I have experience with rescues and and Lab mixes, and know two Labradoodles. They are gorgeous dogs and very smart. The two I know are trained service dogs.
Obviously, a trip to the vet will put your mind at ease regarding health issues, and I encourage you to do that.
I do not know how bad the new baby is, nutritionally, but my worst was so bad she was very emaciated, dehydrated, almost dead and couldn't hold food down. I gave her very small amounts of concentrated eggnog at first, smearing it on her mouth so she'd lick it off, and when she could hold food down, gradually increasing the amount, then adjusting her food both in volume, type, and substantial-ness. That's a new word I just made up, but I seem to recall the next step was really soft barely cooked scrambled eggs for the natural EFA's, etc., then stuff like gently baked/boiled chicken, then adding a high protein dog food, etc. to get her energy levels up and build her muscles etc. She recovered nicely and was a great dog, loved little boys, and we found her a wonderful family with two little boys...boys and dog bonded immediately.
As far as the cats are concerned, I had Shep/Labs and 'inherited' the feral cat who 'owned' the house when I bought it. Take no aggression toward the cats in stride...always intercede...no" is a great word! My Shep/Labs were natural hunters, but also naturally sweet, and naturally people pleasers...they learned very quickly what I wanted and obliged me...even going against their natural instincts. I cannot promise that will happen though. Depending on how bad the dog is now, you may not have any issue at all...my last rescue was a Shep/Lab and he never had any issues with the kitties even though he was also a great natural hunter, and I have photos of how much the kitties loved him. They would snuggle with him until he had to leave 'cuz he wanted to sleep and they wanted to nuzzle and kiss.
You can do this...and bless you all for taking this project on. Good luck! Take care! |