Handsome is an understatement when you’re speaking about our boy Marley O. This 4 year-old chocolate hunk is definitely a retriever, which he demonstrates every day by meeting his foster mom at the door with his tail wagging and a toy in his mouth.

Marley came to be a Squad Dog when he and three other dogs from his former family (one of them his own pup) were surrendered to an area shelter. It was easy to see that Marley was the leader of his pack and the most dominant of the dogs. He seemed to take his responsibility as head of the household to heart and was quick to become protective around other dogs not in his pack.

But when Marley is the only dog in the home, he is a lovable, normal Lab that just wants to be with people. It’s as if the weight of taking care of everyone else is lifted and he can enjoy being the center of attention. He melts into your lap, looks up at you with soulful eyes and just wants you to pet him.

Marley has settled nicely into his foster home. He is housetrained and does not need to be crated. In fact, crating and Marley simply don’t mix. He hates it – and will find a way to escape even if it means getting injured in the process. When people are around, Marley behaves like any typical Lab – he wants to be with the family where the action is. Recently Marley was diagnosed with Addison's disease which will require that he receive a monthly shot for the rest of his life. Fortunately, this disease is controlled and many dogs with Addison's lead long lives without any symptoms or complications.

Our goal is for Marley to go to a very dog-savvy family where he will be the only canine companion. Marley is a physically strong dog, and can still be reactive on the leash when meeting other dogs. Therefore, we think it’s important for him to have a fenced yard where he can run and play with his new family and get the exercise he needs to be the best dog he can be. Trainers who have worked with Marley and his foster agree that with positive reinforcement he can learn to be less reactive on the leash. He’s a smart dog, simply looking for approval.

If you’re experienced with dogs and are looking for an awesome Lab to be your only canine family member, come out and meet Marley. He's waiting for a permanent home with a family willing to give him the love he craves and deserves.

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