Trixie #4 Yellow Labrador Retriever Female 10 Years Old ID#3651

Meet Trixie!  Trixie is a beautiful and sweet senior gal who has lived her whole life on a breeding farm. Her last litter was several years ago.  She was living outside on the farm without any other dogs and not much human attention with only access to one of the barns for shelter. Those lonely days have finally come to an end and she is now getting lots of loving care in her foster home.  Please read her blog from the bottom up to learn more about her while in foster care.

March 5, 2026

What a day for Trixie!  She went back to see the surgeon to have her check up and her staples removed.  What a good girl!  The staff was so happy to see her and she wouldn’t stop wagging her tail.  She was even happy to see the surgeon who couldn’t get over how great she looked.  He checked all of her sites and gave her a clean bill of health.  Trixie was so happy she couldn’t wait to go home for a walk.Trixie has a pep in her step that really is wonderful to see.  It’s like she knows she’s doing well.  If I didn’t know better, I’d swear she was younger than 10.  The weather is getting ever so slightly better and she really wants to be more engaged.  It’s so nice to know she is contented and coming into her own.With all of that said, it’s now time for Trixie to find her forever home. She is truly so easy that her wish list is rather short.  Trixie would love someone who is home more often than not.  A resident dog would be nice if the person were not always around, but not an absolute necessity.  A fenced in yard would be nice but only if her person isn’t beside her; we wouldn’t want her to wander off because she can’t see where she is going.  The fewer steps to go outside, the better.  While Trixie can navigate a few steps, no sense risking she fall.  And besides lots of pets, cows’ ears and the occasional peanut butter, that’s really all she needs.This special girl deserves to be happy and comfortable.  She is truly wonderful and will make someone very happy.  While her eyes may not work well, Trixie knows love when she feels it and knows how to give love right back.

February 19, 2026

Sweet, gentle Trixie was discharged today after her surgery, which the surgeon thinks went well.  Although her test results are not back yet, he didn’t see anything of concern.  What a big relief! The staff all told me what a great patient she was and how happy they were that everything went well for her.Although she was still groggy from the anesthesia, Trixie’s tail was wagging the whole time.  When she heard me, it was as if she hadn’t just undergone the procedure.  She couldn’t wait to get into the car and get back to the house. She was greeted at the door by the canine welcome wagon and many sniffs and tail wags ensued.  Once she was convinced that her adoring fans were done, Trixie found her favorite bed and took a good long nap.  She’s eating and drinking well, so fingers crossed that she has an easy recovery.Trixie goes back in two weeks to have sutures removed.  Assuming all goes well, she’ll be ready to meet her forever family!

February 16, 2026

Trixie’s surgery is scheduled for Wednesday morning. I’m hopeful it will be uneventful and with great results. We will know more that day but probably we’ll need to wait for some kind of lab results even longer.In the meantime, Trixie continues to demonstrate that blindness can be a superpower. Not only has she mastered finding the beds and the doors, but she also can navigate the hardwood stairs without assistance. Much to my surprise, I found her upstairs waiting for me when I thought that she was sleeping.  When she can’t find me, she thinks I am upstairs and starts to venture up. She is actually quite adept at going down without assistance, although I like to have my hand on her collar to give her some guidance.

Trixie also is fond of going for a walk. When she hears the leashes come off the hooks, she does the dance of joy and waits her turn in line to be harnessed. Considering she does not know the neighborhood and probably has never really been leash walked before, she’s a natural. I was concerned that she couldn’t make it all the way around the block, but she kept up with the resident dogs for the most part and held her own.She also can hear a bag open from clear across the house. She seems to know what different bags sound like because she only comes running when the bag contains some type of food item. Trixie now knows “sit.” She is also learning “wait” and knows the word “treat” as well. She goes into the crate on her own, too. My favorite is that she will sit by the door where the cow’s ears are kept every morning at 9:30 AM, because that’s when they are doled out.Today, Trixie went to the spa for her hair and nails, because every girl should feel pampered and pretty even when she can’t see how beautiful she is. The staff there absolutely loved her and thought she was the sweetest, gentlest dog. Her tail wagged the whole time. Again, considering she had no idea where she was and that I was not with her, I find this remarkable. She is even getting better in the car. She can get in and out on her own as long as she takes her time.I have absolutely no doubt that the right adopter is out there for her. Aside from a little bit of extra patience and attention, Trixie really requires nothing else. She is living proof that not only can you teach an old dog new tricks, but if you pay attention, the old dog can teach you a thing or two.

February 4, 2026

As you may remember, Trixie came here when FM had to go away for a few days three weeks ago.  Since then, this sweet girl has been on a roller coaster ride that has kept her here.The recent snow storm didn’t help.  That icy Monday morning, Trixie woke up in her own blood.  After some help from kind neighbors who helped to shovel and lift her into the car, she got to the emergancy vet which thankfully was only a 5-minute ride. It was determined that she has a large mass in her girl parts that ruptured, had a UTI, and needed further evaluation.  That evaluation was today, a week and a half later.  In the interim, she had some highs and lows, but stayed her sweet, gentle self.

At the vet today, Trixie underwent a long day which consisted of an exam, x-rays and an ultrasound which required a belly shaving.  Fortunately, the x-rays and ultra sound did not show anything in her chest or abdomen.  Her lymph nodes seemed OK as well. The doctor said the mass is large and needs to come out.  She also has a small mass in her mammary gland which will need to be removed.Trixie has been nothing but delightful here.  Everyone that saw her today – staff and strangers alike – commented on her beauty, gentleness and ability to navigate despite her sight issues.  She has been a lovely houseguest.  Dolly continues to worry about her and they have actually taken to each other in a special way.  Trixie will make someone a wonderful companion when this ordeal is over.

January 24, 2026

Trixie’s been hanging her leash at our house for a little while since FM had to tend to some business in Maine. So TFM (Temporary Foster Mom), is giving a little update.

Trixie is quite a sweet and remarkable dog. Within 24 hours of arriving here, despite her blindness, she managed to figure out the lay of the first floor of the house. She navigates furniture easily and mastered the two steps to outside in no time. She has managed to find every dog bed and take advantage of each of them. Trixie seems to just like to be where people are. She happily snoozes in the family room while the rest of us are going about our routine there. She is the consummate officemate as she makes no noise and does not interrupt zoom calls. To date, TFM has not even heard Trixie bark.It is no surprise that she was a farm dog before coming to Brookline as Trixie does like to spend her time outside. Initially, when the weather was nicer, she would follow TFM around the yard, taking in all the different smells. With the snow on the ground, while TFM didn’t feel like going out so much, that didn’t seem to stop Trixie. She will lay down in the snow, sit down in the snow, or even eat the snow, depending upon her mindset. She typically will follow the resident dogs outside but at this point, she knows to go to either door and ring the bell on her own. When TFM is not paying enough attention to Trixie, she will come and put her paw on TFM’s leg or arm to let her know that she needs to go outside NOW.  Trixie doesn’t eat like the resident dogs.  She actually manages to actually chew her food before swallowing it. She does not go searching for more food from the resident dogs’ bowls and she is very respectful of them. In turn, it is nice to see that they are respectful of her. Oftentimes, they will lead her by staying very close to her either around the yard, out the door, or around the house. They will wait by the door until she comes in. If Trixie wants a particular dog bed, they get out of her way. They also let her have time with TFM so she can get belly rubs and pats to make up for lost time. Trixie also doesn’t need to be first. She happily waits her turn whether it’s to go outside, eat her dinner, or get a treat. She really is very laid back.  Since FM will be snowbound for a little while longer, Trixie will be hanging out here with us. She has made watching her very easy and she will be a lovely companion to someone who appreciates her sweetness.

January 13, 2026

Trixie has been at my house for eight days now and I have to say she is going to be an amazing pet for some family! She is incredibly sweet and is easily redirected when she comes running into you because she can’t see you very well, but she hears you. She loves to be near whoever is in the room and continues to get along very well with both Raven and Gracie and with my two cats. I have found by introducing treats to her on the side of her mouth rather than directly in front she slows down and doesn’t grab out the food so enthusiastically. I’m quite sure her enthusiasm is due to her blindness because when I ask her to be easy, she softens her mouth quickly! For a dog that we were told was left outside all the time or in a barn, she sure does love the house! She only goes outside to take care of her business and then wants right back in. Give her a big bone laced with peanut butter or a pig’s ear to chew on and she’s a very happy girl!  She really is very easy to have around! Her eye infection seems totally cleared, and her spay will be scheduled for early February with her eyelid skin tag to be addressed also at that time if necessary.

January 8, 2026

This is Trixie‘s third day at my house and she is doing very well. I had technicians in this morning for my yearly HVAC tuneup and cleaning, and she ran to the door to greet them. I really think she loves men! They could hardly get out the front door without her. I decided I needed to sleep in my own bed last night, so I got her all snuggled into the crate without any issues and bless her little heart, she slept from 11 PM until 7 AM this morning! I also should add that she has not had one accident in the house at all. In fact, she readily goes to the back door when she needs to go out to relieve herself. I’m not sure if it’s the change in medication for Raven or the fact that she’s a bit jealous with another dog in the house, but Raven is spending all of her time downstairs with me Gracie and Trixie now and rarely goes up to the bedroom. Although the two of them are not bonding yet, at least not like Trixie and Gracie have, there is a lot more tolerance as each day goes on and I’m grateful for that. And you can see, they’re all taking a morning nap together today.We are continuing with the eyedrop in her left eye and again there seems to be a bit of an improvement and a lot less discharge. She is easily motivated by snacks, and she loves a small treat every time she comes in from outside. The first day she was grasping at my hand quite hard for a treat, but I have found that by handing it to her in a closed fist and saying, Gentle or Easy, she is much better about taking food directly. As soon as she sits and seems to relax, I can open my hand and she’s much gentler taking the treat. Again, I think it has to do more with her sight in that she doesn’t see but rather smells whatever she’s intent upon. She really wants to be good and is readily compliant when I ask her to sit, lie down or stay in a position. She has had a lot of care at some point in her l think. And in typical lab fashion she just wants to be loved. Hope everyone is enjoying this beautiful weather, these pups sure are as they are spending more and more time outside. As you can see in some of these pictures.

January 7, 2026

The second day with Trixie here at my home is much quieter and everyone seems to be getting along better. She is still having challenges with Raven, but Raven being very independent, chooses to hang out in my bedroom. Gracie takes it upon herself to cozy up on the beds in my family room with Trixie and interestingly all three dogs slept with me downstairs last night. And Trixie did sleep through the night completely. It’s really quite funny to see Trixie giving Gracie a full out bath morning and night! She does get a thorough cleaning from ears to butt! I hope you can see a bit of it on the video here.

I think Trixie harkens back to the days that she had so many puppies and she is mothering Gracie, right to death! A few more things I’ve noticed… She absolutely panics in the car. I’ve had her three times now in the car and her anxiety escalates. She had settled down nicely when I first picked her up, but for some reason, she seems to be getting worse traveling in the car. So, a quiet home environment would probably be best for her without much travel. Another dog to love on would also be good, but not necessary. She is eating very well and is definitely food motivated! I think because of her sight issues that nose of hers has become extra sharp to compensate. She can smell a peanut on the floor two rooms away! On the other hand, she is a perfect lady with my cats, pretty much ignoring them, except for an occasional sniff. We started doing some crate training today and that also is working out just fine. After her vet appointment this morning for her distemper vaccine, I had to run an errand, so I dropped the dogs back home and I enticed her into the crate with a big beef bone. Trixie was very happy to go in, lay down and entertain herself for an hour.

Her eye infection seems to be clearing. There is a lot less redness today on the sclera and she is incredibly patient and sits very still while I clean her eye out and put the drop in. I had mentioned yesterday that she knows to sit and lie down on command, and I found out today she also knows the command to stay.

Leash walking is a challenge because of her sight; she tends to lag way behind you and is very unsure of herself with her footing until she can figure out where she’s going. So, a fenced in backyard would probably be best for her. I was initially taking her on the leash into my backyard but found once I let her go on her own her head came up and she found her way around and back to the door pretty quickly. She is an incredibly sweet, smart dog and really quite easy to be around. More tomorrow!

January 6, 2026

Trixie had her rescue ride off the farm yesterday and I was able to meet Trixie’s evaluator at Valley Forge around noon time and with a little coaxing and lots of treats, we were able to get Trixie into my SUV. She’s a very friendly gal so I leashed her in the back to keep her from being in my lap while I drove.  She fussed a for bit on the way as this was her first time in the car after spending 10 years on a farm.   It’s understandable that she was a bit unnerved. I talked to her, sang to her and put some calming music on and after a while, she settled down and snuggled into the big blanket. Trixie never had any vaccinations while living on the farm, so we headed directly to the walk in vet to get her up to date before heading home. We had a bit of a wait, and Trixie took it all in stride.Eventually, we saw a very nice, very talkative veterinarian who did a thorough exam on Trixie. She received her rabies and Bordetella vaccines, (Da2PP is being done today), had a 4DX test which was negative, was microchipped and given a thorough exam.  It was determined that she has a small growth on her left upper eyelid and a couple of soft lumps on her side and chest. The doctor also noted cataracts in both eyes, and felt that her vision was very limited. It was also determined that the small growth on her eyelid was causing conjunctivitis, so we went home with medicine for the eye.She’s a big girl weighing in at 108 pounds though she carries it pretty well. All in all, he felt she was quite healthy and a really sweet pup. It was a pretty long afternoon, and I did not arrive back to my house until around 4 o’clock, almost dinner time for Raven and Gracie, who were waiting patiently.

I did a slow introduction through my fenced in backyard with my two girls inside and Trixie and I outside the fence.  The introduction inside the fence turned out very well! My girls are quite used to their cousins visiting often to romp around in the backyard and they were anxious to see what this new stranger was going to do with them. I’m feeding everyone separately as I usually do anyway (Gracie is determined to get every spare bit of food that Raven doesn’t gobble up) dinner was uneventful other than Trixie being totally determined to get to the cat’s food. I had placed baby gates to separate the dogs away, but she blew right through them several times. So now the cats are being fed upstairs!

A few things I have learned about this sweet gal, Trixie… She’s incredibly smart and wants to please but has a strong stubborn streak in her. She is also very affectionate and loves to be loved on. She is sight challenged but takes everything in stride. She slipped on the one step I have from my kitchen into my den, but as soon as I said, the word “step” she never slipped again. The same with going from my family den to the back patio. There are three steps there and every time she took a step, I would say the word “step” for the first few times she went up and down, and she slowed right down and never slipped. After less than 24 hours at my house, I no longer have to tell her where the steps are. She has explored her way around the rooms and now navigates quite easily throughout the house.

The normal challenges ensued inside with the two girls here, but they are quickly establishing a bit of a pecking order and I expect within a couple of days they’ll all be really good friends.Medicating her is no problem whatsoever. She knows the command to sit and does so very nicely. She easily allowed me to clean out her goopy eye this morning and apply medicine to stop the conjunctivitis. She also knows to lie down on command and in spite of what the farmer said, I believe she’s been inside quite a bit. Either that or she’s just wicked smart and adapts quickly.

Many thanks to all the volunteers for their support in getting this girl off the farm, properly vetted, and on her way to hopefully find a family who deserves her.

More updates to come!