(Left) Lola, contemplative; below, Lola after stealing a softball (photo by J. Grayson)

Vital stats: Chocolate Labrador retriever
Age: about 7
Weight: 80 lbs.
Home town: Unknown; somewhere near Barrington, Illinois.

Personal history: Since Lola was discovered at Orphans of the Storm animal shelter in July 1994, she has offered a few clues to her mysterious past: she is highly excited by anything that sounds like gunfire (including fireworks) and wants to run toward the noise; she fetches anything; she loves Jeeps, trucks, beer, cigarettes, and big guys with beards; she has had at least one litter of puppies, although those days are now behind her.

Nicknames: Lolita, Lolacita, Miss Lola, Lolaness, Lola T. Dog, Lola Canola
Vehicle: Favorite is Dean Slaton's yellow pickup.
Currently working on: Napping.
Favorite pig-out foods: lasagna, loaves of French bread (unsliced, please), Dunkin Donuts, pineapple cake, flour tortillas, chicharrones.
Favorite activity: Retrieving dead fish from Lake Michigan.
Most embarrassing experience: Getting turned down by Otto, neighborhood Chihuahua, when in heat.
Worst thing my mother told me: "Stay off the furniture!"
Three words that best describe me: Extroverted, playful, omnivorous.

See the highly irrelevant Spot photo!

Check out a few dog pages:

• Labrador FAQ
• Labrador Rescue Organization
• Labrador Retriever Home Pages.
• Learn about bloat (gastric dilation-volvulus), the often-fatal illness to which large, deep-chested dogs are especially susceptible. Lola suffered from this while on vacation in June 1998. After major surgery she's back to her old toy-stealing self. If your dog's stomach starts to swell, and he/she is heaving, call a vet right away!
• Waldo, the Argentinian Labrador (in English y en español)
• General dog care