Chase is a tall boy, approximately six years old, weighing around 75 pounds. Well-mannered, handsome, always smiling and wagging his tail, he is truly a pleasure to be around. He loves to be around his people and is always ready to give kisses! He is great with people of all ages, and gets along well with other dogs as long as they are not getting more attention than he is. He just ignores cats. Chase is totally housebroken and sleeps peacefully through the night – he truly is almost the perfect dog.

Chase was born with hip dysplasia, a defect in the way the leg and the hip bones fit together. This condition is quite common in large breeds, but through selective breeding, it has been significantly reduced in incidence and severity. When dogs do occasionally inherit this trait, there are a variety of treatments available through veterinarians.

When Desert Labrador Retriever Rescue (DLRR) found Chase at Maricopa County Animal Care and Controls (MCACC), it was obvious that he suffered from dysplasia but had learned to live with the pain. Chase exhibited so many outstanding Labrador characteristics, that leaving him at MCACC was not an option! DLRR moved Chase to the Animal Medical and Surgical Center in Scottsdale where they performed a Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO) on his right hip, a surgical technique that creates a "false" joint made of muscle tissue. Chase's prognosis is outstanding and he will live a rich and full life.

Chase has started therapy, and according to his foster family he is progressing at a very commendable rate. He is walked a couple of times a day, and as his muscles strengthen to support his weight he'll need to take longer walks. He is also learning to swim, but his favorite exercises are sleeping, eating and going for multiple daily walks. He has an excellent attitude and it's obvious he truly appreciates everything being done for him. What he would appreciate more than anything is to find his forever home with the right person or family who will continue to work with him until he's fully recovered, and make him a very important part of their life.