Gingerbread #4197

My name is Gingerbread (“Ginger” #4197) and everyone I meet is my new best friend. I am a seven-year old chocolate Labrador Retriever, currently offering 50 pounds of love (with about 5 more to go before reaching my ideal weight). Not much was known about me before I entered foster care in December 2024, but I have the best house manners and aim to please. I have slept quietly through the night since my first night of foster care, am housebroken, and have never chewed on anything that wasn’t mine to chew (though, like a true Lab, I will follow you around the kitchen with a hopeful twinkle in my eyes). I need to be watched when chewing on my own toys, because I may try to eat them. I sit pretty and wait for the signal before going after my food bowl.

I LOVE being around people; I’m a total cuddle bug. I do, however, get overexcited around other dogs (at least ones I haven’t met yet) and therefore still need some training on walks so that I don’t bark and pull when I encounter members of my own species. (I have never, however, shown signs of aggression). I am mostly disinterested in cats but do chase squirrels and rabbits.

At home, I am generally not a barker—not even for the mailman—but I will bark if I’m overstimulated/excited (i.e., when I know I’m about to be let out of my crate, or when I’m meeting a visiting pet). I love to run around the yard on my own and will occasionally chase after a ball but don’t show any interest in retrieving it. I will happily destroy a stuffed squeaker toy and enjoy catching my rope toy when it’s thrown up in the air (I always let it go gently when you want it back!). In general, I just love to eat, sniff around the outdoors, and lounge close to you. Perhaps my sweetest feature is that I give little groans of appreciation when receiving affection.

I do great in the car, am crate-trained, and since I’m highly treat-motivated, show great promise for further training. (I know “sit” and “stay” so far, which I best respond to with accompanying hand signals). I am, however, strong-willed and stubborn when treats are not offered. I am not bothered by loud noises, including fireworks and vacuums. I really just want love from my family, and will return it two-fold.

Adoption fee: $500 plus $35 microchip fee