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The Labrador has a dense, short coat that repels water and provides great resistance to the cold and water. Labradors come in 3 colors; black, yellow and chocolate. Black is the most well known color and it is dominant in Labradors. Black was also the color commonly preferred and bred for up until more recent times. It should be noted that the colors chocolate and yellow have been noted in the original St. John's dogs from the Newfoundland. They are recessive genes and were referred to as the color 'liver' or sometimes 'golden'.

As recessive colors the yellow and chocolate pups would occasionally appear in litters throughout time. During the earlier breeding programs these 'off colors' were often 'culled' until they were finally accepted by the British and the American Kennel Clubs and registered. Some people still favor blacks saying they are the best Labradors. We think it is more personal preference as long as you have a good well balanced pedigree and breeding program behind your dog.

The Labrador retriever must be from Labrador, right? Not so, however. From all accounts Labs originated in Newfoundland. The name assignment may have resulted from a geographical association since Labrador is situated just northwest of Newfoundland and the sub-arctic waters of the Labrador Current flow down the east coast of insular Newfoundland. The name may also be explained by the origin of the word Labrador, Portuguese for yeoman or laborer and the Spanish word for workmen, Labrador’s. A related connection could be the village in northern Portugal called Castro Laboreiro where the dogs that guard livestock bear a striking resemblance to Labrador Retrievers.

There is a bit of mystery about the ancestors of the Labrador, appropriate perhaps given the amazing versatility of the breed. After all, how could one dog be so adept at such a wide variety of jobs, be capable of working under very harsh conditions and also have one of the friendliest personalities around? From the men who began to use the Newfoundland region for fishing in the mid to late 15th century, a rough and often seedy sort, to the aristocratic English gentlemen who refined and preserved the breed in the 19th century, the people responsible for the development of the lab were themselves a remarkably diverse group.

Size: 6 x 8 canvas (not framed)
This item sells for $75.00

Pauline Libutti, RiverRock

Gemstones & Their Healing Power

Crystal & Gemstone Healing

I was first introduced to gemstone healing from my daughter. It was a delightful gift of beauty and healing. She explained that there were literally hundreds of different types of stones that represented different energies. So I thought I would share with you the stones I have received over time. I call them Mother Nature’s natural healers for mind and body.

Rose Quartz – is a heart healer whether physical or emotional. This gem is offered to someone who desires to learn self-love.

Fluorite – is a guard against negativity. It is important to cleanse it at least once a week if you are using it as a protective helper.

Amethyst – this is a highly spiritual stone associated with The Christ Consciousness and Violet Flame of Transmutation. This stone helps one tune into a higher awareness of knowing.

Turquoise – this is a teaching stone that can be used to help one learn spiritual lessons through meditation and/or dream visions.

Hematite – this is a grounding stone silver gray metallic in color that is often used as grounding tool to aid those who tend to avoid worldly tasks/events by out of body flight.

Kyanite– this blue colored stone is best worn near the throat chakra. It helps facilitate channeling and open communication centers to enable contact with your guides and angels. This stone is best known to align the chakras. No need to cleanse this stone, it clears itself automatically of negative energies.

Lapis – this stone has been said to unlock mysteries as it helps one move through confusion and emotional blocks and to root problematic issues.

Snowflake Obsidian – all varieties of obsidian are grounding and protective agents. The snowflake in particular helps us surrender or to let go of negative habits. It will bring about opportunity for change, serenity, and clarity.

Yellow Topaz – is the birthstone for November/Scorpio. It is a stone of optimism and mental clarity. Wonderful healing stone for anyone who is easily distracted, confused or prone to depression.

I feel these stones represent all sorts of healing powers we can use in our daily lives. Remember that shiny rock plucked from the dirt when you were a child that was one of the first treasures you discovered on your own.

Rocks, a natural resource of earth, are everywhere. We pave our streets with gravel, our beach sands are made from the smallest crystals. We adorn ourselves with gold rings and silver bracelets set with colorful gemstones. Whether or not you realize it, within each gemstone and crystal is housed healing properties.

Ever wonder why you are attracted to a particular stone and not another? Nature finds a way to get the stones that carry the healing and spiritual properties that are most needed to us.

(This article is dedicated to my daughter, Lisa, who opened a whole new world to Me)

Pauline Libutti
Artist & Writer

http://www.RiverRockCritters.com/