WHERE DO RESCUE LABS COME FROM?
All LRR labs are purebred to the best of our knowledge. Some come into the program via shelters and dog officers, but most come from private homes. They are given up because of relocation, lack of time and/or training, new baby. All dogs are evaluated for temperament. We do not accept any dog that has a history of biting or aggressive behavior. At our kennel, all labs are neutered or spayed and brought up to date medically if needed.WHY DO LABS BECOME RESCUE LABS?
Labs are the most popular breed in America and have been for the past few years. They have an excellent reputation for being an all around great family dog. However, some people purchase a Lab without learning about the time, training and lifetime commitment the dog requires. The following important statistics complied by the Animal Welfare Association illustrate why Labs come into our rescue program.
22% Owner lack of commitment/dog's behavior due to lack of training or adequate exercise.
20% Owner lack of commitment/no time for dog.
19% Human's health (including allergies)
16% Humans moving
10% Owner lack of commitment/unclaimed stray, no permanent identification on dog
6% Divorce
5% Dog's health
1% Owner cannot afford to keep dog/lost home/misc. financial reasons
1% other
NOTE: Over 50% is due to owner's lack of commitment towards exercise, training and time.
WHAT AGES OF LABS DOES LAB RESCUE PLACE?
We rarely have puppies. If you are considering a puppy please visit our website at www.labrescue.com and click on puppy referral. Please do not purchase a puppy at a pet store or choose an ad in the newspaper. Do your homework and find a reputable breeder. Most rescue Labs are between the ages of 1-7years old, however the range can be from 4 month olds to 12 year olds. The majority of rescue Labs are 2-5 years old.
WHAT COLORS AND SEX LABS ARE AVAILABLE?
We do NOT have a kennel or shelter where you can go to see what is available. In the year 2002, of all the Labs we placed: 53% were male and 46% were female, furthermore 25% were chocolate, 37% were yellow and 38% were black. Please keep an open mind on sex, age and color, as we will be able to contact you sooner and with better options. Temperament and energy level are your most important consideration. If you have a very defined Lab in mind i.e. an English breed yellow female of medium size perhaps you should contact breeders regarding available Labs.ARE ALL RESCUE LABS HEALTHY
Before adoption we make sure the Lab is medically up to date on all necessary vaccinations, including heartworm. All Labs are spayed or neutered before adoption. If a Lab has a health issue, this will be fully disclosed when we contact you to tell you about a Lab. At the time of adoption you will receive a copy of the rescue Lab's medical record and shots, a rabies certificate and a copy of the owner's information sheet. The Labs are healthy and ready to be adopted to the best of our knowledge.
DO WE NEED A FENCED AREA?
All families having children 10 years old and younger require a fenced area adequate to hold a Lab. The fenced area must be in place before we will accept an adoption application from a family with children 10 years old and younger. We do not require a fenced area for other people who apply but definitely consider it a major asset on the application. Click here for more information on fencing.
HOW LONG IS THE WAIT TO ADOPT A LAB?
It can take a week to six months or longer to adopt a Lab. We have no control over when and how many Labs will come into our adoption program. Our job is to find the best match based on the Lab's background and the family's application/ home study to insure success. Lab placement is never on a first come first served basis. If you are flexible on color, age and sex you will probably be contacted sooner. However please realize there are limiting factors we need to always consider such as children, other pets, dog experience of owner and number of hours the Lab will be left alone, exercise/energy level.
WHAT HAPPENS IF THE LAB ADOPTION DOES NOT WORK OUT?
No matter how carefully we screen Lab and family on a rare occasion things just don't work out. We will always take our rescue Lab back as stated in the written adoption contract you are required to sign.
WHAT DOES LAB RESCUE CONSIDER TO BE A GOOD HOME FOR A RESCUE LAB?
A good home understands most rescue Labs need some training and are eager to learn, it is just no one ever took the time to work with them. A good home gives the Lab the needed time to adapt to his new surroundings and people. A good home will have the necessary time needed to provide lots of exercise and human contact. A good home realizes there is tons of companionship and unconditional love inside no matter what the color, sex, build or age of a Lab. A good home knows temperament and energy level are the most important factors to consider.HOW MAY I HELP?
The need for your time, money and support is great. Monetary donations whether or not you adopt a lab are always needed and tax deductible. Purchases from our mail order catalog also help support our work. Requests for a catalog can be sent to the address below. If you would like to make a contribution please make the check payable to Labrador Retriever Rescue, Inc. and mail to LRR P.O. Box 77 Hamilton, MA 01936. Thank you for your interest. Your generosity will help LRR find new loving homes for these wonderful labs.