GARY

Share This Lab:
Video: Gary's a quick learner







GARY ~5 Year-old Neutered Male Lab Mix, Black, 55 Pounds
at fair

Background: Gary was picked up as a stray by the San Jose animal shelter back in March and brought to our attention by a concerned citizen who went out to meet him and sent some photos of Gary listless in his kennel with some skin afflictions on his legs. Gary was reportedly suffering from some kennel stress and was very resistant going back into his kennel after he'd been out. With increased exercise, Gary was much more cooperative going back into his kennel. Lab Rescue went to meet him and by that time, his skin looked better and he was very eager to get out and play. 

What Gary's Foster Says: Gary is the ultimate velcro pup and happiest boy in the world! He settled in quickly to our home and has an endearing and playful personality. He sleeps peacefully through the night on a dog bed in the bedroom, although he wouldn’t say no to snuggling in yours if invited. From day one, he’s been 100% housetrained. During our work from home hours, he rotates between his dog bed and his crate for naps, often self-crating with the door open but doesn’t fuss when we close the door.

Gary enjoys a light walk around the block in the morning to sniff and explore, and either a second walk or a good game of fetch in the evening. Fetch is his favorite thing in the world, and his whole body wiggles in anticipation of a throw.

He is a complete sweetheart; he hasn’t met a person he didn’t love. He’s affectionate, playful, food-motivated, and learns incredibly fast. Gary has been left alone in short increments but is still learning that not every open door means it’s time for an adventure. He can be leash reactive, particularly if he feels vulnerable (like mid-potty), and he can be wary of delivery people, occasionally barking at them. But with continued socialization and training, we believe he’ll grow more confident in those situations. He’s so smart and responsive, he already is mastering a bag full of tricks. With consistent guidance, he could really shine, potentially in agility or another enrichment activity.

Other great things about Gary are that he rides calmly and quietly in the car and handles baths and blow drying like a champ. He truly lives to please and connect with his people.

What Gary's Rescue Rep Says: Gary is a very ball-motivated dog that will flourish in a home where he can receive daily fetch sessions, a yard to play, and a home where he won't be left alone for long stretches of the day, one where he will be a welcomed member of the family, receive lots of attention, love and exercise. We tested Gary with other dogs when he was at the shelter and he did okay but was more interested in his ball. He loved playing in the kiddie pool at the shelter. Since we don't know Gary's history, we don't recommend a home with small children or cats.  

Medical: Gary is neutered, microchipped, updated on vaccines and has been heartworm tested. He is on a monthly flea/tick/heartworm preventative. We took Gary to the vet for incessant scratching and biting at his fur. He was given a Cytopoint injection, along with antibiotics to treat a bacterial infection on his skin. His foster has reported that Gary's skin is doing much better and his scratching has significantly decreased. 

Located In: San Jose

If you are interested in adopting Gary, please contact Rescue Rep Kris at krisellen.nm@gmailcom

In your email, please tell me what city you reside in, a little bit about yourself and dog experience, along with why you would be a good fit for Gary.

Please note our service area: GGLRR adopts to the greater San Francisco Bay Area.

See other Labs Available

Our volunteers donate their personal time phones so please only call during reasonable hours (8am - 8pm). The Rescue Rep identified in the dog posting is the only person with information about the dog - please only contact the designated volunteer. We do call everyone back within 2-3 days so please be patient. We work very hard to make the right matches for the dogs and for the new owners. We get 3-5 dogs per week; we do not have a facility where the dogs are housed, they are in foster homes throughout the Bay Area.