Hi all would really appreciate your views. Ava my adorable chocolate lab is now 13 months old. She's a lovely pup, quite small for the breed (20kg) and everyone makes a fuss of her wherever we go. It's just me and her at home and she follows me everywhere. My dilemma is I wonder if she needs more company - am I enough for her? She loves people like most labs and enjoys the attention she gets from others. She's also good with other dogs - very submissive at first but then runs round them wanting to play. She has 2 walks a day on and off lead for at least an hour each when she gets the chance to socialise. When she's at home with me she sleeps a lot and I often think she looks sad. We play games too. I keep wondering if she'd be better off with a family, she loves children too. Of course I can't imagine life without her but don't want to be selfish. Hence the title - am I enough. Would really appreciate your views. Many thanks
Hi,i think Ava sounds like she has a wonderful life,a human that loves her very much,2 nice long walks everyday and socialising with other dogs and lots of snoozing and playing in between,sounds perfect to me! Many dogs don't get half that and I know of families who have a dog and walk it very little and the dog is last in line for attention so don't think a family will be better for her than a loving home with you. Try to stop worrying and enjoy your lovely girl
I agree with @Saffy/isla, your dog has the perfect life, dogs need sleep as well as exercise, they don't need to be on the go all day. There is no way you are being selfish!
I am on my own too a lot of the time when my son is with his dad. My girl has a life much like Ava's except for 3 walks a week with a dog walker. It's never crossed my mind that she might be better off with a family! I think our dogs have lovely lives .
Thank you for your lovely positive reply made me cry a little . I have been worrying but will take your advice and stop. Always enjoy her and love her to bits. We've had a lovely afternoon played lots went for a walk then dinner then played a bit more. Now sleeping by my feet x
Thank you makes me feel better both your replies made me cry a little love that you both say she has a perfect life - I try my best x
Ava's mum- sounds like you're doing a wonderful job! I worried that I'd got myself a Porsche when I only had a licence to drive a tractor when I got Bon! (I mean look at that face). But she's well looked after, loads of walks and time off leash, training and games, good food and it just gets better and better. She makes me think about what's best for her and that makes me a better pup-parent.
@Ava's mum I’m convinced Labs can see into our souls and use their facial expressions to their advantage I sometimes think Woody looks sad but I know the life he now has makes him smile as I’ve seen that face too! It sounds as if you are giving her a wonderful life filled with love, food and play x
I know exactly what you mean. I had to go out earlier Ava knew I was going out - I had the full works! Thanks for your lovely comments
