Wednesday Adoptables–Oscar

in Barks and Blooms / lab / Lab-Rescue.org / labrador retriever / Oscar  by November 20, 2013
Happy Oscar!

Oscar is an 18 month old neutered black male, who is available for adoption or sponsorship by Lab Rescue. He is up to date on his shots and is heartworm negative. He is good with other dogs and is approved for kids aged 10 and up. He weighs 53 lbs and should gain about 10 lbs. 

Update from Oscar’s foster family – 11/9/2014


Oscar has developed a maneuver we call the sneaky snuggle. He starts at the opposite end of the couch and looks to be snoozing peacefully. Then he starts to wiggle and wave his front feet. Next thing you know he’s wiggled down the couch on his back and his head is in your lap. If you let him, he’ll be completely in your lap. Once he gives you the big “I’m so cute” eyes it’s impossible to not give in to the snuggles. Oscar is very happy around people, and he’s learning not to jump up for attention. He’s not bothered by cars, large trucks, bicycles, kids on scooters, runners, or anything else. Mostly Oscar just wants to check out the world, play with all the chew toys, and be as close to his people as possible. He crates easily but prefers to lay on the couch. Oscar is housebroken and quick about going first thing in the morning. 

Oscar does okay on an Easy Walk harness. With some encouragement Oscar will sit for treats and takes them well.  He also knows come. In true Lab fashion, his tail never stops wagging. Oscar has the sweetest face and despite being underweight, Oscar has a spectacular Lablean. He will go with a training addendum and is probably not the best choice for a first-time adopter. He’d love an active family and lots of places to sniff and play.

Oscar loves to play with other dogs. He would like to retrieve all day but can’t play as much as he would like as we want him to take it easy because of his torn ACL. He is going to be a wonderful, gorgeous dog for the family that is willing to give him the training, love, and attention he deserves. 

Silly Oscar!
If you have room in your heart or home (and couch) for Oscar, give the wonderful people at Lab Rescue a call.
(301) 299-6756 

Lovable Oscar!

Sage is a Hero–Your Dog Can Be One, Too!

in Barks and Blooms / Blue Ridge Veterinary Blood Bank / BRVBB / canine blood donor / chocolate lab / lab / Sage  by August 8, 2013

The Blue Ridge Veterinary Blood Bank has been in the news recently.  Two local TV stations ran stories last month:

7/14/13–WJZ-TV–Baltimore County Humane Society BRVBB Blood Drive


Not to wag our own tail….but…..Barks and Blooms first shared BRVBB on December 4,  2012.  Here is the original blogpost, starring one of our fabulous clients, Sage.


Meet Sage.  She is a vibrant, clever, goofy, rambunctious, gleeful Chocolate Lab.  I met Sage almost 3 years ago when she was just a wee puppy.
Sage, puppyCute, isn’t she?  Here’s another when she was just 12 weeks old.  (By the way, I’ve shamelessly stolen these pics from her owners Facebook page–Hi Linda!)
Sage, 12 weeksSage has grown up in the years since these were taken.  Here’s a more recent photo.
IMG_0468Still stinkin’ cute, right?    Sage is on her way to becoming a hero.   ‎
Sage met with the wonderful people representing the Blue Ridge Veterinary Blood Bank  to determine if she would make a good voluntary canine blood donor.  I tagged along to the 4 Paws Spa in Forest Hill to observe the process.
First, Sage  gave the volunteers a good sniff.IMG_0156  The next step was to make her comfortable on the table.  IMG_0159
That step and the ones following were made easier (and yummier) for Sage because Linda kept a steady stream of kibble and peanut butter coming her way.  Sage was one happy pup.
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The Vet tech examined Sage, determining her comfort level with the process, and checking out the area of her neck where the blood would be drawn.
For that step, the other tech got into position and gave Sage a fully body hug while Linda kept up the flow of peanut butter and kibble.
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Sage was so delighted with the treats and the constant positive attention from Linda and the tech that she didn’t even notice the needle prick and the blood draw.  See how totally relaxed her legs are?  She’s practically melting off the side of the table.
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Sage’s blood will be tested to determine what her blood type is and screen it for any health issues that would make her unable to be a donor.   (We know she’s absurdly healthy, but it’s an important step)  And since Sage was so agreeable to this initial procedure Linda can now set up appointments for Sage to donate blood regularly.  To find out how your dog(s) can be heroes, please contact The Blue Ridge Veterinary Blood Bank for more information.
Tell them Sage sent you!