Lucky is a young, Flat-Coated Retriever. She is full of personality and bounds of playful energy that quickly are worked out with a few games of Frisbee and ball tossing. I believe she could be a great Frisbee catching dog with a little bit of work and a good thrower.

She is good with other dogs and loves people. Her spay surgery and microchip fee are sponsored so adopting Lucky will cost around $55.

If you would like to foster this dog, contact one of our local dog rescues. The rescues pay for any vetting fees. You provide a safe home, with a fenced yard and food. As a foster, your other responsibilities include getting the dog to adoption events on Saturdays.

Here are some of the traits of a Flat-Coated Retriever from my favorite dog information website, Your Purebred Puppy:

The AKC Standard says, "The Flat-Coated Retriever demonstrates stability and a desire to please with a confident, happy, and outgoing attitude characterized by a wagging tail."

This cheerful dog is athletic, not a couch potato, so he needs plenty of exercise -- ideally exercise that includes swimming and fetching. Otherwise he will find outlets for his energy through destructive chewing and digging.

The gregarious Flatcoated Retriever thrives on personal attention and doesn't like being left for long periods of time without the companionship of people or other pets.

Optimistic about everyone and everything, this good-natured breed is emphatically not a guardian.

Questions to ask yourself before adopting a Flat-Coated Retriever

This info also comes from Your Purebred Puppy:

If you want a dog who...

Is large and athletic, with the familiar retriever shape and dependable retriever attributes
Has a pretty feathered coat
Is a cheerful tail-wagger
Thrives on vigorous exercise and athletic activities
Is polite with everyone
Is peaceful with other animals
Is uncommon

A Flat-Coated Retriever may be right for you.

If you don't want to deal with...

Vigorous exercise requirements
Rowdiness and exuberant jumping, especially when young or not exercised enough
Mouthiness -- carrying and chewing objects, mouthing your hands
Regular brushing and combing
Shedding
Serious health problems and a potentially short lifespan

A Flat-Coated Retriever may not be right for you.

Dogs and cats are euthanized every week in our local shelter. It is up to the community to prevent it. Spay and neuter your pets. Volunteer to help educate citizens about the need to fix their animals. Share this post on your Facebook page and Tweet about it, too.

The shelter's adoption fees range from $40 to $144, depending on the gender and size of the animal or whether they have been spayed or neutered yet. You can also have your pet microchipped for only $20 at the shelter. That way if your pet is ever lost, he or she can be returned to you quickly.

The Animal Care and Adoption Center is located at 203 Harrison St., Texarkana, Ark., 71854 and is open Monday through Friday from 11AM and 5PM and Saturdays from 11AM to 2PM.

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