By Boudreaux “Boo” LaMond
I don’t remember a lot regarding my early days except having fun with my brothers and sisters, playing and nursing from mom. Weeks later I was taken away by a stranger never to see my family again. Initially all was new and interesting but that changed quickly. I had a metal choker put around my neck and was introduced to guns. I just couldn’t stand that loud cracking noise of a gunshot, a fear that has never changed to this day. I’m know many dogs, especially Labs, are okay with it and make great hunting companions but it wasn’t for me. To say the least, my master wasn’t pleased with me and my inability to deal with loud noises.
Life was dull and lonely, my only happiness was the fun I had with his children. In my world, kids are kind, happy, playful, and I still so enjoy all youngsters. My existence became very mundane, especially when the children left their home for any period. Tired of my sad life and as I grew, with my choker getting tighter by the day, along with living in a dog house, I broke free looking for a better life.
I do remember how difficult a time it was without a home. Searching for food, meeting other dogs that were not always friendly back to me, and trying to find a safe place to sleep out of the weather was hard.
One say a man called me to him, then put me in a truck and unfortunately, I was bound for a high kill shelter in Northern Louisiana. It was there I met this wonderful lady, Jennifer Wright, who assisted Labs4Rescue. She saved me in the nick of time, brought me near a New Orleans location, and immediately arranged to have my chain choker surgically removed since it had become embedded in the base of my neck. I still carry a scar but that’s not an issue considering what would have happened if it wasn’t taken out.
Jennifer then started preparing me for my new family who had lost their senior yellow Lab. I enjoyed the food, attention, direction, and training she provided me. My adopting parents found an 80-pound yellow Lab that walked well on a leash, had house manners, seldom barked, never jumping on visitors, was kind, funny, playful, affectionate, and a total mush. I helped out since the last five attributes were always a part of who I am.
Finally, after our first meeting, which went so well, my new parents and I set off for my new life in Florida. They seemed kind and I spent much of the 11-hour trip snuggled in the back of their SUV with one and the other laying next to me. Upon arriving at my new home, I was very tired but still managed to spend time scoping out my new life location.
The next day it all began. Good meals (I’ve never had any food aggression), great scratches and pets, playtime with one of my many toys, and baths. Each day starts with a mile walk around a lake, meeting so many other dogs and people that I play with and get great pets. Then home for a good breakfast and attention. Later there’s more play, scratches, and rubs. As day ends I enjoy a nourishing dinner along with rest time and evening walk. My adoptive dad is always kissing the top of my head, telling me how I am loved and how handsome I am. I as well so enjoy being affectionate, giving kisses to both parents, especially my mom after she has a cup of coffee. Boy, do I like the smell of coffee.
I have full run of my home, from the lounge on the lanai with a nice lake view, to a large dog bed in the great room along with the sofa. My personal bed is in the master bedroom, but the last year I have been sleeping between my parents on the foot of their bed and I wait until just after my dad gets in. He is always the last. Every now and then I drift back to those unhappy days that leads to bad dreams. I must yell or whimper because I’m gently awakened and brought back to my real world.
One of the many things we do every day is to have a family talk. Someone will ask me something and I will tell them a thing or two, rocking my head back and yapping with no sound coming from me. It always ends with hugs, laughter, and tail wagging. Our car rides to many different parks are also so much fun.
My parents think I’m perfect, imagine. Boy, do I love them very much. They have renamed me Boudreaux, I think it’s a Louisiana name, but most just call me Boo and I do like my new name. Often people we meet say they can’t believe that I was a stray on the streets. But it’s true and yet today I don’t think it would be possible for me to feel happier, more loved, and have the joy in showing my affection back.
I often think of and feel bad for the other good dogs I met at the shelter, which weren’t as fortunate as I. My great life all started with a caring person who put so much of her time to save me and countless others. To think I might have left this world never realizing such a life even existed.
How could I have ever known?
