Orion the Black Lab Pup's brother, Otto the Black Lab Pup (adopted) can also be seen on our website.
Orion the Black Lab Pup's brother, Oliver the Black Lab Pup (adopted) can also be seen on our website.

Description:

Orion came to us with his brothers from a high kill shelter that didn't have room for them.  They had already outgrown the cute "little" puppy phase and they thought we'd have a better time placing them.

Foster Update:  Orion is an adorable puppy. He is very good. He listens for the most part and he has learned some commands. He did very well getting a bath, did not have any accidents at home, sleeps through the night and gets up around 6:00 am asking for his food :). Orion needs to stay busy and exercised, as he is very smart and likes to be challenged.  The neighborhood kids and people love him and all commend him on being so well mannered. He just needs to stay occupied or play with him until he gets tired.  He walks very well on the leash walking by my side most of the time.  He loves kids, he sits and watch them play basketball at the park. He is excellent with other dogs and he is very good with Arnold the cat.

Foster Update 05/24/11: Orion is a loving little guy with a very nice temperament. He is about 40 pounds, he has a beautiful black coat, and he is moderately strong. He has his energy bursts but otherwise he likes to lay down with a bone for hours at a time. He is up every morning at 530-6 am to be walked and fed, he needs to be taken out every few hours. During the night he sleeps like a rock. He likes to pretend he is a human, he lays his head on the pillow and wants the covers on. He has had a few accidents in the house but he is very good most of the time. Orion eats one bowl of food each day, but he drinks a lot of water throughout the day. It took orion about a day to adapt to my house and other dog. I am working on stopping his puppy nipping, jumping to greet you and chewing. He is making great progress with these habits, I have been using a spray water bottle as a form of discipline and he seems to respond well to it. Orion is an extremely friendly dog, he loves people and other dogs too. He and my dog LOVE to play  all of the time. Orion knows "sit" and "lay down" he can roll over but he chooses not to. Im sure he would learn new tricks pretty quickly he is very smart. I suggest a home with loving people and also a family with another dog. He just loves to play so much, I think he would be bored without another dog.

 Medical update 5/28: Orion was recently diagnosed with a fractured shoulder. He is currently leash walked only and on restricted activity until it heals. We are expecting him to make a full recovery but want to let any potential adopters know about his condition. He is on an basic anti- pain and inflamatory medication each day but otherwise is an active happy puppy!

Foster Update 7/9/11: Orion has been much better recently! He isn't limping as bad and he is much more energetic. I think the shoulder is starting to heal. He is still a great dog and he is such a lover!

*** According to www.dogbreedinfo.com, the Labrador Retriever is a loving, affectionate, lovable, patient dog. Once known as the "St John's Dogs," the Labrador Retriever is one of the most popular breeds in the United States. Originally from Newfoundland, Canada the Labrador was trained to jump overboard into the icy waters to haul fisherman's nets to shore. Specimens were brought to England in the 1800's by English ships coming from Labrador, where the dog's fine retrieving instincts were honed and developed. One of the best family dogs and canine companions because of their gentle, loving disposition, the highly trainable Labrador also excels in drug detection, as a guide for the blind, and service dog for the disabled. The breed is also an outstanding obedience and field trial competitor. Highly intelligent, loyal, willing, and high-spirited. Lively and good-natured, they love to play, especially in water - for they love to swim. They have an excellent, reliable, temperament and are friendly, superb with children and equable with other dogs. They crave human attention and need to feel as though they are part of the family. Labs are easily trained. These dogs are watchdogs, not guard dogs, although some have been known to guard. They have a life expectancy of 10-12 years.