate smush. His bum elbow slowed him down, but he loved his daily trip to our Lab swimming pond. He would usually stay there while the rest of us walked the paths of our land or he would head back up the hill where he had a better view to watch us. I hope many dog lovers will feel a connection with this senior black Labrador painting and purchase prints. It will be a double positive - you can enjoy the print in your home or make a friend happy with a thoughtful gift and you will be helping Labs in need! Accept my thanks in advance!!

I chose to paint Shadow as one of the first in this new series to celebrate his recent 1-year anniversary in his new forever home. - Live happily ever after, Shadow. You touched our hearts -

Black Lab Rescue Foster Dog - February 2010

Meet Brandon aka Brandy. He joined the OtterTail Labrador pack two weeks ago as our first foster dog for 2010. Brandon is a puppy in a big dog suit. It seems he and his brother spent their puppyhoods in an owner's basement or tied outside. By the time they were turning a year old they were big, unruly kids and the owner finally realized they needed training. She did not work with them long before deciding they were too much and they were left at a boarding kennel with instructions to find them a new home. With no further payments for their stay this pair of boys were indeed lucky that the kennel operators are kind-hearted and allowed them both to stay for free until rescue group fosters could be found and transport arranged. The rash of snow storms along the east coast delayed the boys' trip from Georgia to New York for four weeks, but they finally made it.

Brandon has learned a lot since he joined us and he is really getting with the program now. He is a typical Lab teenager, big on the outside and silly on the inside. With us he is getting basic obedience lessons as well as learning general manners and that cats are not for chasing. He is doing great on all counts! It appears he was a thief in his previous home, but being so young he is not committed to it. Yesterday on our walk I unknowingly dropped my hat. When I looked to Brandy he had found it and was carrying it up our hill. As I praised and encouraged him he looked totally nonplussed. "But, I'm stealing this" you could almost hear him say. He started to veer in another direction so I called him with a happy voice and encouraged him to me. Once he arrived I had a whole handful of treats ready and made a quick exchange prying my hat from his mouth before he could think about it too long. He didn't intend to bring it or give it to me, but it worked. He was "good by accident" and earned a great reward. Sometimes those seized opportunities give dogs the greatest lessons and lead to big steps in training progress. From the first day I have only called him to come when he is already on his way so that I was sure he would respond correctly and it would be a fun experience for him. Now he is developing a happy, reliable recall. All in all I think Brandy is a sweet boy who will make someone a very devoted and loving pet if they are willing to continue his training and give him the affection he so enjoys. Keep your fingers crossed that Brandon finds a wonderful forever home soon and can truly begin the new life he deserves.

Remember that a portion of sales on designated OtterTail Labrador prints and products is donated to Lab rescue. Shop for great Labrador Retriever clothing and gifts or original Labrador paintings and support Labs in need.

Black Lab Painting to Support Lab Rescue

This is the first rescue dog painting in my new series of Labrador paintings of dogs that have gone through the rescue program of the non-profit organization I volunteer with (Rudy's Rescue) or that I have rescued myself. I titled this one "Passing Through" in tribute to all rescue dogs who pass through many different, sometimes difficult, situations, shelters and foster homes on their journey to finding one "forever" home. Original acrylic on panel is available for sale as well as fine art prints. 40% of profits from the sale of prints, posters and the original will be donated to Labrador Retriever rescue.

Check back for more rescued Labrador Retriever paintings and support Lab rescue with your purchase. Buy Labrador Retriever prints and have 2 good things at once!

Black Lab Birthday - Happy Rescue Dog

Happy Birthday Butch! He is 7 yrs old today and looking better than ever. I adopted Butch last June (2008) on the spur of the moment. His life-long owner had been in a terrible accident and would never be coming home or be able to care for a dog again. None of the local rescue groups had room or were willing to take an older large black male Labrador with skin problems and hip dysplasia. Butch could not go on living alone in a house with only 2 visits each day, so I drove out and got him. Here he is almost a year later and we think he has done pretty well for himself! Before he was happy, but he rarely went for walks - or anywhere since his owner was a recluse - and he had no dog friends or spent much time with people either. Here he enjoys daily romps with 4 or more other Labs and gets to go to hunting camp with "Daddy Jim" where they have many adventures. His previous owner never gave him any discipline because he was afraid Butch would not love him -- but since living here he has learned a lot. He had been inadvertently trained to do the opposite of what anyone said because they would quickly reach for biscuits to bribe him. It has been a hard habit to break and we are not finished yet, but he has made great progress. Mostly he is very well behaved and a sweet guy to have around. For the first 2 months he chose to spend most of his time alone in the coat closet and did not know about making eye contact or really relating to people. Now he is part of the family and eye contact on cue has been one of his best lessons. He has very sweet, soft brown eyes. Along the way I discovered that he was a sucker for cuddling and kisses - I don't think he got much of that before. Now every morning he asks me for hugs, kisses, nunus and ear rubs. Butch was the name he came with, but it hardly fits such a mild-mannered boy. He still does have a naughty side and somewhere along the way earned the name "B Quad" (as in B to the 4th) which stands for Big, Black, Bad Butch. Happy Birthday B Quad -- you old sweetie pie.

Old Black Lab Gets Adopted

It is with great pleasure that I am here to say my old foster dog, Shadow, has found himself one more wonderful home to live out his days happily ever after. Shadow is a sweet and wise old soul - the type who gives the impression this is not his first time around through life. He is now living in a loving family with another senior dog and 4 cats. It is great news, but a little bittersweet too because we have all come to love Shadow and miss him in our home. I am sure he will be happy and a good buddy to the other dog. Plus, there is already another senior black Lab waiting for a foster home, so we expect to welcome him in a few days. Live long and be happy Shadow! It was a pleasure getting to know you.

Support Lab rescue while finding fun gifts for dog lovers.

Senior Dog Comes to Lab Rescue

Meet Shadow. This old man is my new foster dog. Shadow lived with one owner his whole life, but when he had to go into a nursing home Shadow had no where to turn. He is 10 1/2 years old and, like most old dogs, thinks he knows everything! Still, being a typical Lab, he is willing to please and conform to new rules. Shadow has impressed me with his adaptability. Despite having lived with just one man and then home alone with caretakers stopping by for the past couple of months, he began melding into my pack of 5 dogs on the first day and gets along with everyone - including the cat. He lies with the rest of them as I prepare meals and eats side by side without issue and seems to like everybody. He is a smart old man who taught himself how to use the dog door on the first day and has enjoyed the freedom of taking himself out to lie on the dog deck or coming inside to a comfy bed. He has a few problems - a bum elbow that causes him to limp, he is a bit hard of hearing, his teeth are worn down to nubs, and he carries way too many extra pounds. Except for the latter none of it seems to slow him down and we are working on the weight. He is a happy dog, still full of life. Shadow has been with us for 2 weeks now and we are already getting attached. He is getting neutered today and I find myself worrying about as much as I do for my own dogs. Fostering dogs is a tough job!

Much to my surprize there is a loving woman interested in adopting Shadow and giving him one more forever home. It touches my heart and, if it works out, I think it will be because Shadow has excellent karma for having patiently lived with and loved an owner who he slowly watched lose his capacities. Send good wishes for this sweet old dog - he deserves it.

Labrador Retriever Painting to Support Lab Rescue

This painting is done in my fun, silly dog style. It was inspired by the various Labrador Retriever rescue organization with which I volunteer and donate artwork. Labs are so full of fun and love, they are there for us whenever we are in need. They love the water, whether swimming, wading, boating, fishing or just splashing around. Sometimes even a Labrador may need a little help from his friends. A special edition of this black and yellow Labrador Retriever painting will be offered to raise funds to support Lab rescue. Visit my OtterTail Art for Dog Lovers Shop to purchase a poster that says "Save A Life - Adopt A Lab" or enjoy this version to brighten your walls and your life! Click this link for products with the LifeBoat Lab painting.

New Funny Labrador Retriever Drawing

I wanted to create a simple, cute, funny and appealing Labrador Retriever drawing that I could adapt repeatedly to different designs and use in multiple ways. I came up with this guy. What do you think?

I have made him in this black version as well as yellow and chocolate with 2 sets of words. One says "Lab = Love" and "Support Labrador Retriever Rescue" underneath and the other says "I Need A Home To Call My Own" with "Adopt a Labrador Retriever" underneath. I made both available on a large assortment of products in my OtterTail Art for Dog Lovers Shop. The section dedicated to Rudy's Rescue has both versions and the special section for LabMed has the latter wording. 100% of profits from all sales in both of these sections are donated to the respective non-profit Lab rescue groups.

I would like to make another version available in my general store and am wondering what wording, if any, I should include. I would love it if some of you would leave feedback regarding which you would prefer - design with no words or with words (maybe Lab = Love as shown here or something else by itself). If you have a suggestion of words you would like to see, please share that too! There is also a full painting featuring a chocolate version of this dog available on products in the Rudy's Rescue section of my shop. Look for more variations in the future.

Rescue Lab Home for the Holidays

Happy news for Sally, my latest foster dog. She has been adopted by a wonderful family with a new Mom and Dad and 2 kids of her own and she moved in just in time for Thanksgiving. I think she had a lot to be thankful for indeed! And I am thrilled for her that she is settling in and beginning her new life with her best paw forward.
I wish that everyone would remember all of the animals in need this holiday season and help them in any small way you can. Every little bit makes a difference. Whether it is purchasing products that donate to dog rescue, donating directly to non-profit groups that help such as Rudy's Rescue for Labrador Retrievers, adopting or fostering dogs yourself, or donating blankets, dog products or your time to the local shelter, every little bit truly does make a difference. So many non-profit dog rescue organizations are small groups of hard-working volunteers with very low budgets. Never underestimate the value of even your tiniest donation. Everyone is thankful and you will be part of saving a life. Share your happy holiday spirit!

Adopt a Smiling Yellow Lab

Meet Sally! She is my latest foster Labrador that was rescued from a bad situation with her former owner. Sally is full of energy and had her own ideas about chasing the family goats at her previous home. Rather than keep her tied for life her owners decided it was best to let her go to find a new home. She is ready, willing, and able to be someone's family companion.
In addition to donating my time, training, money, and love to foster rescue Labs, I also donate a portion of profits from sales of my Labrador Retriever art. Please visit my shop to select gifts that give in more ways than one!

Labrador Retriever Rescue - Help When You Can

Sometimes in life you have to do what you can when you can. That is how this 7-yr old black boy came to join our pack. His name is Butch and his solitary owner was involved in a serious accident, leaving him in extended IC and possibly paralyzed for life. Butch was lucky to have an "uncle" who drove over twice daily to care for him following the tragedy, but that could not go on. Even a Lab used to living a reclusive life needs more attention in the long term. The loving uncle contacted Butch's vet, who made other contacts and a plea went out over the rescue network. I forwarded it to the group I volunteer with and several others, but everyone is full this year. Poor Butch had no where to go. So - I brought him here. I am fortunate to be in the position to help him right now. I don't want to count how many times over the years I have shuddered to think what would happen to all of my dogs if tragedy stuck my husband and me. I offered my home to Butch wishing that all dogs in such situations could have someone willing to take them in and give them a new loving home. I can only imagine what it feels like from the dog's point of view -- one day your beloved person just does not come home and you never seen them again. For so many dogs this ends up with a trip to a shelter and, especially for older, large, black dogs - who are the most difficult to place - it often means an unhappy end. But not Butch!! I am happy to say he is settling in. He enjoys my 4 other Labs and is fine with our cat. He is a gentleman in the house and really lights up when we go for our daily walks and swims in the pond. It warms my heart to see him becoming more comfortable every day. We wish for a miracle recovery by his "Dad" and, if that happens, I will happily give Butch back. I know how I would feel!!! Until that time Butch can live happily ever after here with us and we give thanks for being in a position to help when we can. Please consider offering your love and home to a dog in need. They ask for so little and you can truly save a life.

Lab Rescue leads to Happy Labrador Adoption

Our sweet foster rescue Lab puppy, Eli, was happily adopted 3 weeks ago and is adjusting well. How could you not love that adorable yellow Labrador Retriever face? Eli came such a long way in the time he spent with us, it is wonderful to see him move on to his forever home and continue to grow and learn. I joked that he made it "from barn to bed" in one week, and his progress grew from there! He learned to walk nicely on a loose leash, even sitting whenever I stopped, he learned to sit, down, and come on cue, to make eye contact and give kisses. There were SO MANY new things - stairs, crates, car rides - it was a joy to watch him blossom. He even learned to voluntarily jump into the dog shower for a bath after our daily muddy walks and stand quietly for washing. He especially loved being dried - it was like having a massage! I think he is a hose dog in the making - I admit I have a soft spot for hose dogs! Eli is still a bit shy of strangers, but he is responding well to all of the new challenges. He has a dog loving family and we know he will have a very happy life. We do look forward to visits from Eli and his new "pack" in the future! I also plan to make some of my pictures of this sweet yellow Lab available on products with 100% of profits going to support Labrador Retriever rescue. Look for news about shopping at OtterTail Lab Art to donate to Lab rescue this spring and visit my OtterTail Art for Dog Lovers Shop for Labrador Retriever t-shirts and other fun clothing, gifts, prints, and products. Support Labrador rescue for a rewarding experience and give a gift to the sweet Lab souls who are so full of love.

Labrador Retriever Rescue Dogs Need Your Love

Meet our newest foster dog. He is a 5 month old yellow Lab we are calling Eli (to commemorate the NY football Giant's superbowl win). I am fostering him for Rudy's Rescue, a non-profit group based in Rochester, NY. Eli came from a puppy mill where he lived in a barn with lots of other dogs and little human interaction. When I picked him up he was terrified of everything, but after a warm bath and yummy meal you could almost see his little mind opening. This is only his 4th day with us, but he is coming out of his shell and progressing quickly. Eli is a sweet guy with lots of potential. He enjoys playing with toys and the 3 other Labrador Retrievers who live here now. They set excellent examples for any Labrador puppy to follow and learn. It is rewarding to help Labs in need through fostering dogs, donating my Labrador Retriever artwork and designs and a portion of profits from my Lab paintings and photographs which I sell as prints and on clothing and other products. You can support Lab rescue by bidding on wonderful dog gifts available right now at the Labrador Life Line auction online. Or help save the rest of the dogs at Eli's puppy mill by purchasing my designated OtterTail Lab Art t-shirts, home products and gifts for dog lovers.

Adopt a Rescue Labrador Retriever - or foster one!

Meet Jake - our current foster dogs. He is a purebred black Labrador Retriever who was saved from a kill-shelter in Kentucky. Jake is 6 years old and the poor guy was surrendered by his elderly owner who felt they could no longer take care of him. It's a shame, because that owner had obviously been doing a good job. Unlike most shelter dogs, Jake came to us in excellent shape. He is very fit, has clean teeth and ears and a shiny coat. Jake is a gentle sweetheart and I hate to think he might have been killed for lack of another home. He gets along well with our other dogs and cat. He is house trained and crate trained, and not at all destructive. Unfortunately, large black dogs are the least likely to be adopted, so we may be fostering Jake for some time to come. Jake is a neutered male, up to date on vaccinations and heartworm preventative, and lovable in many ways! We are volunteering for a Lab rescue group based in Rochester, NY called Rudy's Rescue for Labrador Retrievers. The area we cover is quite large, although we do require home checks for all potential foster homes and adopters. But we also work with other rescue groups who can do home checks for people out of our immediate area. If you are interested in helping these wonderful dogs in need, please contact Rudy's Rescue through our web site or any of the many other rescue groups working to save homeless dogs all across the country.

Another great way to help rescued dogs is with your donation or by shopping for Labrador Retriever t-shirts, home decorative items, art and gifts in the designated sections of my shop (including one for which 100% of profits are dedicated to LabMed) or visit Rudy's Rescue Store, which I maintain. I have also donated most of the designs. There are many ways dog lovers can help and every bit, no matter how small, is greatly appreciated.

Adopt a Rescue Dog

This is my current foster dog, Molly Sue. I am fostering her for Rudy's Rescue which is a Labrador Retriever rescue group based in Rochester, NY. I don't know how much Lab she has in her (she is a hound-doggy mix), but she is a real sweetie who was saved from a kill shelter in Kentucky. She is barely 6 months old and will make some family a wonderful companion. She is as affectionate and attentive as a good Labrador and likes to swim in our pond. At barely 30 lbs she is not the least bit timid to 'run with the big dogs'. I like this silly picture of her. She reminds us of the cute black sister to the Grinch's dog, Max, (as drawn by Dr. Seuss) so for fun we are calling her Molly Sue Who.

She has had lots of training since she arrived and that alone would make her adoption price worthwhile. Add in the fact that she is such a fun little dog and that 100% of the donation goes to help save other dogs in need and it is clear that adopting a rescue dog is a great way to find a good friend and make a difference. Wherever you are there are dogs needing loving homes and rescue groups working to save them.

I plan to make some new Labrador Retriever and dog paintings to help raise funds for Rudy's Rescue. Check back for sneak peaks and updates.

Tribute to Reilly Blue

Another wonderful Labrador has left us. Reilly Blue died from hemangiosarcoma on 12 January. He touched many lives in his complicated life. You can read more about Reilly in various preceeding posts. He was the son of my Buckaroo and came to live with us when he was 8 1/2 years old. His original family, who lived in NYC, had serious health issues and wanted to find Reilly a new happy home, so I offered to take him. This picture is from our wedding anniversary picnic in July of 2004. I love his expression, caught as I give him a cuddle and a kiss - contented joy. We loved Reilly very much - despite some of the bad habits he brought with him. I helped him move past most of them and always enjoyed his happy spirit. But when good friends lost one of the Labs they had gotten from me and needed a buddy for the remaining old guy, we let them take Reilly. We knew he would be well loved and he loved them from the first day - but partly I let him go because he was only 3 days younger than 2 of my other dogs (Obi and Gwen) and I had just gone though a long spell of saying good-bye to too many old Lab friends who were too close in age. Now, I think they were all looking out for me when they brought the opportunity for Reilly to live with our friends. It was hard to let him go then, but it would have broken my heart even more if he had stayed and died now - only 2 months after Gwendolyn and 7 months after Obi. I shed my tears in memory of his robust, happy spirit. Good-bye and Godspeed Reilly Blue - I'm glad we all were able to give you a happy life - you brought us all much joy.

Welcome Winston

This is our new rescued Lab who joined us earlier this month. Winston is a 4 yr old yellow male who landed in a shelter in Kentucky when his family was dealing with over-whelming health issues. Although the shelter run by the Bowling Green Humane Society is over-crowded so that many dogs must be euthanized, Winston won the hearts of the wonderful workers there and they were happy he found a home here with us in New York. Bowling Green Humane Society has an impressive organization of dedicated rescue groups and individuals who make it possible to transport large numbers of cats and dogs to the east coast where there are loving homes waiting to adopt. I was fortunate to only drive 1 1/2 hours to meet Winston after his night-long trek. If anyone is considering adopting a shelter dog I highly recommend you check the list available through BGHS. Visit BGHS Petfinders site.

Winston arrived very over-weight and has been on a serious diet. That along with a lot of exercise is helping his figure, but he has more pounds to lose. Tallulah is helping to get him in shape - they became friends instantly and play all day. At this sad time for us after losing two much-loved dogs it helps to know we were able to save another. I hope everyone had a happy Thanksgiving - I know Winston did.

Supporting Labs In Need

I have created several designs for the Labrador Retriever rescue group called LABMED. They are an internet-based, non-profit group who raise and distribute money to aid sick and injured Labs, many of whom are found lost or abandoned and need to be adopted by new homes upon recovery. LABMED has been helping Labradors in need for 10 years, but in this milestone year they need your help more than ever to raise funds. I am donating all of my LABMED designs and on-line store services as well as 100% of profits from products sold with these custom designs to this worthy group. Please help by purchasing fun products with designs featuring Buddy, the Labrador Retriever who started it all.

There are currently 3 designs available and more are coming. Visit my shop to purchase great gifts for dog lovers and support LABMED.

To learn more about LABMED visit their website. Visit LABMED