[Ethridg3]

It's four in the morning. Actually more like 4:30. My border collie is sleeping on his bed in the office. At my feet, resting comfortably, is a ten month old canine. Black, curly hair, about 40 lbs, drinks water like its going out of style, and likes to play fetch - with himself. I keep getting whacked in the foot with a tail as I sit here and type this; so I don't know if he's really sleeping or if he is just pretending. Akisu (Uh-Key-Shoe), my 5 lb perpetual kitten (even though shes two) finds his tail much more fun then I do. I kind of have to believe he's sleeping though, since this guy has had one rough day.

My wife and I set out this morning, from our home on Hill Air Force Base (in Utah) to go find a new member of the family.
Sadly, we had to put down one of our dogs after he bit our daughter. It's not sad that we put him down; but sad that we didn't see any of the signs that he felt uneasy around the baby. If so, maybe we could have gotten him a new home before the night he bit her.

We drove south, to an animal hospital that had a local shelter visit it every saturday with animals for adoption. We had checked on line and saw a couple of dogs that we wanted to meet and see how they reacted to Oscar (our boarder collie) and Kiya (our 10 month old daughter). We got there, after an hour drive, only to discover that the woman running the operation had only brought 3 dogs and five Pitbull/Mastiff puppies. Of the three dogs, none were the ones we saw online as being there this weekend. So, it was north - to the local Petsmart.

We spent about two hours at the petsmart closest to home and found a few dogs that could be good matches to our family - but there was always a 'but'. Lack of history, not good with babies (but good with toddlers - which is still 12 months away), got along well with everything but our other dog. Slightly dissappointed we left petsmart; tired, hungry and smelling like we had taken a bath in a pool of strange dogs. We drove back on to the military base (I'm an active duty USAF member) and out the other side to another local petsmart; which also hosts adoptions on Saturday.

We had a lack of luck there as well, nothing that really fit us as a family (we are kind of quirky) and then one of the volunteers brings in this curly haired, jet black (with a few silver hairs) hair in it's eyes, lanky, tail wagging - thing. He smelled, and didn't really have a name. My wife looks at the volunteer quizicaly

"Whats that?" she asks, interested.
"A Labradoodle. We just picked him up this morning." he smiles.
"From the pound or was he a turn in?" shes obviously interested. So is Oscar.

They do the doggie meet and greet (nose to rear style), chuff at each other a few times and then just kinda stand there. This, is a good siqn. After a bunch of prodding and a trip around the store with him (see how he walks), my wife says's we should look into him. I'm dubious, even now. He seems to have no manners, isn't neutered, has no history and is kind of skittish. Skittish, to me, can be a bad thing when dealing with babies and loud noises.

So, I put Oscar in the car while she goes to talk to...whomever is in charge of this furry disaster. I come back and she maps out the history on this little guy.

He is ten months old, and is an owner turn in. They don't know his name. The woman that had him until this morning is mentally ill and called the shelter to come pick him up. He has been cared for, but not well. He threw up in the car on the way from her house, and doesn't seem to know any commands. My wife asks if I want to foster him for a week - to see if he fits in. I agree and soon enough he is stinking up the back of our SUV.

First order of business when we get him back to the house is a bath. It turns out he has a very soft, black coat with gentle curls. No marks, scratches or otherwise. He hasn't been physically abused - just neglected. His teeth are in great shape and his nails are trimmed - a little haphazardly but they have been trimmed. He doesn't like the water spray, which doesn't suprise me. I don't think he's had too many baths. After my wife bathes him, and towles him off some she lets him go from the hallway in to the rest of the house. I'm sitting in the living room, the daughter is in her high-chair enjoying some Kix and suddenly this black cotton ball that seems to be all legs and tail comes flying in to the room. He picks up a rawhide bone and tosses it in to the hallway and goes flying after it. Akisu, the small black cat, goes bounding after him; only to have to leap up about four feet in order to avoid being run over by the return charge.

From that moment on, he has just kind of existed. His presence is nice. He is wonderful with the baby (keeps an eye on her, but just to make sure shes okay) doesn't spook easy and seems extremely intelligent. We have decided to name him Murphy - yes after Murphys Law. There has been no problems what so ever, except the exptected diarehaa from the food change; but no urine accidents (which I believe are worse then poo). We didn't crate him tonight; and he stayed off the furniture. I got up at 3:30 to put the baby back to sleep and decided I couldn't go back to bed. He is snoozing on the floor next to my couch and seems to be chasing something in his sleep.

I'm not sure, but I think I'm kind of in love him with him already. He is so much personality and potential in one cute package. The only thing that has to change is I NEED to trim his beard. The baby might like the puddles, but I dont think they are all that good for her to sit and play in. The wife hates doing laundry as it is.

I have a few questions though, and thank you for sticking with this post as long as you have - I am going to school at night for communications and tend to be rather wordy.

Anyway:

The humane society we are fostering/adopting from charges $100 normally for adoption. For some reason, this guys is $200. Even though, they picked him up and less then 12 hours later we have him in our home. He hasn't seen a vet yet, or anything. Why would they charge more for an "adoption fee". This is a reputable adoption center too. They said its because he's a pure-breed...which is funny since Labradoodle is a hybrid from two pure preeds. I think it's a crap answer and I am calling the lady about it in the morning.
Has anyone ever heard of a shelter doing this?

Also, what health problems should I look out for?

What do 10 month old doodles seem to enjoy for toys?

Where can I find good food for him, and a what is a good brush?

What is a good shampoo?

Anyway...thanks for your patience and your help.

I've attatched a picture, hopefully it's better then my rambling - middle fo the night post.

[lisarundell]

Murphy is beautiful! Congratulations! They truely are wonderful dogs. I know you will get lots of great advice from everyone on the forum.

Our two doodles 11 mo and 8 mo love the large nylabones, and the bleached bones you can get from petsmart. I just make sure the ends of the bone are not too thin. They also like kongs, we have the red king kong for power chewers. We stuffit with peanut butter for a treat. We use an oatmeal shampoo since it does not dry their skin out.

Here is info on selecting dog food based on a rating sacle, there are pre-rated foods listed.

Here is the grading scheme: the list of foods follows

Dog Food - Scoring Guide and Scores
Prepared by HausMommy

Here is a list of ingredients and definitions you'll find in your dog's food: http://www.redbandannapetfood.com/ingredient.htm


How to grade your dog's food:
Start with a grade of 100:

1) For every listing of "by-product", subtract 10 points

2) For every non-specific animal source ("meat" or "poultry", meat, meal or fat) reference, subtract 10 points

3) If the food contains BHA, BHT, or ethoxyquin, subtract 10 points

4) For every grain "mill run" or non-specific grain source, subtract 5 points

5) If the same grain ingredient is used 2 or more times in the first five ingredients (i.e. "ground brown rice", "brewer’s rice", "rice flour" are all the same grain), subtract 5 points

6) If the protein sources are not meat meal and there are less than 2 meats in the top 3 ingredients, subtract 3 points

7) If it contains any artificial colorants, subtract 3 points

8 ) If it contains ground corn or whole grain corn, subtract 3 points

9) If corn is listed in the top 5 ingredients, subtract 2 more points

10) If the food contains any animal fat other than fish oil, subtract 2 points

11) If lamb is the only animal protein source (unless your dog is allergic to other protein sources), subtract 2 points

12) If it contains soy or soybeans, subtract 2 points

13) If it contains wheat (unless you know that your dog isn’t allergic to wheat), subtract 2 points

14) If it contains beef (unless you know that your dog isn’t allergic to beef), subtract 1 point

15) If it contains salt, subtract 1 point

Extra Credit:

1) If any of the meat sources are organic, add 5 points

2) If the food is endorsed by any major breed group or nutritionist, add 5 points

3) If the food is baked not extruded, add 5 points

4) If the food contains probiotics, add 3 points

5) If the food contains fruit, add 3 points

6) If the food contains vegetables (NOT corn or other grains), add 3 points

7) If the animal sources are hormone-free and antibiotic-free, add 2 points

8 ) If the food contains barley, add 2 points

9) If the food contains flax seed oil (not just the seeds), add 2 points

10) If the food contains oats or oatmeal, add 1 point

11) If the food contains sunflower oil, add 1 point

12) For every different specific animal protein source (other than the first one; count "chicken" and "chicken meal" as only one protein source, but "chicken" and "" as 2 different sources), add 1 point

13) If it contains glucosamine and chondroitin, add 1 point

14) If the vegetables have been tested for pesticides and are pesticide-free, add 1 point

94-100+ = A
86-93 = B
78-85 = C
70-77 = D
<70 = F

Here are some foods that have already been scored. If you don't see your dog's food here, ask and someone will score it for you.
Dog Food scores:

Authority Harvest Baked / Score 116 A+

Bil-Jac Select / Score 68 F

Canidae / Score 112 A+

Chicken Soup Senior / Score 115 A+

Diamond Maintenance / Score 64 F

Diamond Lamb Meal & Rice / Score 92 B

Diamond Large Breed 60+ Formula / Score 99 A

Dick Van Patten's Natural Balance Ultra Premium / Score 122 A+

Dick Van Patten's Duck and Potato / Score 106 A+

Foundations / Score 106 A+

Hund-n-Flocken Adult Dog (lamb) by Solid Gold / Score 93 D

Iams Lamb Meal & Rice Formula Premium / Score 73 D

Innova Dog / Score 114 A+

Innova Evo / Score 114 A+

Kirkland Signature Chicken, Rice, and Vegetables / Score 110 A+

Nutrisource Lamb and Rice / Score 87 B

Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed Puppy / Score 87 B

Pet Gold Adult with Lamb & Rice / Score 23 F

ProPlan Natural Turkey & Barley / Score 103 A+

Purina Benful / Score 17 F

Purina Dog / Score 62 F

Purina Come-n-Get It / Score 16 F

Royal Canin Bulldog / Score 100 A+

Royal Canin Natural Blend Adult / Score 106 A+

Sensible Choice Chicken and Rice / Score 97 A

Science Diet Advanced Protein Senior 7+ / Score 63 F

Science Diet for Large Breed Puppies / Score 69 F

Wellness Super5 Mix Chicken / Score 110 A+

Wolfking Adult Dog (bison) by Solid Gold / Score 97 A
_________________
Lisa, Lani and Toby
http://s83.photobucket.com/albums/j309/lisarundell/


Outside of a dog a book is a man's best friend. Inside of a dog it's too dark to read.
Groucho Marx

[Ethridg3]

Thank you so much for the fast reply! We are going back to petsmart today and getting him some puppy food since they say he is 10 months. He is rather thin, but not emanciated. You can, however, feel all the ridges in his spine and if it wasn't for the hair you might be able to see his ribs.

I'm also going to get our collie some new food. We feed him Purina Kibbles and Chunks. I didn't realize it was that bad. Thanks for the heads up!

My wife woke up this morning and admitted that even with a $200 adoption fee, she would still take him. I am still going to talk to them though - I think it's a little odd to charge $100 for a pure breed American Bulldog but $200 for a dog that is admittedly a genetic hybrid (and a darn good one).

It makes me question their ethics; are they a shelter or a company? Is it non for profit or...profit here and there?


Anyway, thanks again for your speedy answer.

Eric, Kris, Kiya
Oscar Murphy Akisu and Martin

[kim26]

What a darling dog! I understand your concern about the raised fee, but, $200 for a labradoodle is a steal! And, you are amazingly blessed to have the first chance to adopt him. Usually when they go into rescue, there are hundreds of people inquiring about them and they go very fast.
You sound like wonderful dog owners and I hope it all works out. I loved reading your story, too, you are a really good communicator!

P.S. I think the reason they probably put his price at $200 is because they KNOW they can get that for him. Plus, even though they didn't spend the money on him, it still helps out in their overall program expenses.

[lisarundell]

Eric and Kris, at 10 months Murphy could be on adult food. Our doodles get Canidae which is an all stage food, good for puppies to adult. Only on store carries it in our area. You could check out food that Oscar and Murphy can eat, it makes things a lot easier.
_________________
Lisa, Lani and Toby
http://s83.photobucket.com/albums/j309/lisarundell/


Outside of a dog a book is a man's best friend. Inside of a dog it's too dark to read.
Groucho Marx

[karenl]

Eric,

Murphy is gorgeous, You are one lucky dog!

Congrats!
_________________
Karen
http://GlennandKaren.shutterfly.com

[Jac]

Congratulations on finding a sweet Labradoodle! He is really beautiful. He looks like an F1, which is a first cross between Lab and Poodle. First crosses are usually the most healthy.

The pound is charging $200 because they can get it. Plain and simple. If they charged $500 they would get it. The pound needs money and so when they get a valuable dog, it makes sense that they would sell him for more.

I agree that he needs to see a vet right away...specifically ask about hips...hips seem to be the biggest problem (most expensive and painful) for dogs like this, meaning bought without a warranty from a reputable breeder...still other things can crop up, as with any type of animial...which I know that you understand.

Labradoodles are sweet and loving by nature...but still, the temperament of the parents will determine if your pup will have some difficulties and since you don't know the parents, you will learn as you go.

I'd suggest to get into a training class right away. These dogs are large, and can really overpower a small child if not properly trained. Also train your children to play properly with this pup...no tug of war, no chasing games, no pinching/pulling hurting the pup.

Once all of the rules are laid out, and the training begins, you will find that your dog learns quickly, bonds strongly and loves deeply...

Since your pup has had such an unusual background, you may find problems along the way. Here is a good site to explain things. You just type in a search topic and get lots of info. http://www.veterinarypartner.com/

I would also consider tethering the pup to you or your wife while he is uncrated, just to teach him to watch you for cues and so that you can make immediate corrections/give immediate rewards for behavior.

If, for any reaon, this doesn't work out after you have had the pup for a while, please contact Shannon on this forum....there are some wonderful rehome sources for Labradoodles and they can help you find a new home for him rather than taking him back to the pound or considering euthinasia.

I wish you all the best.
_________________
jacque.bayley.lexie.chase.rosie.nitos.amelia.dupree.madison.sherwood.gerry www.backporchlabradoodles-jacque.blogspot.com www.backporchlabradoodles.com

[angelakj]

What a doll baby. At some point Jac and Maureen and Shannon will chime in here and you can take what they say as gospel since they are the doodle experts around here. It looks like your little guy has some chocolate color in there as well and with the white hairs you mentioned you might have a phantom. It's hard to tell from a photo but he's beautiful and definitely a doodle. You'll love him. I have two boys 4&5 and he's great with them. We went through a stage of him jumping on people but it has passed (mostly). They are great dogs, high energy, very very smart, loyal, playful and gentle. Our Cody is a little over a year and he's 70lbs. I think the $200 fee is strange if it's usually only $100 but our dog's breeder charges $800 and that's on the low end. Have your vet scan his neck to see if he's micro-chipped - if so you'll need to update that information. It would also give you his previous medical history and maybe you could talk to his vet. Lots of breeders chip the doodles. I think you'll love having him and you were lucky to get him. Our Cody is a mild shedding F1. I use a brush that is made to remove undercoat. It is great and really cuts down on the shedding which is pretty mild anyway. If I brush him once a day I don't see much hair laying around the house. Cody likes the braided rope toys. Anything rubber no matter how tough just turns into rubber bits in a few hours. The lab in them makes them very oral so get some toys. Doodles are very trainable so even if he doesn't know any commands he should learn them very quickly. We waited several months to neuter Cody and now we're glad we did. His personality is the same but he's easier to control and we don't have the marking that was starting and dominance with other dogs. He did just fine waiting - I think he was about 10mo. You'll love your doodle - he's a cutie!

[Ethridg3]

Hello all! Im the wife (Kris) So far Murphy has been great and so have all of you! Thanks so much for the info and keep it coming! Just to keep you updated Eric did call the shelter and asked if he has seen a vet, if he is up to date in his shots and if the $200 woud cover that. Their answers where vauge to say the least. "They arent sure if he has all his shots or if that would be covered...They arent sure if hes seen a vet, not all the dogs see one right away...And they are charging $200 because he is a purebred." Eric informed them that he is actually a hybrid and is only reconised by the ACHA and she responded with "Oh." We asked if there where papers on him then and she said "If we have them we cant give them to you because of the black market." We have decided he is awsome and we are definaty adopting him if for no other reason then we know he would get away from them, since they seem more intrested in the highest bidder then the right home. So we wil be the right home. They also gave us his back story, he was aparently a drop off by a family (they dont know why, whos shocked?) and has been at their shelter for a couple of weeks. He was fostered out last week, this was the mentally ill woman who called and said it wouldnt work out. The guy who had picked him up and brought him to PetSmart had said he wasnt sure what she was even feeding him because in his vomit it looked like there where peppers! I am just shocked that anyone would let this happen to an animal especially one so sweet. Im glad we found each other. Again thanks for all the input and pease keep it up.

Eric, Kris, Kiya, Akisu, Martin, Oscar and now Murphy

ps. The oatmeal shampoo seemed to have left a resadue on his coat (I made double sure he was rinsed well because of all the dirt and grime) Is this normal?

[Ethridg3]

Angelakj,

Thanks so much he is really cute I agree. He does have some brown patches on the top of his head and 20 or so single siver hairs on his back above his shoulders. He has also now learned his name, sit, down, to scratch at the back door when he needs to go in or out, and that when the baby is up playing happens outside. Im so amazed at this animal.

[JettsMom]

Hello Eric, Kris and family! Congratulations on your new addition! Did you now Murphy has a twin? It is my girl Jett. I couldn't believe the resemblence, right down to the brown and silver hair. Here is a picture of her on her first birthday but it shows the brown and silver real well. She is now two and has very few silver hairs on her back and she is still very black all over.



You will love, love, love owning a doodle.
_________________
Vicky (Jett and Copper)

[lisarundell]

Kris, I have never noticed a residue with the oatmeal shampoo. The only thing I did notice is Lani would collect dust after her bath, I thought it was dandruff! We picked her up in Feb. so I figured it was static in her fur collecting the dust. Maybe someone else can help with suggestions about the shampoo. Congratulations again on your beautiful boy!
_________________
Lisa, Lani and Toby
http://s83.photobucket.com/albums/j309/lisarundell/


Outside of a dog a book is a man's best friend. Inside of a dog it's too dark to read.
Groucho Marx

[MaxandMe]

Congrats kris, eric and family.....murphy is precious!!!! wow are you in for lots of love, fun, smiles, laughter and learning experiences hahahaha

my 19wk old MAX looks alot like Murphy....doodles are great dogs!!!

they seem to love squeaky toys, also extra large tennis balls whichcan be bought for 88cents at walmart's checkout lines (versus $5 at petshops)

and here labradoodles go for bare min of $1000 to $1900...so you can see why a shelter may charge $200.

I am so happy for all of you as you will love having Murphy!!!

congrats once again
_________________
Annmarie, Max,& Peanut
Forum BLOG ARTICLE LINK http://blog.labradoodle-dogs.net/

"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened." Anatole France

[Linda]

Eric and Kris,
Congratulations! Murphy is adorable!
The Kirkland food that scored so well is from Costco, so if you are near a Costco that would be a great choice. It is reasonably priced and good nutritionally. I have Bella on Wellness Puppy food.
I would suggest asking for a hip xray when you have him neutered if you have seen any signs of a possible hip problem. (Bunny hopping when running, not wanting to climb into or out of the car, hesitant to do stairs, difficulty arising from a laying position.) Early diagnosis gives you more treatment choices including supplementation.
I use a puppy shampoo that won't burn her eyes (I'm still not great at the bath giving!) But I have Eqyss Premier cream rinse that I love using. It smells great and leaves her soft and tangle free.
http://www.petedge.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemID=3578&itemType=PRODUCT&iMainCat=0&iSubCat=0&iSubSubCat=0&iProductID=3578&AS=1
The oatmeal shampoo may leave a residue because typically oatmeal is used to calm a skin condition or alleviate itching, so maybe it is necessary to leave some on the hair?
I use an expensive brush from Les Pooches because she is curly and tends to mat. Murphy does not look like he will have that problem.
http://www.lespoochs.com/BRUSHES.asp
Chew toys are great.
The Booda rip apart (velcro) soft toys are alot of fun for them, just watch for the chewing if you let him have it too long.
http://www.jemarpet.com/shop/item.asp?itemid=2557
I also fill a kong with yogurt and freeze it for a treat and to occupy her for a few minutes.
A soccer ball in the yard keeps her happy for a long time.
Keep us posted and keep taking lots of pictures!

[Ethridg3]

Eric Here, with ' The Murphy Report'

Well, I just returned from the store, bringing food for our shaggy black mop. After consuting with my better 2/3's (I dont bring much to the table) we went with Nutra Source; the best thing our little supermarket here on base carries. I realized, reading the list when I got home, that I could have gotten Pro Plan - however it wasn't labled "Purina" so the wife didn't pick it up on my frantic rattling off of brands trying to find something that 'His Majesty' could dine on. He does seem to enjoy the Nutra Source

Murphy, seems to be very scratchy after his bath last night. He was well rinsed, and well bathed so we can only assume (I love that word) that the soap has given him, what I like to call, "The Itchies". We will have to grab a new shampoo on Pay Day. Yes, I believe that Pay Day should be recognized as a competely seperate day of the week and everyone who works, should get a free lunch. That, is though, my own opinion.

We are going to a birthday party this afternoon and the Dynamic Duo will be left home alone. I am slightly wary of this; but he hasn't done anything to convince me that he doesn't deserve our trust in the matter. I know, don't say it, the road to hell is paved with good intentions and the used carpets of foolish dog owners.

Later Taters.