Our love of Labs began in 1981 when we brought home an 8 week old Lab we named Marlon. He was Lab and collie, so he didn't quite have the Lab personality that they are so famous for, but we loved him and he became a very big part of our hearts and our lives. He grew to be 23" inches at the withers and weighed 110 pounds. He was a big boy. He managed to stay a puppy most of his life too, getting into all sorts of things and became a wonderful companion and friend. Then on January 24th 1996 it was time to let our beloved friend go. My heart broke as I had never felt it break before. The muscles in this back end were completely gone, there was nothing more we could do for him but to hold him and say good-bye. Good-bye to a friend and companion of 15 years.

While you can never replace a faithful dog that filled your life with such unconditional love and joy, we knew that the day would come when we would find another place in our hearts for a new friend. We just never knew we would need a place in our hearts for 2 new friends.

Of course we had decided to get another Lab. Their personalities and temperaments are perfect to us. But then one of us said "Hey....how about two?" "Two? Sure why not!" So the search began for 2 female Labs that were litter mates.

And the powers that be smiled on us. We found 2 female Labs that were litter mates and I knew our search had come to an end before I even saw them. Oh but when I did see them....how sweet and so tiny. Being only 4 weeks old and never having seen puppy's that young, they captured our hearts immediately. So on February 16th 1996 we became the proud Mom and Dad of 2 female Labs. I could hardly wait the 2 weeks to bring them home. But we had lots of preparations attend too, to make our 2 new arrivals safe and sound so I would be plenty busy until I once again held my 2 little Lab girls.

Those were two very anxious, nervous, busy weeks too. We had to find just the right collars, just the right food, just the right toys and puppy proof the house. We read all the books and even discussed their care with our vet. Not to mention names. Since we are both in love with Hawaii, it was a simple choice. Ikaika would be the name for our black Lab, it was a strong name and little did we realize at the time she would need such a name. And Keiki for our yellow Lab, as it was a playful name, a stage she has still not grown out of. Finally the day arrived when we could go and pick them up. We couldn't get there fast enough for me. And when I saw them again, tears welled up in my eyes, for I couldn't believe how blessed I was to be receiving these 2 most precious pups as my very own. We got them home safely and they adjusted very well to the first night in their strange new home.

They romped around the house and fell and tumbled over each other and growled that little puppy growl at each other and found their way into everything they could and we followed them to catch as many accidents as possible. All the while laughing at all their antics. Then after 20 minutes or so they would make a puppy pile and sleep such a peaceful sleep that I found myself just staring at them in complete wonder.

And then they woke up!

And all the puppy antics started all over again. But I know no better way to spend a day then to watch two puppy's running, jumping, tumbling and falling back into a peaceful puppy sleep.

So into Welcome Arms they came.
Our lives have never been the same since for they have become an invaluable part of our lives. We spend countless hours watching them, keeping them safe, making their lives comfortable and basking in the pure joy and warmth of unconditional Labrador love.

A job I highly recommend to anyone!!

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