ALR Pop Up Adoption Day!
Tagged: “dog rescue”
10th Annual ALR 5K Race!
Join us for the 10th Annual Atlanta Lab Rescue 5K on Sunday, November 10th at Westside Park in Atlanta, GA. This event is one of our largest fundraisers for Atlanta Lab Rescue and we can’t do it without you.
The Atlanta Lab Rescue 5K is a dog and kid friendly race. The registration fee includes a long sleeve race t-shirt. Awards will be given to the overall male and female winners as well as top 3 M/F in various age groups and the top 3 finishing dogs participating. If you can’t make the race, we are offering a virtual race option. T-shirts will be mailed to virtual race participants after the event.
You can register for the race here: Atlanta Lab Rescue 5K (runsignup.com)
Entry fee is $35. Price will increase after October 13th.
After the race, come mingle with Atlanta Lab Rescue’s adoptable dogs who will be on-site cheering the participants on!
Your Support Provides a Lifeline! Thank you!
| As the year comes to a close, we want to thank all of the volunteers that help rescue, transport, foster, show at Adoption Days, and do the administrative work. It’s a small army that accomplishes great things for so many deserving dogs! We also want to thank all of you who support us financially, many throughout the year, as well as those of you who step up when we get in a bind. If you own a dog, you know how expensive vetting has gotten, and its no different for rescue, especially when you have 50+ dogs, and you seem to be a magnet for the tough cases. On Christmas morning we received a call about a young black lab named Gypsy, who was spayed the week before and had ripped open her stitches, and her organs were protruding through the incision. The owners took her to a vet but they couldn’t afford to pay the bill. The vet didn’t want to see the dog put down, so she called someone, who called someone, who called us. Gypsy is at the ER now with a bill that could range from $4200 – $8400, and that’s just one dog. In addition to the “tough cases,” our general vetting that we do at intake averages over $500 for a healthy dog. We also currently have 10 permanent fosters, dogs that have health issues that make them hard to adopt, so we find loving foster homes for them and agree to pay all of their vetting. The issues range from cardiac to Cushings to cancer, and most require frequent specialty vet visits and expensive meds. Right behind vetting, is our boarding cost. We average 25 dogs in boarding at any given time, with a yearly total this year close to $150,000 (over $12,000 for food alone). Additional board training for behavioral issues added another $3-5,000 a month.This year, thanks to your support, we had what we needed to get the job done and help many dogs that other rescues could not, but we’re beginning 2024 with a balance that is 27% below last year, meaning we’ll have to scale back. I wish all of you had my perspective. I see every dog when it comes in and then when it’s adopted, and the look in their faces says it all. Their lives are forever changed. There are only a few days left in the year, and we’re asking if you haven’t donated, if you would consider a tax deductible donation to Atlanta Lab Rescue. Every bit helps – $3 buys a collar, $300 covers heartworm treatment, and it all changes lives. Thank you!! Becky Cross ALR Director You can also mail a donation to PO Box 250206, Atlanta, GA 30325 or VENMO @AtlantaLabRescue Click Here to Donate   Once you’ve donated, tell your friends by sharing on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or the social media platform of your choice. Let’s show them how much heart GEORGIA has!!! |
THANKS TO YOU, DREAMS COME TRUE!
   THANKS TO YOU, DREAMS COME TRUE! |
| Those of you who have gone to our GA Gives page to donate, read about Alfie, a rescue that came in starved and abused. His adopter donated, and emailed us an update.Turns out today is his “Gotcha Day,” when he was adopted, and here’s Alfie now. This should make you believe in miracles and how your support for Atlanta Lab Rescue changes lives.We are so grateful for your financial support that makes it all possible, and for those volunteers who make it all happen.We didn’t quite meet our goal for Giving Tuesday this year… so let’s make it Giving Friday!If you haven’t had a chance to donate to GA Gives, you can still do it by clicking below. Your donations are tax deductible and guaranteed to make you feel good… Thank you!!Becky CrossALR Director You can also mail a donation to PO Box 250206, Atlanta, GA 30325 or VENMO @AtlantaLabRescue and indicate “Giving Tuesday.”Click Here to Donate  Once you’ve donated, tell your friends by sharing on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or the social media platform of your choice. Let’s show them how much heart GEORGIA has!!! |
ALR 5K – A Big Dog Size Thank You!
On behalf of Atlanta Lab Rescue, we want to thank everyone who participated in our 9th Annual George Heery, Jr Memorial ALR 5KI this year. We couldn’t have done it without the support of our amazing sponsors, volunteers, and runners.
We hope everyone had a great time on the course and petting all the adorable dogs. All the proceeds of this race help us continue our work on rescuing homeless and abused dogs and helping them find their “furever” homes. Your contributions make it possible for us to help as many dogs as we can.
Thank you again for making this event such a huge success. Be sure to join us next year for our 10th year of this race on Sunday, November 17, 2023. Mark your calendars now!
9th Annual Atlanta Lab Rescue 5K
Join us for the 9th Annual Atlanta Lab Rescue 5K on Sunday, November 12th at Westside Park in Atlanta, GA. This event is one of our largest fundraisers for Atlanta Lab Rescue and we can’t do it without you.
The Atlanta Lab Rescue 5K is a dog and kid friendly race. The registration fee includes a long sleeve race t-shirt. Awards will be given to the overall male and female winners as well as top 3 M/F in various age groups and the top 3 finishing dogs participating. If you can’t make the race, we are offering a virtual race option. T-shirts will be mailed to virtual race participants after the event.
You can register for the race here: https://runsignup.com/Race/GA/Marietta/AtlantaLabRescue
Entry fee is $35. Price will increase after October 15th.
After the race, come mingle with Atlanta Lab Rescue’s adoptable dogs who will be on-site cheering the participants on!
Free Puppies!
A new documentary movie dropped tonight (12/14/2022) called “Free Puppies” about our animal overpopulation in the South and the role the rescues play. It’s a must see for anyone who loves dogs and supports rescue efforts. It’s available on Amazon and on DVD online. Please take the time to view this very informative documentary and help stop pet overpopulation. I am certain the Christmas Wish for all Dog & Cat Rescue Groups would be to go out of business.
A Nineteen-Year-Old Dallas Rescue Dog Checks Off Her Bucket List – From G & G
With the love of her foster family, a gray-faced black Lab mix fills her days with gentle fun
By DANA REBMANN
November 14, 2022
PHOTO: COURTESY OF LAUREN SILER
When Lauren Siler saw the sweet graying face of Annie, a nineteen-year-old black Lab mix, she couldn’t get the dog out of her mind. An animal lover in Dallas, Siler regularly fosters abandoned newborn kittens. “I honestly had no intention of ever fostering any other animals than the neonatal kittens,” Siler says, “until I saw Annie’s picture.”
When Siler and her best friend and roommate, Lisa Flores, contacted the Pawerful Rescue outside of Dallas, they were told Annie was likely in her last month or so of life. (The notes from her surrender said she had stopped eating and walking). Undeterred, the duo brought her home and set out to spoil her rotten.
That was almost five months ago. Ever since, Annie’s been living it up, enjoying loads of love and lots of naps while checking off a bucket list brimming with experiences and adventures—from wading in a kiddie pool to donning a Santa hat for Christmas in July to dressing up as an angel for Halloween.
Well documented on Instagram, Annie’s fun-filled days have brought joy to thousands of supporters near and far. (She’s chasing twenty thousand followers on Instagram and has a post office box for fan mail.) Annie’s a lucky dog; while many senior dogs are surrendered, few find new homes. We asked Siler for advice on the best ways to help other senior dogs in need.
What do you want people touched by Annie’s story to understand?
We had no idea until we started fostering Annie that this is not a rare thing. She is not the only old dog sitting in a shelter. I just happened with some sort of social media algorithm to see her picture that day.
What should people know about fostering animals?
When you find a good rescue, like we did with the Pawerful Rescue, all you are responsible for is the soft spot to land and lots of love. The financial responsibility for all medicine, food, vet appointments, etc. is covered by the rescue organization. The foster will get so, so much more from these animals than they can ever give them.
If they can’t foster, is there anything else Annie’s fans can do to help animals in need of a home?
My motto through this whole foster journey has been this: If you can’t adopt, foster. If you can’t foster, volunteer. If you can’t volunteer, donate. If you can’t donate, advocate. There is something every single person can do in animal rescue. Find a local rescue group or shelter and ask how you can help.
Does Annie need donations?
Annie’s Shelter Dog Treat Wish List consists of bones that will be taken to Dallas Animal Services, the shelter where Annie was originally surrendered. They have on average about 360 dogs in their facility every day. Annie and Tippy’s Wish List (Tippy is another senior dog the duo is also fostering) includes things that are generally needed or are going to be used for bucket list activities.
What’s something you especially love about Annie?
I love the way she “happy dances” before meals. I also have a love-hate relationship with how she has trained us that she needs a treat to come back inside and will plant her feet right outside the threshold until we offer her a treat.
What’s left on Annie’s bucket list?
Annie loved her hamburger tour so much that we are going to take Annie and Tippy on a chicken nugget tour and maybe even an ice cream cone tour. Her bucket list is infinite.
House Training an Adult Dog
House Training Adult Dogs – June 8, 2022 (Published) Breanna Norris, KPA CTP
When house training an adult dog, the process is the same as with a new puppy. Although you may have been told your new adult dog is house trained, that may not be the case in your home. When first brought home, you may not be able to recognize your dog’s need to go out and they do not know how to go out.
Keep slip-on shoes and a leash near the door so you can quickly take them out when they wake up, after they eat, when they are sniffing for a spot, or looking restless. Be patient and take them outside frequently.
Keep treats handy near the door to grab as you go outside to your dog’s designated potty area. As soon as your dog goes to the bathroom, reward them with several of their favorite treats. Shower your dog with treats when they go to the bathroom outside, don’t wait to treat them after they come back in.
Giving so many treats like this may be frightening to your dog, causing them to refuse the treat. If this happens, remain calm and try putting the treat on the ground near them. If they still refuse the treat, try reinforcing another way, like going back inside or letting them sniff the grass or a tree. You can also try tempting them with other treats to discover what your dog considers valuable.
Adult dogs may prefer to potty on a specific surface. A dog that has spent their life in a kennel may prefer concrete over grass because this is familiar to them. To encourage your dog to go on different surfaces, try:
- a road or sidewalk or an area with gravel;
- leaf piles that might resemble wood shavings in their previous kennel;
- bare ground under a tree or near the garage;
- a covered porch, a garage, or a pop-up tent if they only previously soiled in the house;
- a low-sided container such as a boot tray with sod or artificial grass for small dogs.
Some dogs may have been punished for toileting in the house, causing them to avoid going to the bathroom in front of people. Take them out in a safe area on a long leash or someplace where they can potty behind a tree or bush to give them privacy.
Since some dogs have never gone to the bathroom while leashed, try using a lightweight long line and be sure to keep the leash loose, or go to a safely fenced-in area so they do not need to be leashed. For small dogs, an exercise pen on the grass can often work.
Making accommodations may be short-term while you find what your dog prefers. Eventually, you can transition your dog to the area you choose. Help your dog understand where you want them to go by using a visual such as wood shavings in the area. Reinforce each time they toilet on the shavings, using fewer shavings until eventually your dog no longer needs the visual.
Similar to training a puppy, your adult dog should not have free run of the house. Use exercise pens, baby gates, or doors to keep your dog with you until they are fully house trained and let you know they need to go out. It can take several months to fully housetrain. For accidents inside, use a good enzyme cleaner to remove odors to help prevent possible future marking behavior.
If you have any concerns about your dog’s bathroom habits, discuss the issues with your veterinarian to rule out medical conditions.
Mela the Shelter Dog shares her story!
A dog’s perspective: Mela the shelter dog shares her story
17 January 2022
Introducing Mela, an adorable shelter dog who survived a rough start in life to later be adopted by her forever family!
Every dog has their own story, especially the dogs you’ll find at your local animal shelter. Mela is one such dog, and below is her story – from a traumatic early beginning, to the safety of a loving home, this story written from her doggy-perspective will be sure to warm your heart! It also highlights the importance and power of adopting a shelter dog. We hope her story will offer you some insight as to what it’s like to be an abandoned, lonely shelter dog lucky enough to find a forever home.
Mela’s humble beginnings
Before I was brought to the animal shelter where I was adopted, I lived with my original owners.
My memories from this time of my life are hazy; I just don’t want to remember the lack of love, misunderstandings, and frequent beatings that characterized this time of my life.
For this reason, it’s hard for me to talk about my upbringing before the shelter. I remember things like sticks and umbrellas being used against me when my owners got angry at me. No matter how hard I tried to be a good girl, it seemed that my behavior, in fact I, was never quite good enough to avoid their constant mistreatment.
Fortunately, at almost two years of age, I was saved from this destructive environment by an animal rescue group. (Psst.. check out the story of one dog rescue center in Ontario, CA.) I’m so grateful that they helped me to get out of that situation. I was taken to an animal shelter, where I began the next interesting phase of my life as a shelter dog…
Living in the animal shelter
At the animal shelter, I was surprised to learn that sticks and other sharp objects were no longer a threat to me. And the people around me seemed to be taking care of and helping me rather than getting angry and violent.
I remember that it took me some time to understand that throwing a stick could not only be painless, but fun to catch!
And that humans can be friends, not only foe. I also made some new four-legged friends at the shelter, just like me!
Once I settled into life at the shelter I quickly realized that I wouldn’t have to spend my days there forever. The place was like a dog dating service and every day I met a new potential family. I started to discover that I was actually a pretty social girl, underneath my initial anxiety. So I was looking for a family or partner who could give me the amount of love, care and devotion I needed to enjoy my newfound life.
Meanwhile my new family was considering all kinds of factors about what kind of dog they should adopt.
Things to consider when adopting a shelter dog
- Size
- Age
- Breed
- Gender
- Temperament
- Activity Level
- Hair Length
For the shelter, it was very important to find the perfect match between dog and owner, and all these factors and more were considered in the match-making process. So I hoped I’d have what it takes to find my forever family!
Getting to know each other
It was fun being around other dogs, but my own personal character came out most when I had the chance to be alone with a potential adopter. Therefore, I began to enjoy the times when humans would come to visit me and take me out on walks to get to know each other better. And I started to realize that this was an important step in finding my forever family. Each and every time they came, I felt more and more comfortable around them. Soon I had one family that was my favorite and I was theirs too! I looked forward to every time I had the chance to get out of the shelter with them. I was ready to go to my (new) home!
Adoption at last
Finally, I was adopted! This was a big change for me, and it was initially harder than I expected. I was quite sensitive and a bit insecure; everything was new to me. But I still wanted to be open to my new family. They were very friendly and showed me everything right away. They showed me where I could sleep and rest, where to get my daily meals and they even took me for a walk around the block, to make me feel more secure in the new area. What really helped me at this time were some kindly-enforced rules and discipline, which gave me a sense of stability and security.
At last, the love and care from my new family showed me an new way of living this dog life.
I was allowed to be close to my family as much and as often as I wanted. Because of this, I gained more and more trust in them and our relationship grew stronger and better every day. They often talked with me to make it easier for me to understand their mood. And that made me feel really good and safe around them. So before too long, I was very relaxed in my new home.
It also helped that they provided me with all the basic equipment a new dog needs in their new home.
Basic equipment for dogs
- Bed with a soft blanket
- Different toys
- Well-fitting dog collar
- One short and one long lead (leash)
- Dog brush or comb
- Quality dog food appropriate to my age and breed
- Two bowls for food and water
- Dog barrier for the car
- GPS dog tracker
A happy ending
My new parents loved me so much, they bought me a GPS tracker for dogs. At first, I didn’t know what to expect, but they simply attached it to my collar and I soon forgot it was even there. With the tracker and matching app, they were able to keep track of me at all times. Even when I was trying to run off by myself, I was always relieved to see my owners again. The best part about having a GPS tracker is that my parents can let me explore off-lead sometimes, in areas where that is allowed. They let me roam and unleash all my energy (something my previous owners never would have let me do), and thanks to the tracker, they will always be able to find out where I am and come to me if needed. What a relief!
After three wonderful years with my new family, I’m so thankful for everything that has happened in my life to lead me to this point. Never before have I experienced so much freedom, love, and security!
I hope my story has inspired you to consider adopting a shelter dog! It will mean the world to your furry friend, like it did to me.
Yours truly, Mela
Don’t Stop Believing!
Atlanta Lab Rescue & The Grey Muzzle Group
Atlanta Lab Rescue has exciting news to share. We were one of only 77 animal welfare groups in the US to receive a grant from The Grey Muzzle Organization that makes grants expressly for programs designed to improve the lives of at-risk senior dogs. This money will enable us to continue to rescue dogs like Oreo, Rusty, Hershey, Charlie, and many more older dogs that get passed over, many times, due to health issues. Our “pack” says THANK YOU to The Grey Muzzle Organization!
Bourbon Barbecue & Best of Breed – Save The Date!
| Bourbon, Barbecue & Best of Breed 2021 |
Back for the 4th year, “Bourbon, Barbecue and Best of Breed” is the event that you have been waiting for…IN PERSON!!Join us at the beautiful Donaldson-Bannister Farm in Dunwoody for food, fun and field trial demos…add bourbon and beer tasting, cornhole, music, silent auction and yes, we will have the GA vs. SC game playing for the ultimate “tailgate.” Purchase your tickets TODAY!Get your TICKETS Here!** Tickets limited to 350 ** For Sponsorship opportunities, please email us at info@atlantalabrescue.com      |
7th Annual Atlanta Lab Rescue 5K Race!
Please join us for the 7th annual Atlanta Lab Rescue 5K on Saturday, November 13th, 2021. The race this year will be a trail race through the beautiful Still Family Farm in Powder Springs, GA. Dogs are welcome as usual! After the race is completed, stick around for a fall festival with activities for dogs, kids and participants. Your registration fee will include a long sleeve t-shirt featuring our fan favorite race logo!
Want to run in the ALR 5k? This year our 5K course will be a trail race through Still Family Farm. We are offering both timed and untimed options for the live event. We are also offering a virtual option again this year. You can sign up at https://runsignup.com/Race/GA/PowderSprings/AtlantaLabRescue
Ready to be a sponsor of the ALR 5k? We have all levels of sponsorships available. If you are interested in sponsoring our race, please email mackhea@gmail.com and we can provide you with additional information.
Thank you for your support of Atlanta Lab Rescue!
The 10 Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Here is a fun article from I Heart Dogs! Can you guess the Number One Most Affectionate Dog Breed?
What could be better than dog kisses and canine cuddles? These breeds aren’t afraid to show their love for you, in fact, they insist on it! Having one of these breeds means having a personal snuggle machine in your home. If you’ve got space in your bed or on your couch for a cuddle buddy and free hands for belly rubs, consider adopting one of the dogs on this list!
#10 – Brussels Griffon
This charming little dog steals the hearts of everyone they meet, and good thing too. He wouldn’t be happy if he wasn’t getting attention from everyone in the room.
#9 – Great Dane
Known as the over-grown lap dog, these gentle giants are as affectionate as they come, often leaning on their person to beg for attention.
#8 – American Staffordshire Terrier
If you don’t own one, this may come as a shock to you, but the Am. Staff is known for being people-orientated and loving with a personality similar to the Labrador retriever.
#7 – Bichon Frise
Often seen as the epitome of the “lap dog,” it’s easy to see why 18th Century French royals were taken with this loving little dog.
#6 – Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
One of the most popular spaniels, the “Cavi” is an attention hog and really isn’t content unless he’s on your lap.
#5 – Bearded Collie
Often called the “happy herder” because of its bouncing personality, this collie loves attention. Their smile when they greet you says it all – “I Don’t Know You, But I Love You”
#4 – Italian Greyhound
A miniature of the full-size greyhound, this doe-eyed dog would rather be giving kisses then winning a race.
#3 – Bedlington Terrier
While terriers are often thought of as independent, this high energy breed has a real soft side. They are very content lap dogs and are often pushy about getting attention.
#2 – Golden Retriever
Also known for its loving nature, the golden retriever is commonly used for therapy work due to its friendly attitude toward everyone, even strangers.
#1 – Labrador Retriever
No surprise that this breed made this list. Labrador retrievers are known for their sweet, loving disposition. No wonder they make sure great service dogs.
Puppy’s Second Christmas – Please Read if you are considering a Puppy for Christmas
We like to post this article each year because SO many people want to give a puppy as a Christmas present. For most all cases, this is the worst idea ever and there are countless reasons why. People get emotional around the holidays and many times do it anyway, then we get the dogs and usually they are not in good shape, around January / February as owner surrenders. Stop and read this article and take a suggestion – Instead of giving a puppy to someone (who might not be ready) HERE IS THE BEST SOLUTION – Give them a leash and a collar wrapped in a box with a bow….then make the promise to pick the right puppy or dog when the TIME IS RIGHT FOR ALL! This is really a great idea when you think about it. Some folks will even foster before adopting to make sure a dog is a good fit for them! PLEASE avoid putting these innocent animals through so much turmoil and in some cases worse. If you really want a puppy or young dog, take it slow and think it through! You will be happier and so will the pup!
It is that time of year again…..and it happens every January to pretty much every rescue group we talk to and it happens to Atlanta Lab Rescue too…….Not even 24 hours after the excitement of a new puppy for Christmas and people are calling rescue groups and dumping puppies at the shelters all around Atlanta and beyond. It happens all the time – for some reason, somebody thinks it is a great idea to get a puppy for an unsuspecting person or child – NOT A GOOD IDEA! That is pretty much the worst idea for a Christmas gift. A puppy or a dog is a living animal that will require years of attention, exercise, food and care. Many lab and lab mix dogs live up to 16 years! That is a long time to commit to and if you are not ready and have not thought it out, Christmas is NOT the time to make such a far reaching decision.
On Christmas Day last year, we received a request to take in an owner surrender – on Christmas Day! Go figure….they couldn’t even wait a day. The family had grown tired of the dog already. Puppies are puppies and many dogs remain puppyish for years to come………..especially labs!
Here is the bottom line on Puppies –
They have lots of energy – because they are puppies
They pee on the carpet – because they haven’t been properly trained yet and their bladder is the size of a walnut
They bark – because they are unsure of their new surroundings
They don’t know how to walk on a leash yet – because they haven’t been trained
They can be fearful of small children – because small children generally don’t know how to treat a puppy
They can throw up – because you might be feeding them the wrong food or table scraps
They need periodic vet visits – because they are not fully immunized
They have to pee every 2 hours – because they are puppies and their bladder is the size of a walnut
They need consistent training and interaction – because they are puppies
That puppy will grow up to be an absolute reflection of the care you give it from day one!
Too often we get requests to take in dogs that are very young, not trained, snarly and generally not the best pets – why? Because someone treated that dog terribly as a puppy – neglected it and generally treated it like a stuffed animal. Well guess what, these wonderful little four legged ones are like little kids, they need constant attention and care to mature properly. And when we take in these young dogs, we spend money and time, neither of which is in great supply, to rehab them to be great dogs that we can adopt out again…..I personally adopted a puppy about two and a half years ago….I can tell you, I thought it out long before bringing him home! I made absolutely sure I could give him all he needed to grow into a great dog and he has done just that because I put in the time. For the first 2 weeks, taking him out to pee every 2-4 hours….around the clock! Guess what? It takes time and patience! Do you have a good supply of that after a 10 hour work day, child activities, dinner and general time to do household chores and such? You can’t just toss the dog in the back yard either…..
If this article is speaking to you, take time with your puppy or new dog……don’t make the mistake thousands will make in a few weeks, dropping the ball and dumping the dog at the shelter. The shelters become overrun quickly and owner surrendered dogs are the first to be put down….as in immediately. The shelters don’t have the space. If you end up giving your dog up to ANY rescue, make a financial donation to help defer costs.
Think about it long and hard before doing anything…remember, you are the one who wanted the puppy, you owe it to the puppy or dog to give it your best.
Atlanta Lab Rescue Adoption Update – Please Read!
Due to our current situation in the Atlanta area, and across the Southeast and US, we are temporarily suspending our normal monthly adoptions. WE ARE STILL RESCUING DOGS FROM SHELTERS!! We are still working everything else we do on a normal basis. Please check our website and Facebook page on a regular basis for updates and to find the love of your life in one of our great ALR Dogs!
Any questions, please post to our website or email us at info@atlantalabrescue.com
Thank you and again, we will continue to the good work we do of savings dogs!
Atlanta Lab Rescue 2016 5K Race!! It’s the Second Annual!!!!
Yes its that time again, well, almost!!! Atlanta Lab Rescue is looking to make our 2nd Annual 5K Race amazing and we can’t do it without you!! Join us SUNDAY NOVEMBER 20th, 2016!!
If you are a runner, our registration site is up and ready. You can sign up early and then concentrate on training! Here is the link to sign up for the 2016 2nd Annual Atlanta Lab Rescue 5K Click here to Register!!!
If you would like to volunteer for this great event, we are having our first volunteer meeting on June 5th from 6:30 – 8:30 pm at Whitehall Tavern in Buckhead. (2391 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305) If you can join the meeting – Great! If you can’t make it but want to volunteer, please contact Heather Coyle at mackhea@gmail.com for more information!
Last year, our inaugural year, was a big success. We are so excited about this year and know it will be an even bigger event because of you and your love for the Labs and our Rescue!
Thank you! Questions? Email Heather at mackhea@gmail.com or email us at info@atlantalabrescue.com
THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!
On Grieving a Dog You Rescued….
Here is a great post sent to me by one of our all time great fosters at Atlanta Lab Rescue….The article is from Positively, a website from Victoria Stillwell. Here is the LINK to the article.
As we have said many times in person, at adoptions, via email and newsletters, Atlanta Lab Rescue could not operate without Fosters!
On Grieving a Dog You Rescued
Tuck enjoying his last day before crossing the Rainbow Bridge.
There are few things that compare to the heartbreak of losing a dog. But what happens when it’s not “your” dog, but rather a dog you saved from death days, months, or years ago and then found a forever home for? It seems that I’m not the only one going through this struggle, so I’ve decided to share my story in the hopes that it may help others through their grief.
I’ve been rescuing and fostering homeless dogs since I was a child. I always felt that if I could do something for a dog in need, it was my responsibility to do it. So I guess it was only a matter of time before I had to say goodbye to one of the dogs that started his journey with me.
Tuck was a purebred Golden Retriever that ended up at a local animal control facility, where he was picked up as a stray in horrendous condition. He was a senior, and was weak, emaciated, and almost completely hairless. He had a host of medical issues, and no one was sure if he could even be saved.
Thanks to the help of Golden Retriever Rescue in Atlanta, I was able to pick up Tuck from the shelter, and we started him on the road to recovery. He was in the worst condition I’ve ever seen a dog, and I covered him in a blanket in my car as we headed to his first vet appointment. Despite the pain he was in, I could hear his tail happily thumping in the backseat. That was a good cry! He stayed with me briefly while the rescue found a long-term foster home, and he was eventually adopted by a wonderful family. Click here to read more about Tuck’s story.
I found out recently that Tuck’s health was rapidly declining. Although he had completely recovered from the neglect of his past, he was still a senior dog and only had limited time to begin with. I never expected him to live as long as he did, but when the time came, it still didn’t seem fair.
Tuck had a wonderful last day with his amazing adoptive family, and peacefully passed away. It was the first time I’ve had to deal with the death of a dog I rescued, and I was surprised by how hard it was to deal with the loss, even though I hadn’t seen him since he was adopted.
I’ve come up with a few thoughts that I hope will help others in the same position.
1) You did your job. As a rescuer or a foster, your job in each dog’s life comes to an end. Whether you’re still their primary caregiver in the end or you’ve passed that torch on to an adopter, cherish the role you played in that dog’s life.
2) You changed lives. Of course, you changed the dog’s life. But you would be amazed by how many people can be affected by an animal throughout the course of that animal’s journey with us. It might be something subtle, like teaching someone about the plight of shelter dogs. For others, that dog may have actually saved someone’s life. Be proud that you were even a small part of that journey.
3) You made a happy ending possible. A dog’s life may be spinning on a terrible trajectory, but your intervention changes everything. Overnight, a dog can go from shaking in a shelter to being loved and cherished in a caring home. You made that possible.
Dogs handle death better than we do. They live so gratefully in the present that even a few days knowing love and safety outshines the years of abuse or neglect that they may have experienced before you. They live and die with peace in their hearts, and we can’t ask for anything more than that.
If they could, I bet they’d pat us on the back and say, “job well done.” I sure hope my Tuck thinks so.
