Bleu S's Story

	Mug shot of the cutie taken during foster assessment at the home of dog trainer, Matthew Posnick ("Daddy Love"), East Hampton
Bleu's first day with adopters and he is designated as the official cushion tester
	Bleu mugging on sofa with Dad
Bleu investigates a brand new toy and, pretty soon, will happily investigate that lovely body of water in the background!
	Mr. Bleu is in awe ... Mom - Dad, this is really a bed???? it sure beats sleeping on roof of my old dog house back in the swamp!
	Bleu is getting more confident!
	It's beginning to feel like home!
October 2004 Bleu in state of nirvana after a day at the beach with family.

In February of 2003 my husband and I lost our beloved 12-year-old chocolate Lab, Maverick, to a bone tumor. As with all Lab owners, we were heartbroken. For the first couple of months we couldn’t face the thought of another dog. As the healing process progressed, we thought about getting another, but this time not buying a puppy. Our thought was that the expensive puppies would find good homes and we wanted to adopt a dog that needed us.

My husband called some local shelters to see what dogs were available. We knew we wanted a Retriever and preferably a Lab. As I looked in various websites I came across some dogs labeled as “Suffolk Labs.” I went to the Long Island Lab Rescue website and read about these poor dogs rescued from a swamp in Virginia. On reading further, I discovered that the breeder was the same one we bought Maverick from 12 years before. I was shocked to learn what had happened and knew we had to adopt one of those Labs.

Bleu was at a foster home in East Hampton when we met him. He was incredibly shy and afraid of strangers but extremely affectionate with Matthew, his foster father. We thought he would be right for us. We could never have imagined just how right this dog could become.

When he came to us he had never before been in a house – never seen a television, refrigerator, washing machine or any of those things we are so familiar with. He was afraid to go upstairs, afraid to go downstairs and almost afraid to stand still. He learned to adapt to his new environment taking baby steps. Walking on a leash was a new experience but he quickly became comfortable walking around the neighborhood.

We didn’t hear him bark until he’d been with us for several days. It took longer for him to take ownership of the house and bark when someone came to the door. Initially he was terrified of strangers and wouldn’t approach new people in the house for several hours. After 2 months he took only a few minutes to make friends with new people. Now after nearly 4 months with us he’s adopted the Lab attitude that anyone who comes to the door must have come with the sole purpose of playing with him. He’s become a watchdog but greets new people almost immediately with his tail whipping back and forth.

The joy this animal has and gives is beyond measure. He is so happy to be alive and shows affection constantly. From the very beginning he’s been a big kisser, lapping at faces, arms, legs, any part of us that was accessible. We thought that he might lose that trait as his confidence increased. Not a chance. It’s not unusual for Bleu to jump up on the couch or the bed (both absolutely permitted and encouraged) next to me and put his paws on my shoulders while licking my face. It’s much like getting a Lab hug and, we truly believe, his way of telling us he loves us as much as we love him. – R. S.

February 2005