UPDATE:
Since arriving to Tails of Hope we have had Hal with cats and small children and he's wonderful with children but a little boisterous and he will chase the cats...You do need to control his desire to chase a cat. We watched as 4 small children climbed all over him and he just accepted it and rolled on his back!
Hal requires a slow introduction to new people but once he knows you, he's quite loving. He will not do well in a highly active home with many people coming and going.

HAL is large and has a typical Retriever personality. He is a big lovebug and collapses in a heap on the ground waiting to have his tummy rubbed! He is ALWAYS happy, loves his people unconditionally and is an A1- ball catcher!! Hal is a beautiful boy with a glorious coat and always commands attention. He loves being brushed. Hal will require a fenced-in yard as well. He has been good with all other dogs he has met.
Hal came via the Memphis Animal Shelter. By the time he arrived, a myriad of problems had ravaged his big body and he was almost completely hairless, save for his tail and head. But never did Hal's tail stop wagging. In fact, it was his bold outlook and strength that captured the heart of the vet who nursed him back to health directly from the shelter. Hal was a dog who wanted to love life. It took a year for his fur to grow back and his coat to be the beautiful, thick coat that it is today. He really attracts attention wherever he goes with his beautiful plume tail that he carries proudly.

I used to think Hal was not the brightest bulb on the tree. I realize now that he is actually very intelligent but lacking a lot of common sense! He's one of those dogs that, if human, would be overly macho towards other men, but would be lost without the love a good woman to keep him in line. He lives to please, but unable to control himself when it comes to doing so. He would rather jump up and lick your face and feel the consequence of correction, than to sit and get a treat. He is outgoing and social with everyone. He WILL bark at other males, especially if they show themselves to be dominant.
He is like an old lady in that he feels it his duty to know all that is going on in the neighborhood and as such, is easily distracted by a car engine, a door closing, a light switching on. When being walked to relive himself, he has his 'hiding places' that he likes to use for private.... behind a tree or shrub, in a pile of leaves, etc. He would rather hold it than have to go out in the 'open'.

Hal LOVES toys especially stuffed toys, chewies, balls, old sneaker....ANY kind of play thing. He loves food and cookies and if you have a milkbone in your pocket, he will detect it immediately. He also is one of the best dogs in the world to hug...
He is absolutely IMPOSSIBLE not to love. HE has a sweetness and kindness and a pureness when it comes to his affection. He's a big Baby Huey of sorts.... a wanabe tough guy who is ultimately a major wimp. A sucker for the ladies....and most of all, a survivor.

Hal's long period of less than good care, he loves food and is currently a little on the chubby side, but it's very endearing on him. Hal will not work with cats as he is just toooo interested in them. To meet him in person, he does have the retriever personality but looks more aussie in body... he's quite endearing!

Good with Dogs, Not Good with Cats, Good with Kids

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