In the Johnson household in Ptarmigan, Hazel “Beans” Johnson, a polar white English Labrador Retriever, is not just a pet but a beloved family member who embodies joy and companionship. At four years old, Hazel charmed her way into the hearts of Mark and Linda Johnson, retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonels, and their extended family.

 

The story of how Hazel got her unique name is as endearing as the dog herself. Initially, Mark and Linda leaned towards the name “Daisy” for their new puppy. However, a serendipitous mix-up occurred during a car ride with their grandsons and granddaughters. Their grandson Ezra intended to call his cousin “Haley” but instead called her “Hazel.” The name immediately resonated with Mark and Linda, leading them to choose “Hazel” for their puppy. The “Beans” part of her name came from her lively antics as a puppy, making her appear to be bouncing around like a playful bean.

 

Hazel's temperament and intelligence have made her a standout family member. Bred for her calm demeanor and striking polar white coat, Hazel lives up to her heritage with a rarely heard bark and impressive smarts. At just nine weeks old, she mastered ringing the doggie doorbell with her nose, making potty training a breeze for her attentive owners.

 

One of Hazel’s most cherished traits is her affectionate nature. She loves being with Mark and Linda, whether they're on an adventure or relaxing at home. Hazel has traveled extensively in their Class B van, experiencing the excitement of both coasts, with her first run on a California beach being a particularly memorable moment of joy. “She really went crazy the first time she was free to run on a beach,” exclaimed Linda.

 

Her mornings are another highlight of her day. Hazel loves to lounge around with Mark and Linda, often snuggling in their bed until they’re ready to start their day. This morning ritual underscores her easygoing and loving nature.

 

Despite her pampered life, Hazel deserves every bit of the affection and attention she receives. She has never chewed up anything she shouldn’t and delights in playing games like tug-of-war and frisbee. An especially fun activity is her search for hidden kibble pieces around the house, a game that engages her keen senses and playful spirit.

 

Hazel is known for her love of people. She often greets guests with a gift—be it a shoe, a toy, or a sock—showing off her retriever instincts. Hazel also takes pride in her role as the mascot for the Greyrock Jazz Band, where she enjoys sitting behind Mark while he plays the trumpet, and Linda is on the drum set during rehearsals and performances. Linda says, “When we play at outdoor venues in the summer, she’s right there with us.”

 

In closing, Linda says, “Hazel is our COVID dog. We decided to add her to our family once the pandemic hit, knowing we would be staying home, which would allow us a lot of time to train her. She is an amazing, gentle companion whom we love dearly.”

Here are a few words from Hazel:

 

Even though I know it's wrong, I still ... beg for food at the table

My archnemesis is... rabbits

My favorite things to do are... go for walks, find treats, and play tug

The "ruffest" part of my life is ... waiting for my people to come home

My favorite toys are ... my stuffed lambie

My favorite trick I trained my human to do is ... let me out when I ring the bell

My favorite place to be scratched/petted is ... my belly!

My perfect day would be to ... spend all day with my humans and get three or more walks

My special trick is ... greeting everyone with a shoe in my mouth

I'm so scared of ... nothing, but loud noises startle me.