Tuff Love

More than two years ago we lost Atticus, our beautiful but not-so-bright golden retriever. With the family in the middle of a move, the thought of replacing him seemed inappropriate. Once we settled into Suffield, the yearning for another dog was overwhelming. I was so desperate, I’d take my friend's St. Bernard, Lucy, for walks up and down Main Street.

Walking Lucy was like dragging Chewbacca. For such an old gal, her enthusiasm and lust for exercise was underestimated. Although this satisfied my dog craving temporarily, I knew it was time to start looking.  

Since we wanted a rescued lab, we began with Petfinder.com. I was able to narrow the search to breed, sex, age, location, etc. Pictures and descriptions of each dog were available. I eventually found Tuff’s profile, photo and contact information.

Even though he was in Texas, his adoption contact was based in North Granby.  Many labradors were regularly being transported from Texas to New England for adoption.  

Tuff's adoption, standard vet expenses, transportation and papers were all paid for with a $400 fee (this fee varies for each adoption). He was a friendly, healthy, purebred AKC black laborador, 5 years old and neutered. Tuff was exactly what we were looking for.  

Prior to adoption, rescue dogs live with a host family. They are observed, loved and given the freedom to run and play. Fortunately, Tuff had no issues. If he had, we would have been notified prior to adoption. Possible problems wth resuce dogs include dogs not being good with children, having a bad attitude around other dogs, engaging in counter surfing and other issues. Host families prioritize matching dogs to the appropriate adopters.

After numerous emails and exchanged phone calls, Tuff’s arrival in Suffield was confirmed and imminent. We anxiously waited two weeks for his scheduled transportation and final vet checks. At the time, Connecticut didn’t have sufficient host locations for lab rescue. It’s been more than a year, but much progress has been made. 

Currently, the L.A.B. Rescue and Adoption Network is active in Connecticut. According to their Web site, the organization was formed to rescue and rehabilitate abused, neglected, homeless and abandoned animals. They provide humane care, temporary foster homes, veterinary care and treatment to rescued animals. They prioritize finding loving, compassionate adoptive homes and families for their animals.

The rescue of a dog includes pickup from owners or animal welfare facilities, shelters and pounds and assessment of the animal’s suitability as a pet. Each animal in their program is provided with comprehensive veterinary care. Standard procedures include a veterinary exam, a spay or neuter, vaccinations, worming, heart-worm testing and treatment and flea and tick prevention.   

From what I know, Tuff was no longer wanted because of an expected set of twins from his owners. They already had other children. The shelter where he was abandoned contacted the lab rescue. He was picked up, saved from possible euthanization and lived with a host family until a proper adoption.

I always believed animals to be a permanent family member. The thought of abandoning him for such reasons, or any reason, is incomprehensible.

We understood the idea of adopting a dog, sight unseen, to be a bit risky. Even though a return policy is in place, the thought of Tuff going through this ordeal only to be sent away wasn’t an option. We had three children and much love to embrace our furry friend. 

After a year of not clogging the Dyson with dog hair, forgetting about the enormous piles of excrement, vet bills and vomiting from excessive stick chewing, the realities of dog ownership quickly returned. What also returned was the wonderful feeling of companionship, the unconditional love, the loyalty and security of having a dog.

The first year with Tuff was a learning process. Having this stranger in the house seemed foreign and awkward but very exciting. Yet, like family, understanding and accepting Tuff’s personality and habits required patience. In the beginning, Tuff’s hearing seemed to be selective...especially in our backyard with the variety of scents! He loved riding in the car but feared being left alone. He barked incessantly at the mailman, didn’t like going to the vet and had a pallet seasoned for bananas.  

Now we understand Tuff and his goofy personality. When a visitor comes to the house, he runs to grab his squeaky, stuffed pheasant. He’s proud of his toy and insists on sharing with guests. While school lunches are packed, he sits erect, waiting for dropped morsels. He has no objection to our mouser cat sleeping in his bed. He prefers Costco rawhide bones to Petco brand. He thoughtlessly cuts in front of you while going up and down the stairs. During walks, his bladder seems forever full... marking each tree, pole, stump and fire hydrant. He snores like a fat man and often wakes himself up with the silent vapors expelled from his hindquarters. He then looks at me as if to say, “Was that me?”

By rescuing Tuff, his life was not the only one improved and saved. He is family. And like family, we love all his imperfections, his unpredictability, his stench and his awkward habits. He's proven, with Tuff love, that no reason is needed for sharing good feelings and squeaky toys.