Those Amazing, Magnificent Labrador Retrievers
Posted: Saturday, February 26, 2011
by Joel Hendon
http://hebronics.org/index.html
Perhaps a dog lover as myself cannot write an unbiased article about a breed of dogs. But I am, nevertheless, moved to do so. First of all, I place dogs in a sphere of their own. Perhaps they are not as capable of reasoning and innovation as humans are, but they excel in so many ways, that we don’t, I cannot help but consider them as virtual equals. On average, their love is superior to ours. Their courage and loyalty are greater than ours. And in some ways, I believe them to be more intelligent. But enough of that.
In years past, various breeds of dogs have been trained for various jobs and many times this was based upon their ability to learn and perform their particular trade. Tiny dogs were trained to assist clowns in their routines, hounds and certain smaller dogs made exceptional hunting dogs for small animal sport. At one time, most dogs trained to lead the blind were either German Shepherds or some other type shepherds or collies. Blood hounds were used for tracking people or searching for lost ones, etc.
But for the past two decades (since 1991) the Labrador Retriever has been the favorite dog to train for almost any job. These wonderful creatures have just about any favorable trait one can expect in a dog. Big, strong, healthy and hardy. Beautiful in brilliant colors, black and Gold and some other variations. But the prime reasons for their choice is that they have an almost unmatched temperament. They are pleasant and easy going dogs with virtually no high strung anger or aggressiveness. Most will bark if a stranger approaches the house, but have little inclination to become any more aggressive than that. (Beautiful Golden Lab photo by Wikipedia with permission)
The breed originated in Newfoundland where they were used by fishermen to help drag their nets in. They were first accepted into the American Kennel Club as a breed in 1917.
They first became quite popular as retrievers of birds, ducks and geese by hunters. They made their mark as easily trained, competent and faithful dogs in these uses, but in the past 2 to 3 decades they have begun to highly sought for guide dogs, police dogs in locating drugs, explosives, and other contraband or even people themselves. The only thing they are usually not used for is that of attack dogs.
There are many stories of their extreme intelligence and their competence. Following is a blurb concerning the loyalty, bravery and intelligence of these dogs. There were two of them in the twin towers when theywere hit on 9-11 as guide dogs.
Dorado was one of two yellow Labrador Retriever guide dogs in the New York City World Trade Center the day terrorists sent planes exploding into the twin towers. When Omar Eduardo Rivera, a blind computer technician on the 71st floor, heard glass shattering around him, breathed in smoke mixed with jet fuel fumes, and felt the unbearable heat, he believed that he’d never be able to make it out of the chaos alive. In a selfless act of love, Mr. Rivera released his guide dog, Dorado, offering him the opportunity to escape. However, the bond between them was so strong that Dorado returned to his side and guided him down 70 flights and out to safety just moments before the tower collapsed.
Roselle, another yellow Lab guide dog, patiently led her blind owner, Michael Hingson, through the smoke filled stairwell, amidst terror and confusion, to safety below. No amount of training could have prepared Roselle or Dorado for a trip through the World Trade Center demolition. Indeed, when nothing else remained, courage and heart endured.(Why Labrador Retrievers are America's Most Popular Dog Breed: suite101.com-February 8, 2011)
There is also a story of a Black Labrador who became a heroine during the calamity of Hurricane Katrina, and believe it or not, she was also named Katrina, who pulled a drowning man to safety on higher ground which saved his life, then almost lost her own life but was rescued by a rescue team.
And there have been numerous stories of those whose owner died or was killed in some way, who refused to leave the dead body but stood by, protecting it. Only occasionally do you hear of a human with such dedication.
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