These two Labs are looking for a good home! Their owner can be contacted at randy@teamswork.biz

As some of you know, and others will be surprised to learn, I have recently developed an allergy to dogs. As a dog lover all my life, and someone who has had dogs in his home for over twenty years, this is shocking and upsetting news to me and my family.

Since late August of 2010, I have had a cough and related breathing difficulties. Some days I felt fine, others I felt extremely sick. After several visits to three different doctors, I finally learned in early January that I had become allergic to dogs. It was living with Bode and Hurley that was causing my asthmatic symptoms. There are no clear reasons why this allergy has come to me at this moment in my life.

I have tried various medical treatments, and it is now evident that the only long term solution is to find a new home for our beloved Labradors. They understand that something is amiss because their alpha dog has not touched them much, and they are no longer allowed in my office and bedroom. Believe me, this decision is not an easy one, but my endurance at various physical endeavors has greatly deteriorated, and lasting damage to my lungs may have already taken place.

So I am writing to ask if you, or anyone you know, would be interested in welcoming two of the finest ball retrievers, on land or in water, into their homes. Ideally, Bode and Hurley would be able to stay together, but I realize this may not be possible.

Both are about 7 years old. We’ve had Bode since he was a puppy, and Hurley was rescued from a shelter in West Virginia. I am biased, but they are exceptional dogs: loving, gentle and great companions. They love the outdoors in any weather, and they love lying around. They love the water. They seek out tall grass or bushes to relieve themselves, and never use the lawn. They love a walk in the woods, a climb up a mountain, and a ride in a car.

Both dogs enjoy excellent health, other than some arthritis in Hurley’s left knee.

I wish there was a different solution to improving my health. The sadness my situation has caused the rest of my family lies heavy upon me. Bode and Hurley will also be hurt, though I know that, with the right new home, they will find a new path to happiness and love.

-Randy