Oh wow! I took a look at this post and my socks shot clear off across the room. I was going to order a Picea abies 'Pusch' but this one may have just taken it's place if I can manage to get my conifer greedy hands on one. Fisher Farms has it listed on their site. They say 6-8' x 6-8' in 10 years. Hmm.. maybe the Push would be better choice for it's slower growth rate. Oh, I probably need both lol. I wonder if there is any way of ordering one from them if your not a garden center? James, do you know if the place you got it from has anymore? I would love to call them up to see if they can ship me one. Please forgive me if I'm being rude, but do you mind sharing how much you paid for your awesome find? Thanks for sharing =) Here is a link that might be useful: fisherfarms.com

There is still hope! I've been in touch with the rescue group that has her and have filled out an application with them. I'm not "local" to them, but they'll consider us with a strong vet reference. The foster mom said that she never broke out with parvo symptoms, so they plan to watch her for about another week just to make sure she is through the woods. Keep your fingers crossed!

Just as an aside, you mentioned you were on your way into Petsmart. Our breeder does a whole big thing when people come on pickup day about the pup's feet not touching the floor in a pet store or any other place where other dogs may have done their business. She recommends this until pup's completed all of the shots (including rabies, which I believe in our State is at 4 mos?) post pick up. I know that Jack's had his dewclaws done and received all of his necessary initial shots. Apparently, if a sick dog does its business in the store and your pup inadvertently steps in something that hasn't been sanitized, and comes in contact with certain bacteria, he may become sick. I think another concern of hers is the pet stores here do adoptions and while they do their best, they do at times get dogs sick with parvo. Our breeder is certainly quirky and possessive about her pups. I felt like, well I am paying you for the dog, it is my dog to do with what I wish. Wrong answer if I want a dog from her. She checks the vehicles on pick up day to be sure that you have brought what she's told you in writing to bring to transport your pup. No sitting on your lap. She's a maniac about her pups and anyone she approves for a pup has to sit thru a mandatory tutorial-type thing on pick up day. I've now done this 3 times. She doesn't care if you've done it before, she says, "ya know, you forget things, I want to be sure the puppies are cared for properly when they leave me". Okay, I can't argue with erring on the side of caution on her part. Some may consider her a control freak, (which she is), but I would much rather secure a pup from someone who isn't just selling puppies to make money without doing the homework and hard work that good breeding requires. Definitely more so with the retrievers as there as been so much bad breeding due to their popularity. Yes, I know she makes money, but breeding labradors is her passion and she is very well respected in the labrador breeding community. She shows all over the Country and is very involved in giving back. Every litter that has at least 3 pups, one goes to be a guide (on her dime). My youngest boy was going to be her 2nd sire, but she had a black boy born 1 week after my guy. For breeding DNA purposes, she wanted the black over the yellow. I don't know the science, but she only breeds yellow and black. She's well known in our area for her dogs' quality. I have no idea how the dna thing works, but she does, and it shows. Can't wait to see more pics. How did the first night go, did you get any sleep? No accidents in the house, that's amazing. You are going to be great with a lab, and the lab will be great for you and your family! Can you tell I am passionate about labradors? So happy you chose a labbie.

You might like taking a look at my kitchen. I have butternut maple and capella (also known as Golden Ray so you may want to look under that name as well) so it doesn't have that big contrast diffence but I love it (and so do a lot of other people)