What they SHOULD have done is get a retired brood bitch from a reputable breeder. I have recommended that route for several families who weren't really dog savvy and didn't want to go through the whole Labrador puppy thing.
Good compromise -- they're providing a home for a dog who needs to retire, but they get an older, more mellow dog that's already well trained.
My Chocolate Lab's father has retired from stud to a home in Florida where he rides in the boat every day and lies around and looks regal. He's a show dog, couldn't find a bird in a phone booth if you poured gravy on it, but he is the sweetest, most mellow boy in the world and great with kids.
>What they SHOULD have done is get a retired brood bitch from a reputable breeder. <
I absolutely do not disagree. That said, surely you don’t think, given the degree of political correctness in this case, they would have ever gone this route. Add into the fact that the girls want a puppy, and this is what you get. Clueless dog owners. Marley redux, despite access to the finest dog trainers in the country.