Lily #14 (FKNA Milkshake) Yellow Labrador Retriever Female 3 Years Old ID #3288

June 11, 2024

Lily was a breeding mom at a farm who quickly learned to be a family dog. More than anything, she wants to love and be loved.

Other dogs are great for Lily, and she seeks them out. She quickly gets bored of them, focusing her attention on people. She likes kids and is patient and tolerant with them, even when they get rough with her.

Walks are fine and Lily great on a leash, but she is more of a couch potato who prefers to sleep much of the day and receive affection. She does not like the heat.  When she encountered a cat, Lily chased it. Lily is obedient, and will do whatever is asked of her. She only needs a light hand of correction.

Lily would do best living in a calm and predictable environment without a lot of action. While she does fine alone, she likes to be with her people. She is extremely lovable and could not be sweeter. Anyone would be lucky to call her family.

Lily turns 4 on June 19th.  The greatest gift she could get would be to settle in with one or more people who will love her for the rest of her life.

May 22, 2024

It’s your friend Lily. I am completing my recovery after my spay surgery and my FM will soon post details about how to adopt me. I am so glad I will no longer have to have puppies.  I really just want to be a puppy, soaking in the love of those around me.

I have now lost close to 20 lbs.! I have a nice little figure and feel much better. I smile all of the time and wag my tail to show everyone how happy I am with my new life. With some more weight loss, FM tells me I will feel even better. I don’t mind bootcamp as much as I used to. Walks are nice and I will chase a ball a couple of times just for fun.  What I love most is resting and sleeping, especially when someone is petting me.

As I have been recovering, my FM had house guests. I especially liked the extra attention I got with more people around. Everyone seems to love me.  I can’t help it that I am so fabulous!

I don’t like to be startled and sometimes get spooked when I see or hear something unexpected. Even though I knew guests were in the house, I was startled by their noises. I was alarmed, but barked at them to tell them I was on to them.  I love a predictable, calm environment where I can just focus on being loved.

I will soon share more details about what I need as I transition to my furever home.  Stay tuned!

May 9, 2024

Lily was spayed at the beginning of the week.  Since she is resting and recovering, foster mom (FM) will update her fan club.

Lily is blossoming. She is quite the love bug, taking in affection any time she can. At night, when she is tired, she rests her head on FM lap and falls asleep while getting stroked.  Lily has revealed herself to be very friendly; she loves her encounters with people and other dogs.  After several weeks of living a pet’s life, she is in it for the long haul!

Bootcamp has done wonders for Lily. She has already lost more than 15 lbs. and has become exponentially stronger and more energetic. FM can tell that she feels better too. Lily now gets excited for walks and loves to fetch a ball. She has even begun to run. FM imagines a chucker in Lily’s future.

Lily now enjoys the car.  She enjoys going to new places.  Lily had a great time at the Brookline event at Ruh Ro’s Pet Supplies. It was great to reunite with some of her foster friends, but especially wonderful to get love, attention, and treats from the humans. Lily recently enjoyed a hike with the Philadelphia Mycology Club. Although FM’s hopes that Lily would spot morels were dashed, Lily enjoyed the other mushroom geeks and their dogs. Lily has enjoyed play dates with other dogs, and welcomed human company like a proper host.

Recently, Lily discovered the dog bed. FM tried to coax her on to it many times, but Lily wanted to discover the bed on her own.  She now splits her time between the floor and the dog bed, not wanting either one to feel left out. Lily is terrific on the leash and very obedient. She  recently tried counter surfing.  When FM scolded her, she got right down and didn’t try again, at least not when FM was home.  When FM left, Lily found her chance.  She didn’t get any food, but broke a mug and a glass. While FM is happy Lily has the leg strength, she is also hoping the ruckus will dissuade Lily from future surfing adventures.

Lily could not be sweeter and is truly a joy to be around. She will soon be available for adoption. Whoever adopts her will be very, very

April 26, 2024

Being a family dog is great! It’s been 4 weeks since I started living in a house with my foster mom and I am having a great time. I am not sure why I was afraid of people when I first left the farm. I’m getting love from so many people and that’s what I want most.

I now enjoy going on walks. While I especially enjoy meeting people, it’s also nice to get a change of scenery and sniff around. I can’t understand why everyone who walks by doesn’t stop to pet me and admire me. Sometimes I approach them to try to make sure they didn’t overlook me. Fortunately, most people give me attention and many tell me I am sweet and beautiful and a very good girl. Of course, I know this already, but it’s always nice to hear it. I like other dogs and play with them sometimes, but I prefer love from people.

I am losing weight and now have stamina to do longer walks. FM throws a ball for me and sometimes I like to go get it. I bring it back to her, but after a few rounds, I stop getting the ball, hoping I will get more cuddles and belly rubs. I showed FM that I can run a little and will surely do more after more exercise and weight loss. When I’m not out on walks or playing, I like to be in my crate. FM thinks the dog bed is a great place to be, but for me, the crate is my personal resort where I get to wind down when FM is doing her own thing.

I went to a Brookline event at Kendra Scott. I was hesitant to go through the big door to get in because I didn’t know what was on the other side. Once I did, I was so glad. There were other dogs there who I liked and they liked me too. A silver lab named Katrina even gave me kisses. Lots of visitors pet me and I got more treats than my stingy foster mom usually gives me.

Foster Mom had to go away one night, so I had a sleepover with some other Brookline volunteers. They were so nice to me and gave me more loving.’ Their dog Buzzy liked me, but I wasn’t ready to show I liked him until my FM came to pick me up. While I was there, I went up some steep, dangerous spiral steps that my hosts said no other dog went up before. I didn’t want to come down, but with their help I did. I got carried away and didn’t think about the danger ahead of time.

My FM says I am all sweetness. I like to wag my tail to tell people how much I like them. At night, I like to rest my head on FM. When someone shows me affection, I stop everything to make sure they know how much I enjoy it. I am an expert in giving, receiving, and appreciating love.

I’m going to another Brookline event this weekend at Ruh Ro’s Pet Shop in Conshohocken. I would love it if you came to give me some love.

April 12, 2024

Lily here.  After a few days off the farm, I’m starting to find my voice. I thought I would tell you about myself.

I am starting to enjoy my new life. I have a foster mother who pays a lot of attention to me and gives me a lot of reassurance and affection. I especially like it when she rubs my belly and scratches behind my ears. When she calls me, I like to wiggle my tail.

I went to the vet last week. It was a pretty good visit and I liked the people there. The scale said I weigh 111 lbs. The vet wants me to lose at least 11 lbs. before I am spayed.  He said I have good bones, but I am out of shape. I didn’t get much exercise when I lived on the farm and am also recovering from puppy birth 6 weeks ago. My body is tired. I prefer to sleep and rest, but FM makes me take a lot of walks. They are not long, but they feel really hard. Why must we go out in the rain?  After my walks, I pant for a long time. FM says that the more I walk, the better I will feel. I love FM already and even though I just want to cuddle and rest, I walk with her so she won’t be lonely. It’s better than going in that scary metal thing with 4 wheels.

FM thought I was too stressed to learn how to sit. That was silly. When she asked me to sit, she offered me some crummy, low-calorie treats.  What was she thinking? If I’m going to show her my bag of tricks, I need to be appropriately compensated!  When FM gave me freeze dried chicken, I relented and showed her how nicely I sit. I hope she is now better trained. I plan to hold out on the next trick until FM offers me something even better.

This weekend I saw myself in the mirror. It scared me. I have nothing against big dogs, but this dog was strange and two dimensional. I didn’t know what to do. I love being around foster mom but am not sure I feel safe around other people and dogs yet. I will take my time and decide when I am ready to show others how sweet, smart, and loving I am. The world can wait for my fabulousness!

After a few days in my new home, I started to go up and down stairs. I am very cautious when I do it, but am proud of myself. When I go up, I get to see where FM goes when she puts me in my crate at night and FM gives me extra belly rubs. I haven’t had an accident in the house, but FM wants me to use the crate until she is sure I am housetrained. Silly FM, such a worrier!

I got a big box in the mail from Brookline. It had treats, supplies and lots of toys. FM really enjoyed playing with the toys. I don’t understand what the big deal is, but if it makes FM happy, I’ll watch her play.

It’s time for my next nap so I’ll talk to you later.

April 3, 2024

Lily here.  After a few days off the farm, I’m starting to find my voice. I thought I would tell you about myself.

I am starting to enjoy my new life. I have a foster mother who pays a lot of attention to me and gives me a lot of reassurance and affection. I especially like it when she rubs my belly and scratches behind my ears. When she calls me, I like to wiggle my tail.

I went to the vet last week. It was a pretty good visit and I liked the people there. The scale said I weigh 111 lbs. The vet wants me to lose at least 11 lbs. before I am spayed.  He said I have good bones, but I am out of shape. I didn’t get much exercise when I lived on the farm and am also recovering from puppy birth 6 weeks ago. My body is tired. I prefer to sleep and rest, but FM makes me take a lot of walks. They are not long, but they feel really hard. Why must we go out in the rain?  After my walks, I pant for a long time. FM says that the more I walk, the better I will feel. I love FM already and even though I just want to cuddle and rest, I walk with her so she won’t be lonely. It’s better than going in that scary metal thing with 4 wheels.

FM thought I was too stressed to learn how to sit. That was silly. When she asked me to sit, she offered me some crappy, low-calorie treats.  What was she thinking? If I’m going to show her my bag of tricks, I need to be appropriately compensated!  When FM gave me freeze dried chicken, I relented and showed her how nicely I sit. I hope she is now better trained. I plan to hold out on the next trick until FM offers me something even better.

This weekend I saw myself in the mirror. It scared me. I have nothing against big dogs, but this dog was strange and two dimensional. I didn’t know what to do. I love being around foster mom but am not sure I feel safe around other people and dogs yet. I will take my time and decide when I am ready to show others how sweet, smart, and loving I am. The world can wait for my fabulousness!

After a few days in my new home, I started to go up and down stairs. I am very cautious when I do it, but am proud of myself. When I go up, I get to see where FM goes when she puts me in my crate at night and FM gives me extra belly rubs. I haven’t had an accident in the house, but FM wants me to use the crate until she is sure I am housetrained. Silly FM, such a worrier!

I got a big box in the mail from Brookline. It had treats, supplies and lots of toys. FM really enjoyed playing with the toys. I don’t understand what the big deal is, but if it makes FM happy, I’ll watch her play.

It’s time for my next nap so I’ll talk to you later.

March 28, 2024

Milkshake is such a sweetheart! Yesterday she  started her journey to living her best life. It will take a while, but with patience and TLC she will get there.

She is a 3 year old purebred farm mama. She is also very good girl. After a long day of travel, she tolerated her first bath like a champ even though she was evidently miserable. She is sensitive and has been stressed, but her foster mom (“FM”) keeps reminding her that the worst is over and great things are coming her way.

Even though she is uncomfortable in her new environment, her tail starts wagging when she gets attention. When she is stroked, she settles nicely. She enjoys affection. After settling in a crate through the night, she was happy to see FM this morning.  She is still stressed, but is doing remarkably well adjusting to her new environment.

This girl is severely overweight and deconditioned. Bootcamp started this morning, but will need to start slowly; she needs to build up her stamina and strength. Milkshake is not a name befitting to such a sweetheart, especially one with her generous girth. FM is calling her Lily.

Lily will see the vet tomorrow for an initial visit and will need to be spayed. For now, all this gentle, friendly, sweet creature needs to do is relax into a new life and absorb all the love and caring she can.