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Meet Java! He is a sweet male chocolate Labrador Retriever, approximately five years old. Java was surrendered to WCLRR when his family found that they did not have the resources to handle the surgery Java needed to repair injuries to his back legs.

Java’s injuries were similar to a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in people. This is a common injury for larger dogs, and the pain it creates can make it difficult for them to walk. The preferred method of repairing this injury in dogs is “tibial plateau leveling osteotomy” (TPLO) surgery. WCLRR ensured that Java received the care he needed to address the problem, and TPLO surgery on both legs was completed in September 2021. In November, Java had a follow-up appointment with the surgeon, who determined that the joints were healing well. As a result, Java is allowed to increase leash walking over the next four weeks gradually. By mid-December, he should be able to resume many normal activities off-leash in a restricted area, although his family must closely manage his activity level. He should not run, jump chase balls, or any other extreme play until his bones have healed completely, a process that can take up to a year.

Java is close to perfect! He is a total snuggle bug that wants to be with his family to get and give love. He does well when meeting new people and other dogs. His foster family has three labs, and they all get along very well. The family also has a cat, and while Java is interested in the cat, he doesn’t bother it.

Java likes to chew on Nylabones. Squeaky toys are not recommended! He loves riding in the car (more time with his people!) but will need help getting in until he is fully healed.

He is very well-behaved in the house. The foster has not experienced inappropriate chewing, barking, or other behaviors. He is house trained and is accustomed to being in an Ex Pen (a dog “playpen”). He sleeps well through the night in his pen. When his people get up, he is ready to start the day with them! Java does tend to pull on the leash during walks, so this is the one area that his new family will want to work on with him.

Java loves to eat, and he was overweight when he came to WCLRR. Additional weight can be harmful to any dog. Given Java’s recent surgery, he needs to maintain a healthy weight as determined by a veterinarian to reduce stress on those back legs. Java’s foster has been committed to lowering Java’s body weight through a program of regular walks (as allowed based on the vet’s recommendations) and a limited low-fat diet.

Java will need a family that will have the patience to work with him over the coming months to ensure that he heals appropriately to return to all the activities he loves. Java’s ideal home would be one with a secure yard and a couple or a family with older children who understand they must manage his movement for now. He would love having another dog to play with but would be fine as an only dog. Java can handle people being gone, but since he has been confined to an Ex Pen, he cannot be left alone for more than a few hours as he cannot access the doggie door.

Java is neutered, up to date on his vaccines, and microchipped.