Here we go again....

http://www.petfinder.com/petnote/photoView.cgi?petid=12644381

I wanted to go see to another blonde lab/retriever mix at a SPCA miles away, but we phoned and he was gone. Figures, he was gorgeous and only 1 year old. I even liked his name. He seemed perfect on paper. But then DH sends me another link. The one above. Hubby sent it to me before finding out the dog's age. He's 5 yrs old - but that of course that is a guess. He's HUGE, sheds and needs to be retrained because someone has been allowing him to jump up on them. I experienced that first hand - twice - I think he wanted his neck massage to continue. However, I gave him a good NO! and put him in the sit position and he didn't seem to mind at all. He's also adorable, affectionate, loves getting his neck scratched and likes to go for walks. A good excuse to keep me busy and active. But 5 years old, mmmm, that may mean only 5 more years with him. If that. He was also neutered late. And because of his size, and apparent lack of socialization around young children, he needs strong training if we bring home a child in the near future. On the plus side, within 5 minutes he was all over DH and I and responded well to basic commands. We couldn't take him out for a walk as the adoption worker wasn't around til tomorrow.

Well, once again, it's up to me. DH seems to like him, but I can't go by his taste entirely - he's always attracted to the hard cases. He likes masculine, "manly" dogs. I want a gentle giant. I'm a bit concerned about his age -thoughts of his mortality. He's quite energetic but calm and allows hugs and kisses. He barked a lot when we approached his cage (that could be fixed), but he's a good dog. He just needs a chance. I wonder if I'm it......