Davikas Labrador Retrievers

06/24/2025

My dogs really just lay low these kind of days. Good thing it’s supposed to break tomorrow!

05/31/2025

This is one of the biggest problems in America and nobody in power cares. Part of the reasons pups have become so expensive too. Breeders get no deals either. Vets used to actually care about their breeder clients but now they would rather all the dogs they see come from rescue as the early start of those dogs is a poor situation that they don’t even usually have to support the hard work that breeders take on. When my good vet retired we really never love our experience in the industry anymore. We have become a widget and no care and don’t have me go down the need for pet insurance today to even pay for this for most ordinary pet owners who might not have $10,000 laying around for emergency surgery.

“Private equity is ruining everything and it's driving me insane. My dog's vet got bought out by private equity. And it used to be this place that actually like dogs. The doctors were so awesome. Now every time I go, they try to upcharge me on everything.

— I went today and I took my dog. He needs to get his like prescriptions refilled, basically. So we did a heartwarm test and they proceeded to quote me for $2,000 in additional services that he may need, one being teeth cleaning, which all of that was for teeth cleaning actually. And I've gotten quotes for other places for teeth cleaning because I know his teeth need to be cleaned pretty soon. And I've gotten quoted for $400 at other places. $400.

Why is it $2,000 at my former vet, where I used to be able to go in without an annual exam and get vaccine, where now I have to annual exam. I have to go in for an exam for anything. And every time I go in, they try to upsell me on multiple things that I've already declined. And they don't even pet my dog. They don't even act like they like dogs”

“I just feel like private equity getting into pet ownership is insane because we've been pushed out of the market to be able to afford children because of private equity and private insurance. And so a lot of us have gotten dogs and pets because we want to have something in our lives. And now they're making this extremely unaffordable as well. I was shocked by the way they tried to close the meeting and push for additional tests that weren't discussed with the doctor, weren't discussed before I arrived, saying that because he's five, he needs to get these tests. And then when I get the quote for the dental work, it was actually pre operation blood work when I haven't agreed to going and getting his teeth cleaned there.

It's a scam. I feel scammed. I feel like every time I go somewhere it's been bought out by private equity and everywhere is trying to price gouge me where I feel like becoming Amish may be the next best thing I could do for myself because I genuinely can't continue to live in a world that is controlled by private equity”

- ,X

05/20/2025

Grief is the quiet hum of a love that no longer has a body.

It’s the phantom weight at the foot of the bed where they used to sleep.
The way you still pause before opening a cheese wrapper, out of habit.
The way your heart stumbles when you see their favorite toy under the couch, dusty but untouched.

This isn’t just sadness—it’s the echo of a thousand small rituals that once meant nothing and now mean everything.
The way they’d nudge your hand for pets while you worked, or how their tail thumped the floor at the sound of your voice.
The way the house feels like a museum of their absence—every corner whispering, They were here. They mattered.

At first, the grief is a wild thing—sharp teeth, ragged breath. It chews through your days and leaves you raw.
But slowly, the storm inside you settles. Not because the love fades, but because it finds new places to live.
In the way you smile at a stranger’s dog who has their same goofy ears.
In the way you catch yourself saving the last bite of your sandwich, then realize no one is waiting for it.

You don’t “move on” from a love like this.
You fold it into your bones.
You wear it in the way you walk through the world a little softer now, a little more tender—because they taught you how.

Grief isn’t a flaw. It’s the fingerprint of a love so deep it outlived its form.
So let it ache. Let it linger. Let it remind you:
What you miss isn’t gone. It’s just buried in your nervous system—a pulse of warmth when you least expect it.

One day, you’ll tell their story and laugh before you cry.
One day, their memory will feel like sunlight on your shoulders instead of a weight on your chest.
Not because you’ve forgotten, but because love has a way of turning wounds into wisdom.

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05/18/2025

**For Annie** (Adora x R***r puppy)
Thirteen years and half a bright moon,
A life well-lived, yet gone too soon.
Soft black fur, a heart of gold,
A love so vast, so true, so bold.

She ran through fields, through morning light,
A shadow gentle, swift in flight.
Loyal eyes, a steady friend,
A bond that time could not suspend.

Through autumn winds and summer’s shine,
She stood beside you, love divine.
Now stars reflect her gentle grace,
In every whispered, windswept space.

Though paws may rest, her spirit stays,
In memories warm, in golden rays.
A life well-loved, a soul set free,
Forever part of all you see.

---

I hope this brings you comfort to know that she will always hold space on our page

Davikas labs 🌈💔🪽🐾

05/14/2025

Sharing this go fund me again. Thank you so much for the donations and continued prayers to Beau’s recovery. He got tetanus that I found out happens usually when a puppy is teething and they chew on something. This puppy is not mine but I have my prayers towards him. His breeder is doing all she can to get him recovered. She took him back and you can see he wants to make it. Every little bit to expenses are helpful. Once he can actually get up he will need pt to get his muscles restored. They have a delicate balance right now to keep him happy but not over stimulated. God Bless him🙏 and his caregiver. This is also one reason I really push people nowadays to sign on for insurance. It would have probably covered a lot of these expenses. I had one puppy that needed extensive care for something unforeseen and Trupanion covered a lot for it. We never know what will happen. Unfortunately there are not great policies for breeders so much of the burden is on them.

Telling Beau's story, and helping Trudi Selland O'Connell provide life-saving v… Robin McBain needs your support for Support Trudi's Fight for Beau's Recovery

05/13/2025

I know this loss is profound—your black lab was more than just a pet, but a true companion through the years. Here’s a heartfelt poem in their honor. RIP Fenway (Gus and Freedom litter) she lived such a joyous 13 years and 10 months.

**Shadow at My Side**

Thirteen years, a lifetime whole,
A loyal heart, a gentle soul.
Through every dawn and midnight deep,
Your steady paws and watchful keep.

A shadow cast in golden light,
Ever near, forever bright.
Through laughter, love, and quiet rest,
You stayed beside me—at my best.

Now silent steps, the earth stands still,
Yet in my heart, you wander still.
No leash, no bounds, no final gate,
Just open fields beyond the fate.

Rest easy now, sweet spirit free,
Your love still walks the path with me.

---
Unknown

04/25/2025

So sad about this chocolate lab puppy with tetanus. I do know this is an actual situation. It could happen to anyone’s pet. I always try to help knowing so many helped me when my puppy got parvo a couple years ago. Any small donation or sharing would be very appreciated.

Telling Beau's story, and helping Trudi Selland O'Connell provide life-saving v… Robin McBain needs your support for Support Trudi's Fight for Beau's Recovery

04/17/2025

Thought you would love this lab information. Also take note 55-80lbs. They often look heavier because of their double coat and loose skin.

04/15/2025

I got this Easter photo of a puppy named Gracie soon to turn 2 from Towhee and Tobin. She works for cheese. Glad to also announce all of our most recent litter has a home. We have been blessed with so many great Davikas families. Thank you to all and Happy Easter.