GUMBO

Meet Gumbo – Your Goofy, Big-Hearted Best Bud! Gumbo is a 2-year-old Labrador mix who was originally found as a stray in O’Fallon on 5/21/25. Since then, he’s had to start over twice — and we’re determined to help make his next home his forever home. Gumbo was adopted on 2/2/26, but was later returned on 8/24/26 after his adopter’s work schedule changed and longer hours made it difficult to give Gumbo the time and activity he needs. He had also struggled with being around high-energy children, where his excitement could become overstimulating and he could become focused on chasing. Apartment living also proved challenging for a dog with as much energy as Gumbo. Through both returns, one thing has remained the same: Gumbo is a big-hearted, affectionate, goofy boy who absolutely loves his people. PERSONALITYGumbo is friendly, outgoing, and incredibly people-oriented. He loves attention and would much rather interact with his person than entertain himself with a toy. He's a total cuddle bug once he settles in and loves going for walks, learning tricks, getting booty rubs, and spending time with his favorite people. He knows tricks and enjoys having something to focus on, making him a fun dog to continue training. Gumbo has lived around other dogs and does well at the dog park. When meeting dogs, however, he can be very enthusiastic and come on a little strong. He may rush in excitedly and doesn't always read another dog's cues right away. He would do best with a confident, tolerant dog who can match his energy and help him continue learning appropriate social skills. A proper dog-to-dog introduction is recommended. THE HOME GUMBO NEEDSGumbo needs an ACTIVE home with a FENCED-IN YARD.This is not a couch-potato Labrador. Gumbo has energy to burn and needs a family ready to give him plenty of physical exercise, mental stimulation, training, and opportunities to run and play. A fenced yard would give him a safe place to stretch his legs and burn off some of that Labrador energy, while walks and training will help keep his body and brain happy. Because Gumbo can become overstimulated when things get exciting, he would do best with a family who can provide structure, consistency, and positive reinforcement and who understands how to help an energetic dog settle. Gumbo is looking for: An active family A fenced-in yard Plenty of walks, playtime, and enrichment Continued training and positive reinforcement Structure and consistency A family who understands his high-energy personality Proper introductions with any resident dogsGumbo is also crate trained and potty trained and enjoys brushing and bathing. And one more very important detail... Gumbo does NOT like water. Yes, he’s a Labrador mix. No, he did not receive the Labrador memo about swimming. TWO RETURNS DOESN'T DEFINE GUMBO.Gumbo isn't looking for just any home. He needs the right home — one that understands his energy, gives him appropriate outlets, continues his training, and appreciates the goofy, affectionate dog underneath all that excitement. He's cuddly. He's smart. He's playful. He's eager to please. He's full of personality. Gumbo has been given two chances. Now we're looking for the person who will give him his forever.