This issue celebrates our 25th anniversary. That’s a long time in the magazine business, especially with one so focused on a single subject – our incredible Labrador retrievers. It’s true that the individual lives of Labradors and what they are capable of – both in what they can do and how they belong and interact with their families – are many and varied. But putting all of those variances aside, it still comes down to this one wonderful breed.
No breed seems to fulfill that central-casting role of “dog” more than a Lab. The way they relate to family, want to tag along wherever you go, enthusiasm toward any type of activity or play, ability to get into mischief, and their bittersweet retirement with a graying muzzle. All things we think about when we hear the word “best friend” and the loyalty they display is served up in these three wonderful colors.
Over the last 25 years, we’ve published 149 issues (counting this one), and a couple thousand stories, and untold number of photos all in celebration of the Lab. We hope that, over the years, you have learned a few things to make your lives together more enjoyable, maybe healthier, and that you’ve found words to bring you to both laughter and tears. Yes, even tears, for that is equally a measure of the pull these dogs have on our lives as much as the laughs.
If you have been with us for a lot of years, you’ve no doubt said good-bye to a few furry friends, just as we have here on the staff. And if you’re new, we’ve shared those puppy joys – and growing pains – the same as you. At every stage in between, there is something to love, memories to cherish, and new things to learn.
Thank you for letting us join you on your remarkable Labrador retriever journey. It’s always better with a friend. And if I may…
Toss your Lab an extra treat from me,
Jason Smith, Editor
