Onyx

Male (Altered) — Date of Birth: 12/11/2008 (17 years old (Senior))

Labrador Retriever Mix

ONYX is a lovely black Lab mix, with milk chocolate eyes. He spent fourteen months with his family; however, they were unprepared for his general puppy-ness and high spirits and, although they tried hard, they were unable to deal with his needs.

Onyx weighs 44 pounds. After coming to AFH for re-homing, he was originally pretty terrified and bereft and acting out like a frantic teenager; however, he is now in a home where there is a companion puppy just his size. She is somewhat younger, full of love and energy -- a total look-alike Lab-mix female -- (you can see Erin's picture on our website) just waiting to take him under her wing, and the progress Onyx made in less than a week was incredible!! They have romped and played and wrestled and chased each other around the yard -- and when they lay down in the grass, back-to-back, to rest, they look like a couple of bookends. (It's actually hard to tell them apart from a distance.) When he first arrived at the current foster's home, he barked almost non-stop and cried until he was hoarse. In less than a week, he was rarely making a sound.

He is completely housebroken and crate-trained, staying in his crate when his foster mom is at work (usually part-time) and sleeps there at night. He knows some basic commands but an obedience class would be of great help to him. Onyx will be a great addition to a home where he will get lots of love and attention, toys, rawhides, and long walks, and it would be the perfect placement for him if you are looking for a companion for an existing friendly dog.