04/01/2026
I lost count on how many times I have heard Chocolate Labrador Retrievers lack intelligence, compassion or “common sense.”
Please give me a moment and let me introduce you to Mahogany – a full breed “English Style” Chocolate Labrador Retriever. She is a Retired Mom of several Labrador Retrievers. Many people say Moms never retire, and they are right.
Truth be told, the coat color of a Labrador Retriever has nothing to do with the demeanor of the dog. It is about the demeanor of the parents.
The moment I met Mahogany, I knew she was a wonderful mother and someone I wanted to bring into Annabelle Acres. How did I know that? Well, I knew her parents, but she immediately took away my personal space and look straight into my eyes without blinking. I knew she was an “Oh My” dog and gave her a big hug. She never flinched. Lab owners know exactly what I mean.
Diane West was an adopter in line for months who was terribly busy helping her husband with their small business. They had no kids at home and wanted a loving lab that would greet them when they came home after their normal 12 hour days.
Early in the adoption process Diane told me; “We will adopt any color lab, but we really want a chocolate Lab.” I learned quickly that Diane was a hard-working person that knew what she wanted.
Diane visited Annabelle two times, but we did not have a match for her. A month later, I called Diane and told her: “We have two new dogs at Annabelle Acres, and I think you should drive out to meet them.”
So, on a rainy Friday morning, Diane’s world changed when Mahogany took Diane’s personal space away. Diane knew in less than a minute that Mahogany would join her family.
I asked Diane; “do you want to bring her husband out to meet Mahogany before you decide. Diane was response was: “No.” Two days later, Mahogany was greeting Diane and her husband when they came home after a 12-hour workday.
All the best, Tony, Jackie, Ben, and Caroline Wedeward - Caretakers and Founders of Annabelle Acres. Annabelleacres.org.
We do not use AI. Our stories are from the human heart.
Annabelle Acres, a 6-acre haven for Labrador Retrievers in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, is a family-owned 501(c)(3) non-profit adoption organization and a licensed Wisconsin Dog Facility. We specialize in helping adult Labrador Retrievers transition from Breeder to Companion Dogs, focusing on their physical, mental, and social health before finding a loving family. Whether through adoption, donating a retired full-breed Lab, or a cash donation, your support is crucial to our mission. Please visit our website at annabelleacres.org to learn more and consider helping our cause. Please press the donation button. You are an integral part of our mission; we could not do it without you. Thank you!
