San Diego, CA - Labrador Retriever. Meet ALEXA a Pet for Adoption

My basic info

Breed

Labrador Retriever

Color

Black

Age

Adult

Size

Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg) (when grown)

Weight

–

Sex

Female

Pet ID

–

My details

Good with dogs

Shots current

Spayed / Neutered

Has special needs

My story

Here's what the humans have to say about me:

Alexa has been in foster with us for almost a week, and we are so fortunate to have her! She is incredibly playful and seeks out the younger dogs for play constantly. We believe she may be part hound as she has this incredibly deep-from-the-belly bark; you only hear it when she is playing, however! She frequently seeks human attention; it is almost impossible to conceive of walking in to a shelter and abandoning this sweet girl, yet like so many undeserving dogs, this is exactly what happened to Lexa.
Shelter life was not kind to Alexa as she soon succumbed to kennel cough that is rampant in most shelters. Her KC became pneumonia, which resulted in tremendous weight loss. However, our dear girl has a tremendous appetite and should fill back out soon.

Although initially assessed by the shelter as five years old, our vet thinks Lexa is closer to nine. Despite some mobility challenges, she is energetic, has a can-do attitude, and is constantly in motion, as long as you are, as she has the Labbie trait of a being a "Velcro Dog." Lexa will also happily and quietly settle by your side. If you are looking for a best friend who has all the best traits of both young and mature dogs, Lexa is your gal

Update March 2015 Alexa has been diagnosed with megaesophagus. This causes her to regurgitate several times a day, although she very rarely brings up actual food. She also most likely has a degenerative nerve condition, creating both the megaesophagus and her muscle wasting. The muscle atrophy causes her to fall flat on her belly frequently; when she is bumped by our young pups she often ends up sprawled on the floor. She cannot support her weight if she jumps from the car, again doing a very hard belly flop on the pavement or concrete.

All of this said, she is a very happy, active girl. She has been on an anti-inflammatory and joint supplement for the seven months she has been with us, and I believe she is very comfortable based on her activity level. Finally, she remains at very high risk of aspiration pneumonia due to her daily regurgitations. If you are interested in adopting Alexa, visit the Adoption Info page to submit an application.