



Sugar, 8-Year Old Female Yellow Lab, Spayed, 80 Pounds
Background: Sugar was surrendered to our program when her family could no longer care for her after her primary human returned to work. Sugar began experiencing skin issues about two years ago, starting with mild fur loss and pink skin on her chest. Unfortunately, her condition worsened over time due to lack of treatment, and by the time she came to us, her skin was blackened and severely infected. Thankfully, she's now healing well under veterinary and foster care.
What foster says: Sugar is a happy, 8-year old Lab retriever mix. A big emphasis on the Lab, as she is very food motivated and loves to be by your side. Her energy levels have been increasing as she heals. Sugar is a medium energy dog who is content to snooze around the house after a long morning walk, but loves to go out for a light jog or to chase a ball.
She has been happy in a small apartment but will really thrive with someone who has access to a yard /park, to run off some excess energy! She has cautiously approached cats but was too scared to chase them. She is shy about letting you know if she wants to go outside, but has had zero accidents in the house.
She likes fluffing blankets and carrying around dog toys. She is a little sneaky about stealing food, but only if you aren't in the room. She has not been up on any furniture, and we have trained her to stay out of the kitchen. She doesn't care to run out of the house except to sniff the air or say hi to the neighbors and will follow us back inside.
She LOVES the car, chasing squirrels and rabbits, and has had zero food aggressions towards us or our other dog. She likes to play by booping her nose into other dogs, which our older Lab tolerates but ignores. Sugar is super sweet with children, but not exactly gentle, haha. Her wiggles may topple a toddler. Barks at men in hats, but we've been working on it and she's responsive to the training.
We have been working on basic commands like sit, stay, and heel with mild success. She does not pull on a leash on our regular walking route but will disregard commands when there's a dog, passerby, or new sniff spot. She comes to "Shug", "Sugar" or a whistle in the house and on the leash, but has zero recall in an interesting open space.
What Rescue Rep Says From the moment we met Sugar, she was friendly, affectionate, and thrilled to meet new people and dogs alike. Her skin condition began around two years ago, when her family had a new baby and her main caregiver returned to work. She was relegated to living in the garage as her skin condition worsened. Sugar was besides herself when we arrived to meet her. She was eager to be pet and even happier when introduced to one of my dogs; she wanted, desperately, to interact but my dog was more interested in exploring Sugar's backyard. We’ve since had her thoroughly examined by one of our vets. Her skin is being treated, and she has been diagnosed with hypothyroidism, which is easily managed with a small pill twice a day given with food.
Sugar is an easygoing, loving dog who enjoys car rides, socializing with other dogs, and simply being near her people. She appreciates companionship. We’re looking for a forever home where Sugar will be treated as a cherished member of the family and receive the continued attention and care she needs and deserves.
Medical: Sugar is spayed, up to date on Rabies, DHPP, heartworm tested (negative), microchipped, and is hypothyroid which requires a pill given twice/day. Her skin is continuing to heal while under treatment; Sugar is on an antifungal medication and is given medicated baths to address a yeast infection on her skin.
Located In: San Ramon
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