Sedona & Raspberry: Labradors to the Core!

Photo by Wendy DeBenedetti

Q: What’s your full name?
R: Raspberry. I’m a six-year-old black Labrador Retriever.
S: And I’m Sedona, a fox red Labrador.

Q: Tell us about yourselves.
R: I would describe my personality as sweet and calm. I love meeting new people, and I don’t tend to get overly excited or jumpy.
S: I am calm, obedient and loving.

Q: What’s your favorite vacation spot?
R: Any camping trip with my family. I love when we camp near the water. The ocean waves are a little bit scary though; I don’t really like how much they move. I would rather approach the water myself.
S: I love long walks around Lodi Lake. Camping with my family is my favorite vacation.

Q: What’s your best play spot?
S: I love going on my daily walks to Lodi Lake. There are so many dogs and smells, and we always see other humans with treats in their pockets who love to share with us.

Q: What’s your guilty pleasure?
R: When my mom lets me sit on the couch with her. Shhh, don’t tell my dad.
S: My guilty pleasure is food! I never get enough and my sad eyes prove it.

Q: What’s your canine obsession?
R: I am obsessed with food! It doesn’t matter what type it is, fruits, vegetables, bread, etc.
S: I am slightly obsessed with greeting people at the door with a toy in my mouth, especially my mom. Sometimes I will hold onto the toy for a very long time.

Q: What’s your favorite treat?
R: I enjoy any snack I am offered, but I really get excited about ice cubes, I just love how crunchy they are.
S: My favorite most wonderful treat is salmon. I can never get enough.

Q: Where do you go for pampering?
R: I am really not very fond of baths, but boy do I love being dried off with a towel; it’s like a full body massage. Then I get my nails painted, which I think is a little silly, but the kids at the library really seem to like it.
S: I get pampered at home and I love it when my dad gives me a bath and trims my nails.

Q: What would you like everyone to know about you?
R: In addition to being a part of the Paws to Read program at the Lodi library, I also work full time as a therapy dog at the dental office where my mom works as a dental hygienist. I was born as a puppy to train for Guide Dogs for the Blind. I did really well with my training, but not quite good enough to stay. My mom took over my training when I was 11 months old. I really didn’t have enough confidence to be a guide dog, so they career changed me and my mom adopted me when I was 18 months old. She then took me to be certified as a therapy dog. I really love my career and my family.
S: I love all people and other dogs, especially the ones who have treats to give. I was born in Merced, California. I came to live with my family when I was seven weeks old.

Q: Who are your human parents?
A: Reno and Wendy DeBenedetti.