Video: Harley going for a walk
Video: Harley knows sit/down/wait
Video: Harley meeting another dog
Harley 10 years old, Chocolate Lab, 89 lbs, Neutered
Help needed IMMEDIATELY.
Background:Harley has been with the same family since he was a puppy. He first lived with their son and daughter, along with a female Husky, but as work demands increased, the parents welcomed both dogs into their home. As the years passed, the parents' own health challenges made it increasingly difficult to provide Harley with the attention he deserves. Wanting the best for him, they made the difficult decision to help him find a new family where he can enjoy a more active and engaging life.
What Harley's Foster Says: Harley is a sweet, affectionate 10-year-old Lab who absolutely loves being with his people. If you're sitting still, there's a good chance he'll be leaning into you for pets—or happily standing on your feet while soaking up all the attention he can get.
Having spent much of his life outdoors, Harley is adapting remarkably well to life inside a home. He's house-trained, hasn't chewed on anything inappropriate, and settles nicely on a dog bed or in his crate when the household is calm. Like most Labs, he's highly food motivated, but hasn't attempted to put his paws on the counter.
Because so much of his current world is new to him, Harley can become overstimulated when there's a lot of activity or excitement. When that happens, he may jump up on people or attempt to mount dogs, particularly females. This behavior appears to be triggered by excitement and anxiety rather than aggression, and he is learning to respond appropriately to clear boundaries from our female dog and no longer bothers her.
Harley also appears to have some weakness in his hind legs. He takes stairs carefully, can struggle a bit on slippery floors, and isn't quite as agile as he once was. He still enjoys his daily walks and loves chasing a ball, although we're keeping both activities shorter and lower impact while we learn more about what's causing his mobility changes.
What the Rescue Rep Says: Harley is looking for a home that understands the needs of a senior Lab and is willing to help him continue building confidence as he adjusts to a very different life than he's known.
Because of his size, strength, and excitement when encountering new things, Harley would do best with experienced dog owners who can recognize when he needs help settling and who are steady on their feet. A calm, structured home with predictable routines will help him succeed. He has shown that he can relax when his environment is quiet, but busy households with frequent activity can be more challenging for him. Based on what we've observed so far, if there is another dog, a calm male companion may be the best fit. We do not know how he is with cats.
Harley will thrive with adopters who enjoy spending time with their dog, can provide moderate daily exercise appropriate for his mobility, and have a securely fenced yard where he can enjoy sniffing, exploring, and the occasional game of fetch. Most of all, he's looking for someone who will give him the patience, consistency, and companionship he's been missing.
With the right home, Harley has all the makings of a loyal, loving companion who simply deserves the chance to enjoy his senior years surrounded by people who understand him.
Medical: Harley is up to date on his vaccinations, preventatives, and is microchipped. During his veterinary examination, Harley showed weakness in his hind limbs, and additional evaluation is underway to determine the underlying cause. Despite these changes, Harley remains bright, affectionate, enjoys his walks, and loves being part of whatever his people are doing.
Located In: Napa Valley
If you are interested in Harley, please contact Rescue Rep Kathy at ksmillich@gmail.com In your email, please tell me about yourself and why you would be a good fit for Harley.
See other Labs Available