What great news, not just for you, but your new dog! I saw a Shorthair on the news in a shelter and it broke my heart. I'm sure your feller will love you until the day he dies. Sounds like he's already pretty fond! Funny you gave a Lab a new home. A friend of mine got a yellow Lab from people who were going to give her to a shelter, only 5 1/2 years old. She is incredible, knows all her commands and behaves perfectly. Loves water like all Labradors and retrieves anything he throws. Looks like we'll be doing some duck and goose hunting! Man, I'm so glad to hear about your new dog and how you gave him a new home! Good to hear from you.