Labradors are special dogs. There are many excellent dog breeds out there (and great mutts too), but the Labrador's "people skills" are almost unmatched. We've

Labradors are special dogs. There are many excellent dog breeds out there (and great mutts too), but the Labrador's "people skills" are almost unmatched. We've had Labradors and other dogs as well. Some of the other dogs were perfectly happy running around outside all day. The Labradors wanted to be where the people are so badly that it hurt. Being separated from the people is the only thing that caused the Labs any visible distress. Your story of your dog laying at your feet while you work rings so true to me. I have one lab who comes to work with me sometimes. His only misbehavior is when we try to force him to not follow and be with people. His favorite thing is to come into a meeting, curl up in the middle of the circle of people, and konk out, completely happy and content. Labs so often get the "part of the family" distinction because they stubbornly refuse to accept anything less. They demand to be in the circle of people. At least, that's been my experience with labs.