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My Mum and Dad used to breed German Shepherds. So, I grew up loving them and respecting them. And I knew without a doubt, that when my time came, that would be my choice of breed. That was, until my husband got involved. He grew up with "Digby", a big black Lab and seemed to think that a Lab would be the perfect dog for us.

Coming from a tropical country, where there were not many Labrador Retrievers, I could not really give my opinion about them as I had never encountered one. In the end my husband won the argument, as he pointed out that Labs are not as territorial as German Shepherds, so there would be less barking. And we could get a short legged Lab, that according to him "would be a lot smaller than a GS".

We started surfing the net, for breeders, the same day. And within hours we had spoken to the breeder of our choice and asked her to put aside a yellow pup for us.
We were lucky, because at that stage, there were only two that not been spoken for. One yellow and one black.

My husband is a real softy. So, I wasn't really surprised, when next morning he
tried to talk me into getting the black one too, "because in that way, they would have each other to play with".

Yes, dear reader. We ended up with Ravendane Golden Leaf and Ravendane Brewster. Better known to friends and family as Buddy and Torito (little bull).

Torito is the leader. He thinks he is the father of us all. He tries to tell us when we should get up and when we should go to bed. Needs to know where every member of the family, is at all times and he is not really happy, unless we are all in the same room. When we are out walking, he is always point. Scouting the land. Right now he is lying at my feet, waiting patiently, for me to go to bed. I give him 20 minutes, before he comes and puts his head on my lap (his signal, for me to go to bed . . .)and looks up to me, with those big brown eyes of his.

Buddy is the baby of the family. A bit scatty and very, very laid back. When we go for a walk he is full of energy, following Toro, everywhere. At home he will find the most comfortable corner, preferably one with lots of cushions and lie there, seeing the world go by. Only 3 things will get him up: somebody at the door, food or the magical word "walkies".

Both love being cuddled and being made a fuss of. Love kids and they are both very, very patient with our 2 year-old son.

I am very glad that we got them both at the same time and would not have it any other way. If anybody is thinking of doing the same thing, bear in mind that Labs take ages to grow-up. Ours will be 4 years old soon. And they have just started to mature a little bit. They also need a lot of time and attention. Like children. But, like children, they too give back so much.

I just got an exasperated sigh from Torito . . .better go.

Learn more about this author, Gabriela Brooks.
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