Proving they are everyone's best friend, Labradors have been named top dog on the West Shore, in Sooke and beyond.
That's according to the Capital Regional District’s (CRD) Animal Care Services, which provides dog licensing for Langford, Colwood, Sooke, Metchosin, Highlands, View Royal, Juan de Fuca Electoral Area and Songhees First Nation.
The 'pup-ular' breed finished atop all areas covered by the dog licensing service, which also includes the Southern Gulf Islands.
Chasing behind Labs in second place are golden retrievers.
The news has been welcomed by the West Shore’s most famous Labrador, Jango, who works as a qualified assisted therapy dog at New Roads Therapeutic Recovery Community in View Royal.
“Oh wow, 'top of the pups', I’m not surprised one bit,” said the caring pooch via Cheryl Diebel, his owner and director of the recovery centre. “Labradors like me are practically built to be everyone’s best friend.”
At the long-term residential treatment facility, which is part of Our Place Society, the caring canine currently supports 40 men living with acute and chronic substance use issues, as they rebuild their lives.
Jango attends group and individual counselling sessions, as well as joining residents for their weekly yoga sessions. The dog also provides comfort to the men when needed, helping reduce stress and anxiety.
"I’ve got a knack for finding the person in the room who needs a little extra love," continues the View Royal pooch. "And sure, jumping into laps wasn’t exactly part of my official training, but my super-duper, off-the-charts love mode just can’t be contained."
About why Labradors are so ‘pup-ular’, Jango says the answer is obvious, the breed is loyal to its core.
"Once you’re my best friend, we’re tight for life,” says Jango. “Whether it’s playing with kids, visiting schools, or lending a paw at New Roads, we’re happiest when we’re part of the action. West Shore sure has great taste in dogs – paws up to my fellow Labs out there.”
However, there was some 'ruff' news for Jango, his name was not the leader of the pack according to the CRD.
The most popular canine name in Colwood (or should that be ‘Colwoof’), Metchosin and Highlands is Lucy; Luna fetched the top spot in Langford and the Juan de Fuca Electoral area; while for View Royal and Songhees First Nation, Charlie is the first choice.
Over in Sooke, it's Daisy that rises head and shoulders above the rest.
Dog licences are renewed annually at Animal Care Services, which are valid from from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31.
“A dog licence is your dog's safety net,” said a CRD spokesperson. “It is the quickest and easiest way for us to find you and reunite you with ‘Fido’.
“If we pick up your dog and it's wearing its licence tag, we can find you quickly. CRD dog licence information is available to CRD staff who are on duty 24/7.”
Licence fee revenue is used to provide other dog-related services in the community.
"These fees help us afford staff to investigate domestic animal-related complaints, such as barking dogs, aggressive dogs, dog bite incidents and nuisance cats," said the CRD spokesperson. "Staff also patrol public areas for off-leash dogs and other infractions ensuring these areas are safe for you and your dog to enjoy."
In addition to the dog licensing service, the CRD's animal shelter runs adoption and volunteer programs to take care of stray and lost pets found in the CRD.
For more information about dog licensing, visit the website: www.crd.bc.ca/service/animals-pets/licencing-for-dogs.
