Playful, comical Bo
Bo, with parents Scott and Carol, loves to visit Vail, although Bo is not all that crazy about the car ride.
With floppy ears and the face of a teddy bear, it is no wonder people stop to say hi to Bo, compliment him and ask questions about his breed. “Walking him in public places is like walking with a celebrity,” said Scott Ungar, Bo’s dad, who lives in the Village with fiance Carol Lail.
Bo is a 5-year-old year, medium-sized, apricot Australian Labradoodle with white markings and large brown eyes that seem to look right into a person’s soul. While the standard Labradoodle is a cross between a Labrador retriever and a poodle, the Australian Labradoodle genetics may have up to six different dogs, including labrador retriever, standard or miniature poodle, curly coated retriever, American cocker spaniel, English cocker spaniel and Irish water spaniel. The poodle lineage gives them wavy to curly, soft coats that are low in shedding and dander. This was important to Scott and Carol because they have kids with allergies.
Together Carol and Scott have five adult children who are out of the house, so to them, Bo truly is the at-home child.
“He is a great boy, my baby,” said Carol.
Bo has been a big part of the family since he was an 8-week-old pup, bringing them joy and love each day with his energetic personality and funny antics. Television animals of all kinds, especially Toy Story’s Slinky and the dog walker on the Liberty Mutual commercial make Bo believe he is the alpha dog with his barks of who is boss. Even when Bo hears the jingle of the insurance commercial, “Liberty, Liberty, Liberty,” Bo runs to the television.
It is not uncommon for residents to see Bo walking through the neighborhood, possibly chasing a rabbit, but never catching one. By nature, Australian Labradoodles are gentle, sociable, playful, comical and approach people in a friendly manner. They will chase but never catch.
Bo likes to carry two toys in his mouth. One is a ball that he willingly releases for a round of fetch, while the second toy stays securely locked in his jaw.
To enter the house requires “paying a toll” Carol explained. Bo is at the door ready to guide his people to his treats and there is not one that Bo does not like.
“He is such a sweetheart – gentle and kind,” said Scott. “He loves all toys and treats.”
Australian Labradoodles have a keen ability to read people’s emotional state or needs. When Scott has a conference call, Bo stays quiet and still at his heels and nestles between Carol and Scott to be cuddled during down time.
Having fun during last year’s holiday season, Bo’s playful spirit shines through with his Santa hat.
By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of Scott Ungar
