Oso #2 Chocolate Labrador Retriever Mix Male 9 Months Old ID #3702

Oso #2 Chocolate Labrador Retriever Mix Male 9 Months Old ID #3702

I don’t have a super exciting backstory, but here’s the short version! I was picked up as a stray in New Jersey, and let me tell you, life out there was pretty lonely. Somehow, I ended up at a shelter in Jackson, New Jersey, where I spent some time getting poked, prodded, and checked out. But my luck was about to change! A very nice lady came along, scooped me up, and brought me to my foster home. Please read blog from the bottom up.

November 4, 2026

Wow! This family is exhausting! There is ALWAYS someone home and something going on that needs my attention. I’m starting to figure out some of the house rules, too. Apparently, they aren’t big fans of me putting my paws on the furniture. I’m trying, though, and I’m doing it less and less. See? I’m a quick learner!

I’ve had a few accidents in the house, but my humans are being patient with me. They’re trying to help me figure things out, and I’ll do my best to let them know when I need to go outside. We’re all working on it!

I’m also getting pretty good at this thing called “sit”! My humans are pretty impressed, if I do say so myself. They’re even starting to make me sit and WAIT before I can dive into my food bowl. Wait? When there’s food involved?! That’s a tough one, but I’m trying my best. I guess learning good manners is part of growing up, even if I’d much rather just eat!

They’ve also been taking me on walks, although I have to admit I’m not always a willing participant. Sometimes I decide I’d rather just plop myself down and refuse to move (there’s a picture of me lounging in the leaves to prove it!). Other times, I think playing with the leash is much more entertaining than actually walking. For some reason, the humans don’t seem to agree!

Finally, our neighbor came over to join us for a walk, and I spotted a stroller with a little kid inside that I just HAD to investigate. That was enough to convince me to get moving! Once I finally decided to walk, I actually did pretty well. I didn’t pull, although I did manage to trip up my foster mom (FM) a few times. Oops! There were also some little kids walking with us. I was pretty good with them and mostly left them alone, aside from checking out what was going on in that stroller. A guy’s gotta be curious!

After all that walking and excitement, I was ready for a nap. And guess what? I’ve discovered something wonderful called a CRATE! Who knew? My humans leave the door open, and when I’m tired, I’ll sometimes just wander in on my own for a little nap. It’s actually pretty cozy! The crate is also where I sleep at night. I have a nice, soft bed, and I get to sleep in my foster sister’s room. I think I could get used to this!

Of course, I’m still a puppy, so I have plenty of energy and LOVE to play. I continue to work on convincing Friend, the other dog in the house, that playing with me would be the best thing ever. So far, she’s not buying it. She’ll tell me to stop, and still refuses to join in. But that’s okay! I’m persistent, and I’m not giving up on her just yet. One of these days, she’ll realize how much fun we’re supposed to have together!

Until next time, I’m busy learning the rules, practicing my walking skills, enjoying my naps, and keeping this family on their toes. Life in my foster home is never boring!

November 3, 2026

Well, this is my first update as I settle into my new for-now home, and what an exciting day it has been!

When I first arrived, only my foster dad and my foster sister, a black Lab they call Friend, were home. Things were pretty calm at first. My foster dad tried getting me to spend some time in a crate, but I wasn’t too impressed with that idea, so he eventually gave up.

As for Friend, I’m still trying to figure her out. She doesn’t seem to know quite what to think of me, and she isn’t exactly interested in playing. I keep asking her, but she just looks at me like I’m crazy! Don’t worry, though. I’m not giving up on her. I’ll keep trying to convince her that playing with me is a great idea!

As the day went on, more people started arriving. First, I met my human foster sister. She seems like she’s going to be fun and will probably want to play with me, although I have a feeling, she’s also going to teach me some new things. I guess I’m okay with that! Next came another human foster sister, who was SO excited to meet me. She seems to be all about giving me attention and playing, so I think we’re going to get along just fine. And finally, my foster mom arrived! What a busy day meeting all these new people!

One thing I’ve already discovered about my new home is that there are TOYS EVERYWHERE! I absolutely love it! There is always something fun to play with, and I don’t see any reason why I shouldn’t play with all of them whenever I want.

My humans also took me for a walk, where I got to meet some of the neighbors, including two kids and another dog. If you ask me, I did pretty great! I did notice some kids playing on a swing and a boy playing hockey, which definitely caught my attention. Overall, I handled everything well and didn’t pull the girls while they walked me. Sometimes, we even got to run a little, which was even more fun!

Later that evening, my foster sister worked with me on going into the crate again. This time, she gave me a lick mat and showed me that maybe the crate isn’t such a bad place after all. I guess I’ll give it another try when she asks. I don’t have to love it, but I do want to make my new family happy because they all seem pretty nice!

I think I’m already starting to impress my foster family. I seem to know the command “sit,” and I will sit when they ask me. Okay, I’ll admit that sometimes I make them ask two or three times before I decide to cooperate. What can I say? I’m a work in progress!

There are a couple of other things I’m working on, too. Apparently, my family isn’t too thrilled when I jump up on the couch or put my front paws on the chair when they’re sitting in it. I’m trying to understand their rules, though, and when they tell me “no,” I do get right down.

All in all, I’d say my first day was a success! I’ve met my new people, discovered a house full of toys, explored the neighborhood, and started learning the ropes. I think this for-now home is going to be a pretty great place to be. I still have lots to learn, but I’m already having fun along the way!

Stay tuned for more updates as I continue my foster adventure!