RANGER - THE COONASS RETRIEVER!
A This is a story about Ranger - a lab retriever mix who was adopted in CT by a fantastic family! He was a HOPE dog I brought home and worked with him on training and rehabilitation to learn to live in a home environment. His new owner, John, found it funny that some South Louisiana people refer to each other as "coonasses". Ranger was the family's first "rescue" and they find him so awesome--as we did in Louisiana. Enjoy the pictures of Ranger in his new home and the adorable story John emailed to me when he and Ranger met a neighbor on a walk. This is a true story!. Goes to show papers mean nothing, a dog is a dog, it's the owner and training that make the dog. John tells everyone Ranger is a rare coonass lab/retriever mix! No one in CT believes he is a "rescued shelter dog!" Rescues are dogs that need love like all others!
"Hi Cathy, Something just happen that I think you should be aware off ! Ranger just had to go for another walk with me.It's snowing to beat the band outside.On our loop around the neighborhood , I ran into a neighbor who recently had a litter of Lab puppies.Their 10 months old now.For a mere $900.00 dollars he told me I could have had a dog with the highest pedigree and he had shown me the papers to prove it.He was walking his male " Jeter" when we met up at the corner. Ranger & Jeter smelled each other and were happy with the meet & greet..Then it happened:A small rabbit hopped crossed the road not 20 feet in front of both of the dogs.Jeter's owner hung on to Jeter's leash with all his might...the dog was jumping, twisting ,barking, going spazzy !!! While this was all happening : I NEVER said a WORD to Ranger...I gave him the FIRM hand signal to SIT...and he did...like a statue,didn't flinch..just sat there, watching the chaos that was going on around him.I rewarded with a big hug and I lots of praise.After listening to Jeter bark for 5 minutes Ranger & I just had to leave...both our ears hurt...When we got home I went right to the refrigerator and got Ranger a few slices of pot roast (we had left over from last nights dinner) and gave him a super reward..WAIT it gets better.... 10 minutes after we get home the phone rings....It's the Jeter's owner asking What kind of Retriever "Ranger" ...was...? Again I told him that both Ranger & I were a couple of" Coonasses" I was laughing so hard that I woke Brenda up, she was still sleeping up stairs....." John J. of CT 12/21/08
Ranger & John. Ranger buries himself in the snow!
Ranger with his new family heading home after transport pickup!
Ranger can't wait for Santa! This will be his first Christmas with his first forever family!
Ranger relaxing by the fire place. Notice his own red pillow!
