Darla Chocolate Labrador Retriever Female 2.5 Years Old ID #3579

June 28, 2025

Darla came from a home where she didn’t get any exposure to the outside world.  She and her sibling lived in the kitchen, sun room, and backyard. She never went out on the street for walks, and never went in the car.  The only people she met were ones who came into the house, which were few. She did have some exposure to grandchildren, ages 4 & 5, and did fine with them.   She lived with her sibling, another female, and was dominant over her.  Not aggressive in any way, but she would push her around and away from the humans.

Darla is a very sweet, affectionate girl, but the big, wide world is making her anxious. She needs an adopter who has had at least one other dog, and someone who will help her progress, but also understand that she needs to progress at her own pace. Once she settles in and feels safe, she is going to be the most awesome companion.

A fenced yard is a requirement for Darla. She needs the safety of it to help her with her adjustment to a new environment.

June 24, 2025

Darla has made progress in the 10 days since she came to our home to be fostered.  She is more interested and comfortable with people.  She is very loving and affectionate with me, following me from room to room and giving kisses on a frequent basis.  She continues to eat well, and there have been no accidents.  She can walk for miles, even in the heat.  Darla faced her fears of getting back in the car and visited the shore with us.  She enjoyed the beach and made a friend.

She now navigates the stairs without a problem.  I washed Darla outside with the hose and shampoo, which was a bit scary for her.  Darla continues to bark often at random people and animals.  She has learned the command to sit!

We think Darla is ready to find her forever family.

June 17, 2025

We had another night of peaceful sleep while Darla slept on the couch downstairs as we slept in our bedrooms. She made strides with getting more comfortable with people with more sniffing and less barking.  The exciting news was that she met my neighbor’s dogs.  Darla barked for around a minute but then transitioned to sniffing and walking calmly together. She enjoys a lot of attention, walks, and pets on a regular basis.

June 16, 2025

Darla slept through the night without getting scared and barking.  She will not go up the steps, so she is sleeping downstairs.  She has made our couch her home and is not interested in the crate; however, she slept without any of us staying with her on the couch!  I feel much more rested today, and she is acting very chill.  She can now walk with us for a couple of miles on the trail, even in the rain, and has not been barking at people who pass by.  She continues to bark and get very excited when animals come by.  Darla continues to eat, drink, and go potty outside without a problem.  She is super cuddly and gives lots of kisses. She is not barking at familiar family members, only when someone comes in from outside.  Darla has not taken an interest in toys or bones.  Hopefully, when the rain finally stops, we will give her a bath 🙂

June 14, 2025

Darla walked on the Chester Valley Trail and practiced staying calm when people/animals passed by.  She is very treat-motivated.  She is definitely Velcro and a lover.

She continues to eat, drink, and is potty trained to go outside without a problem.  She is still on high alert as she just went through a big change by leaving the only home she knew.  She is making progress with barking at people who are new to her. We set up the crate to try to find a place where she can feel safe and calm, but she has not taken to it yet.  She has chosen the couch for now.

She will not attempt to go upstairs, but allowed me to go upstairs to bed and she fell asleep without a problem, until my son came into the room at 12:45 AM and surprised her! Unfortunately, we were woken up as a result.  Live and learn!

June 13, 2025

Day 1: Darla is about 70 lbs and is settling in nicely! She arrived at our home yesterday. She was nervous to get out of the car at first, but eventually got out on her own and inspected her new space. She is eating, drinking, and doing her business outside without a problem. Darla was scared at first, barking at some of my family from across the room, but today has been quiet and even letting us rub her belly. We have walked her a couple of blocks so far. She definitely needs some work on walking, mostly with her reaction to people and animals walking by. Not bad for the first 24 hours!