Melissa Chocolate Labrador Retriever Female 3 Years Old ID #3364

August 4, 2024

Melissa’s Update: Spay Surgery and Recovery**

Woof woof! It’s Melissa, here with another update on my adventures and progress. This week has been a big one for me because I was spayed!

When Foster Mom picked me up after the surgery, I was super groggy. I slept a lot and was enticed to eat with a delicious scrambled egg. The next day, I was still out of it, so I got another scrambled egg mixed with my kibble and my medication to make me more comfortable. I’m feeling more like myself now, but I have to wear a suitical and a donut so I can’t lick my incision. Foster Mom says I look pretty cute in my recovery gear.

I’m on restricted activity for now—no stairs, jumping, and only short walks. My incision is healing well, and I go to the vet tomorrow for my distemper booster.

Even with all this, I’m still a great dog. I love my walks and playing with Freda. We play for about 15-20 minutes twice a day, but it’s just gentle play with squeaking plushies since I can’t run around right now.

Foster Mom says Freda and I are reliable when left alone for up to four hours. She checks in on us via the webcam and always finds us lying on the couch next to one another. We’re good buddies!

I also love car rides. I’m confined in the back seat and will sit up and look out the front windshield, enjoying the view. I love getting pets if I can reach them.

Foster Mom says I’ll be ready for adoption soon. I’m so excited to find my forever family! They’ll be very lucky to have me because I’m an adorable and awesome dog!

Paws and kisses,

Melissa 🐾

July 28, 2024

**Melissa’s Two-Week Update: A Day in the Life**

Woof woof! It’s Melissa here, sharing another update as I settle into my new life off the farm. It’s been a full two weeks now, and I’m adjusting just dandy! Here’s a peek into what a typical day looks like for me.

I start my day waking up in my comfy bed next to Foster Mom, who sleeps in her bed. Freda, my doggy friend, comes up from downstairs to wake me, and we both chill while waiting for Foster Mom to wake up around 6:00 AM. I greet Foster Mom pretty calmly, and once she’s ready, we all trot down two flights of stairs.

The real excitement begins when Foster Mom pulls out the leashes for our first walk of the day. I can’t help but jump a bit and bite at the leash out of excitement. Foster Mom wrangles us both and gets us dressed with our harnesses, and off we go! We walk to the beach, taking care of all our business on the way. At the beach, we often see other nice dogs and people, and I get so excited that I do circles on my leash. Foster Mom keeps me on leash to keep me safe.

After our mile walk, it’s breakfast time! We eat outside on the deck, and I love my food so much that I gobble it up. Foster Mom thinks I might need a slow feeder to help me eat more slowly. After breakfast, it’s playtime. I run around with a plushie, and Freda chases me to get it. I’ve discovered I love to destroy the plushies—I chew pieces off and spit them out. It’s so much fun!

Foster Mom takes us on another walk before her workday starts. We then chill next to her while she works, and she says we make great co-workers. Another walk happens mid-afternoon and then again at the end of the workday. Foster Mom feeds us dinner, and we play a bit more. In the evening, Freda and I cuddle on the couch while Foster Mom watches TV.

I had a chance to walk in the rain this week and looked super cute in my rain gear.I’m still a bit fearful of Foster Dad and growl at him to let him know I’m scared. But he’s giving me treats and pets, and we’re making headway.

Lastly, I met a toddler yesterday and did great! I let her pet my face, and I stayed calm with no threat of knocking her down at all.

That’s all for now! Thanks for following my journey. Stay tuned for more updates!

Paws and kisses,

Melissa 🐾

July 21, 2024

**Melissa’s One-Week Update: Loving Life at the Beach**

Woof woof! It’s Melissa, your favorite chocolate Labrador, with a big update! It’s been a whole week since I left the farm, and I’m adjusting really well to life in a home.

I have some great news: my test results from the vet visit came back, and everything is perfect! I tested negative for heartworm, I have no worms, and my bloodwork is good. I’m scheduled for my spay surgery on July 30th, so no more puppies for me! I weigh 68 pounds and am in great shape.

I’ve discovered how much I love playing with toys. Plushies, balls, bones—you name it, I love it! I also adore going for walks, and I absolutely love my Foster Mom. I follow her everywhere. During the day, I sleep next to her while she works, and at night, I sleep in a dog bed right beside her.

I’m proud to say that I’m fully housetrained. I haven’t had any accidents and do all my business on walks. Foster Mom is really pleased with how well I’ve adjusted in this area.

Even though I’m adjusting well, I’m still a bit timid and scared at times. I’ve found my voice and will alert bark or give a low growl when I’m fearful. Foster Dad was away this week, and I haven’t warmed up to him yet. We’re working on it with high-value treats like hot dogs. I think that will help me get more comfortable around him.

I do have some puppy chewing tendencies. I chewed Freda’s leash when I was left alone for a couple of hours. Foster Mom and Dad are keeping an eye on me to make sure I don’t chew on anything I shouldn’t.

Overall, I’m loving life at the beach! I’m so grateful for my new adventures and the love and care I’m receiving. I can’t wait to share more updates with you soon.

Paws and kisses,

Melissa 🐾

July 17, 2024

**Melissa’s Journey: Five Days of Progress**

Woof woof! Hi everyone, it’s Melissa again, and I’m excited to share more about my adventures and progress. It’s been five days since I left the farm, and I’ve made some great strides!

First things first, I’m decompressing and getting along wonderfully with my new doggy friends, Freda and Gemma. Freda, the resident dog, and Gemma, the visiting dog, have been so kind and welcoming. We have a lot of fun together, and I’m starting to feel like part of the pack.

The vet visit went great! I was a little scared at first, but I behaved well for the vet and the vet tech. Foster Mom said that once we get the results of the tests, we will schedule another visit to end my puppy-making days. I think that will be good for me.

I’m also getting better at walking on the leash. Foster Mom says I’m improving, and I enjoy our early morning beach walks. The ocean waves and the cool sand feel amazing on my paws.

My playful puppy side is starting to show! I’ve attempted some counter surfing and even pulled the pet food container off the shelf. What can I say? I was hungry! Foster Mom gives a firm “no,” and I stop my mischievous behavior. I guess I have a lot of puppy energy for a three-year-old.

One not-so-great thing happened last night: a huge lightning storm with scary thunder. I was so afraid and couldn’t settle. I panted and panted, and even though Foster Mom laid with me and petted me, it didn’t soothe me. I really hope this gets better as I decompress more in my new home.

All in all, I’m making progress every day and enjoying my new life. I can’t wait to share more updates with you soon. Thanks for following my journey!

Paws and kisses,

Melissa 🐾

July 15, 2024

**Melissa’s New Adventures: Walks, Balls, and Vet Visits**

Woof woof! It’s me again, Melissa, your favorite chocolate Labrador, and I have so much to share about my new life off the farm. Life here is grand! I’ve been going on many walks, which I absolutely love. Foster Mom keeps saying I need to learn leash skills. I’m not sure what that means, but I get so excited that I zig and zag in front of her and the other two dogs. It’s just too much fun exploring everything!

Guess what? I learned to chase a ball today! Well, sort of. I actually chase Gemma and Freda who chase the ball, but it’s so much fun running around with them. I’m still a bit timid and tend to back away when people come towards me, but I’m slowly getting better and feeling less afraid.

This morning was fantastic! I went to the beach again and then to a dog park. It was amazing to run around with Gemma and Freda as we were the only three dogs there. I realized I need to build my stamina, though. After about 10 minutes of running, I had to rest in the shade. Foster Mom says I’ll get stronger with time.

Just now, I went for another walk with Foster Mom and Freda. Foster Mom got all excited when I pooped. I have no idea why she was so happy, but she said we need it for the vet today. I’m not sure what a vet is, but I hope I like it. I’ll let you know how it went tomorrow.

Life is full of new experiences, and I can’t wait to see what each day brings. Stay tuned for more updates from your furry friend, Melissa! 🐾

July 14, 2024

**Melissa’s Big Adventure: From Farm Life to Beach Bliss**

Woof woof! Hi there, I’m Melissa, a beautiful chocolate Labrador, and boy, do I have a tail-wagging story to share with you! Yesterday was the most amazing day of my life because I was brought into Brookline from the breeder farm where I’ve lived my entire three years. Let me tell you all about it!

It started with a visit from a kind woman who bent down and put collars, harnesses, and leashes on me and my friend Myla. We were so excited that we couldn’t resist giving her kisses on her face! She gently loaded us into her car, and for the first time ever, we left the farm. Myla didn’t feel so well in the car, but I was a trooper, taking it all in stride. We had to switch cars twice more, and each time, I tried to be brave and keep my spirits high.

The next stop in my journey was at a beautiful park where we met my foster mom. I finally got to stretch my legs and walk around, sniffing all the new smells. One more car ride, and this time it was to the beach! What a journey it was! I was a little scared and jumped at every noise, but I tried my best to stay calm.

When I arrived at my new foster home, the first thing that happened was a bath. At first, I wasn’t too thrilled about it, but I knew I needed to get rid of the farm smells. Foster dad helped with the bath. After a while, I started to relax and even enjoyed the warm water. Once I was all clean, I cautiously explored my new surroundings.

Dinner time came, and I gobbled up my food quickly. Then, I met two new doggy friends through a screen door. There was Freda, a sweet yellow dog, and Gemma, a visiting dog. They were both old and super chill, and their tails wagged with vigor when they saw me. After a bit of waiting, we finally got to be together, and I started to feel much more relaxed being around them. We all coexisted peacefully, and I even slept on the floor next to the couch where my foster mom kept me company.

Today has been another exciting day! I went for a good walk with Freda and Gemma and saw the beach for the very first time. The ocean didn’t bother me at all—I was fascinated by the waves and the salty air. I’m already adjusting well to life in a home. Guess what? I’ve tackled two flights of stairs! Going up was a bit easier with some coaching, but going down was rough. I did it, though, and now I’m a stair master!

It’s been a great start to my new life so far. I’m so grateful to everyone who helped me get here. I can’t wait to see what other adventures await me in this wonderful new chapter of my life. Stay tuned for more updates from your furry friend, Melissa! 🐾