Meet Hazel | Rehome With Love

I have so much to say. I can talk a lot about Hazel. Hazel is my family, she is one of my fur babies. She is well loved.

A few of things asked for in this profile that require more information or clarification. She has no problem with kids. However, she is so exuberant, she could or would knock a child down, even an adult, if they aren't prepared for the incoming 'fur missile'.

She hasn't been exposed to cats since I have had her. She hasn't had the opportunity to go swimming. She doesn't mind rain or baths. I believe she would love swimming, especially with her people.

I have only seen her dig a couple of times and I think she was after something specific. I have voles in my yard. I think she either smelled one or saw one and dug a shallow hole a couple of times

When required (not often) I tell her, "kennel" she goes straight for it When I leave the house for more than a few hours, I put her in my office that has a large sized wire kennel. She will lay down in there but I don't shut the gate. Anticipates when I am getting ready to leave and he goes in there on her own without being told.

I keep her in my office for when I come home. She is so excited to see me she will land on my other dog as she jumps to greet me. Once I am in the door, set my things down, and greet my other dog, I go and "release the Kracken!"

My office has a back door. The screen door has a dog door. Most of the time both my dogs are allowed to use the door while I am home before bedtime.

Her first home also had a dog door in the wall. They would just put the cover over it so no critters got inside and to keep her inside at night.

Car rides...that is an adventure! She has gotten a little better since she first came home with me. It is still a challenge though. She requires training to make this more manageable. I am not sure if this qualifies as anxiety or not.

She continually scratches at a collar when wearing one. Completely annihilated the first one we put on her. Her original owners didn't have a collar on her either unless they needed to put a leash on her. I don't use her collar unless I am taking her to the park. I will use the leash until I have her where she can take off running. Unless I need the leash on, I take the collar off.

I have a fenced back yard. It is a very old chainlink fence that is in poor shape. Top bar sags in a few places. She can easily jump it if she wants to. In 2 very specific situations she did jump it. I can explain if needed.

She is an inside dog. She would not do well being kept outside for long periods of time without her people. If you plan to keep pher outside only, or every day by herself for long periods of time, or on a chain in the yard - this would be a deal breaker for me.

The first week we took her home, she got out of the house when we opened the door, she saw a rabbit and chased it down the block and around the corner. We panicked and started heading that way. She was already on her way back to us before we got to the end of the block.

She will chase rabbits, squirrels and birds. She has caught 2 rabbits and a bird that I know of. One of those rabbits she ate (yech). I didn't know until I found fur. She got sick and had tape worm. All of which she was treated for quickly.

Once at the park, there was a wild female turkey, it was so funny to watch her reaction! I am laughing just thinking about it! I had to call her off because she was trying to and figure out what it was. I didn't want her or the turkey to get hurt.

I do not know if she had any formal obedience training. I have trained her in a few ways, very easily. She is really smart and learns fast.

She has been allowed on furniture at her first home and mine. When I was married, she would take half the bed lol. We had to make her get down so we could sleep. More often than not, at some point in the night she would end up on the bed again.

If necessary, she is trainable to stay off the furniture.

She makes silly noises. She will sigh loudly, like a person. She makes grunting noises which make you look at her and wonder what she is going on about. And I swear, a few times while I pet her while sitting on the couch, she purred lol!

So much more I could share, and will when we meet, if you want to know more.

Pet's Name: Hazel

Dog: Primary Breed: Labrador Retriever

Birthdate (an estimate is okay): May 30, 2021

Age Category: Adult

Where did you get your pet?: From a work customer of mine at the time. Original family got her direct from a breeder.

Was this pet ever in a shelter, rescue, or foster program? If yes, please provide details.: No

Adoption Day (when did you adopt your pet? An estimate is okay.): End of May 2022

Gender: Female

Size (at full-grown): Medium

Approximate adult weight in pounds (number only): 69

Primary Color: Brown

What are your pet's favorite toys and activities?: Food...always, anytime, treats and food LOL! She likes playing ball, fetches well. She likes a squeaky pig I will get her sometimes. She loves attention and she loves to run!

Has your dog received any formal obedience training?: No

What commands does your dog know?: sit, stay (not for long), shake, lay down, come, stop, gentle/easy, kennel

How does your dog react to being left alone for short periods?: She does great

Are there any specific triggers that cause your dog anxiety or stress?: Not specifically. She has so much energy, it is hard to determine what is just energy and what is anxiety. I drug her with meds I got from the vet so I can take her to the vet without hurting myself and prevent her from being at tornado.

Is there a daily routine that works well for your dog (feeding, walking, sleep)?: She has a cup of dry dog food in the morning and at supper. She will get treats at lunch She nods off around 9ish. Once I go to bed and settle in, she will jump up and sleep with me. Due to my physical limitations and her behavior on a leash, I can't walk her regularly. She sleeps well. Regular exercise would help modulate her energy levels.

Medical History and Care:

Vaccinations up to date

Spayed or Neutered

House/Litter-Trained

Microchipped

Special Diet

Special Needs

Never Vetted

Unknown

Does your pet have any history of health issues or medical conditions that potential adopters should be aware of?: She is due for a teeth cleaning. This is scheduled in November. Teeth have been good, but the very back teeth are in need of care.

Has your dog ever been diagnosed with or treated for any of the following? (Please check all that apply, even if your dog has fully recovered. This helps us provide the best support for future families.):

Allergies (environmental or food-related)

Anaplasmosis (tick-borne)

Anxiety Issues

Arthritis or Joint Pain

Canine Distemper

Chronic Ear Infections

Dental Disease

Ehrlichiosis (tick-borne)

Heartworm

Influenza

Kennel Cough

Leptospirosis

Lipomas, Cysts, or Other Lumps/Bumps

Lyme Disease

Parvovirus

Seizures

Skin Conditions

Vaccine Reactions

Other

Additional notes about your dog’s health history:: When I first got her, she was 1 year old, and was not use to my house or my other dog. When we would leave for any length of time, she would chew up stuff. I went through 3 remotes lol. Once she felt at home, the anxiety before stopped.stopped. She will still chew up non food items if they smell like food - mint smelling dental floss, left where she could get it

Has your dog ever shown any challenging behaviors, such as biting a person or another pet? If so, please share some context.: I want to be completely honest, and I hope the right family with extend a little grace to Hazel. At this time, I had had Hazel for over 2 years. There were no issues with her and my older male dog who was going blind. She has always been great at a dog park, neighbors dogs, etc. I had several major life changes happening during the end of 2023 and the entire year of 2024. In late summer of 2024 I required a new renter in the basement apartment. My previous renter of 7 years, had moved on with his life. I was distracted and overwhelmed. I made an error in judgement which led to an incident. The new renter when she moved in, had just adopted a female dog. The renter's dog appeared to get along with both of my dogs after meeting at a dog park first. She especially got along great with Hazel. I have a neighbor who visited with her youngest child 1 year old often. The neighbor, her kids, and her 2 mall dogs had visited my house many times, without issue. My male dog was especially fond of the baby and was protective of her. A few days after the renter moved in, her dog growled at my male dog once or twice. The renter and myself put a stop to it. One afternoon, my neighbor came over to visit with her 1 year old. The new renter was female and we were visiting in my living room. All 3 dogs were in the living room. Hazel and the renter's dog were playing and getting a big rowdy. My male dog was checking on the baby, being protective. The renter's dog (best guess was 1 year old) started attacking my male dog. My male dog was agile and strong enough to defend himself until we separated them. Suddenly Hazel joined in and began attacking my male dog. All 3 of us women managed to get all the dogs separated. As I separated my dogs, I went to grab Hazel's collar and Hazel bit me by accident. I know Hazel would never bite a person, except possibly in defense over her people. The renter remained for about 5 months but we kept my dogs from her dogs, using a gate at the top of the stairs to the basement. When the dogs were outside, we were very vigilant and only once did the renter's dog growl and begin to approach my male dog again. It was quickly addressed and didn't escalate. My two dogs have gotten along great since. I believe it was a one time situation with the dog mix, and she got me by accident.

How often does your dog require grooming (e.g., bathing, brushing, trimming)? : Depends on how much time she gets outside and rolling in dirt. I usually bath her every 6 weeks or so. I don't brush her often, but it would be helpful to the shedding. No trimmng needed, unless you want to trim fur between her pads on her feet

Does your dog have a dental care routine (e.g., brushing, chews, professional cleanings)?: I give her dry food, and she likes greenies and other dental chews. I have not been consistent with brushing her teeth. She is difficult for me to manage by myself.

Personality:

Playful

Constant Companion

High Energy

Medium Energy

Low Energy

Timid

Friendly to Strangers

Good with Other Dogs

Good with Cats

Good with Young Children

Bonded Pair

Purebred

Crate Trained

Comes When Called

Needs Training

Likes Car Rides

Likes to Swim

Requires A Fenced Yard

Jumps Fences

Growls at Strangers

Is Afraid of Storms

Digs

How is your dog with children?: Great with kids: Comfortable and gentle with children of all ages.

How is your dog with other dogs?: Neutral: Doesn't mind other dogs but doesn't seek them out.

How is your dog with cats?: Not sure: Haven't had enough interaction to determine.

What's the most endearing thing about your dog?: Her silly behavior and noises she makes

What criteria are important to you when considering an adoptive family or home for your pet?: You will love her as the precious and lovable creature that she is. You will have patience and be able and willing to train her when greeting people at the door (including you) You must be willing to allow facetime or visits with me periodically, like once every few months. More often if you want to. If you are comfortable, I would love to be able to provide dog care for her while you are away on vacation or something like that. A bonus for each of us I think.

Is there anything else you'd like your pet's new family to know?: I have said SO much already. She just wants to love you and be loved.

Why are you rehoming your pet (primary reason)?: Pet Parent Illness

Details about rehoming reason (if needed): My mobility has been challenging since I first brought her home. It was better at the beginning and I was married. He took care of taking her for walks and going to the park often. I am divorced now. I am unable to do those things regularly. I think she would be happier/healthier by being more active with a younger owner, with a family, or possibly someone who hunts. With her untrained exuberant greeting at the door, it is becoming dangerous for me, my parents and a few others when I come home or when greets visitors, known or unknown.

If applicable, do you have the legal right or necessary permission from the breeder or rescue organization to rehome this pet? :

Not Applicable

Yes

How long will you be able to keep your pet before you may need to consider surrendering him or her to a rescue?: Not an option, my pet will stay with me for as long as it takes

Who is your veterinarian?: Valley View Veterinarian in Council Bluffs, IA

What do you feed your pet, and does he/she have any feeding quirks or preferences?: Dry dog food. Milk bones and chicken jerky for treats. She will eat ANYTHING! She will get your fingers giving her treats unless you put in palm of your hand. She eats VERY quickly. When I go to her dish with the food in the cup, she does this backwards jump off the ground, until we get to her bowl.

Do you currently have pet insurance?: No

Would you consider a long-distance adoption?:

Yes

Maybe

City, State: Council Bluffs

Zip Code: 51501

How did you hear about us?: Google Search

Service Level: Standard Placement: Full Support + Custom Campaign