I remember being about 10 years old and we were about to get our first dog. Dad asked me and the siblings what kind of dog we wanted and I responded “I want a smart dog that can do tricks” and dad said no. We are going to get something “sweet, lovable, funny and dumber than a bag of rocks”. That was our first lab and I’ve had four more since then
With me it was like I want have a smart, loyal and protective dog. So I got a Doberman. I am on my fourth and fifth now. Thinking about getting a new pup after I convinced my significant other 😉
Except that people often mistake a Labrador's easy going personality with lack of intelligence. I had a beautiful Lab Buddy for almost 12 years, whom I adopted when she was over a year old. Just because I trusted her and I knew I could, I taught her hand signals of my own invention for "sit", "follow", "go check your dish", "out for squats", "run", "lie down", "up", etc. There was no deliberate planning on my part, but as she aged and began to lose her hearing and then her eyesight dimmed, all of these hand signals became crucially important in our daily communication. I am certain that indicates a reasonably high level of intelligence. Oh, I almost forgot to mention that Sandy learned commands in two different languages.
Stella is just one exuberant girl! I love her, love Mabel and love that they have the best life possible - and your lovely family Stella - what a gorgeous life!
