I grew up with Basset Hounds from the day I was born till I entered college, my family always had at least 2 dogs in the house. I have had Labrador Retrievers since I have been on my own. My first Lab Ruppert was a rescue, he was a friend of mines puppy who fell off a flight of stairs and broke his elbow. I at the time had very little money but was saving for a new car, I instead took Ruppert because they were going to put him down. I took my savings and went to K-State where Ruppert received surgery. He came through like a champ and lived to be 16 years old. I recently lost my Lab Bob after 13 years his brother Max 2 years earlier, I am not ready to get another dog but watch all of my friends and families dogs and have for years. I understand the bond a person develops with their best friend, and would treat you dog like I would my own.