A dog who loves family, fetch and to fish
The Grace family at Roxborough Park. From left: Rio, Jordan, Kinsey, Crew (4) and Kylie (2).
Rio is a 5-year-old yellow Labrador retriever full of energy and enthusiasm who joined the Grace family in April 2020. Although her coat leans to a softer cream color rather than sunshine yellow like a traditional yellow Lab, Rio has a classic Lab look with her expressive dark eyes, broad head and strong, athletic build.
Arriving from a farm in Colorado where her love for wide open spaces and fresh air first took root, Rio lives with her humans in The Canyons neighborhood where she is a part-time fishing buddy, part emotional support dog and full-time family member.
In a busy household with two working parents, Jordan and Kinsey, and two young children, Crew (4) and Kylie (2), Rio’s presence is dependable and meaningful. Jordan helps run the family business, Out of Sight Closets & Garages. Kinsey is a software engineer for GitHub and also does marketing for the family business.
“Kylie and Crew are obsessed with Rio. They call her Baboo,” said Kinsey. Rio responds so well to it that now the whole family often refers to her that way.
Labrador retrievers originated in Newfoundland, Canada, and are named after the Labrador region there. They were originally known as St. John’s water dogs, bred by fishermen to retrieve nets and fish. The breed was later brought to England and developed into friendly, gentle and loyal companions.
The breed is at the top of the list for training to be a guide dog, rescue dog or therapy companion. For hunters, Labs can be trained to retrieve on land and in water, and with their soft mouths, they can gently return the bird from either location.
At home, Labradors are known for their eager-to-please nature. They are a social breed who thrive on togetherness and being part of a pack, all traits that make them well suited to family life. Rio is no exception.
While Labradors are also known for their hearty appetites and tendency to overindulge, Rio’s outdoor lifestyle and daily walks help her stay fit. She has an unshakable love for tennis balls and would play fetch from morning to night if given the chance. Rio swims, goes on hikes and tags along on family fly fishing trips to the Roaring Fork River in Basalt, Colorado. It is a special place for the family, as Kinsey and Jordan were married there in 2020.
Jordan and Kinsey Grace with their yellow Lab, Rio, enjoying a fly fishing trip along the Roaring Fork River in Basalt.
By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of Kinsey Grace
