Safe Harbor's Lab Gab
July 2008
Volume I, Issue 6 |
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Our Mission Statement
SafeHarbor Lab Rescue is a non-profit, 501(c) (3) charitable organization run solely by volunteers for the purpose of successfully rehoming stray or surrendered Labrador Retrievers in Colorado by offering medical care, training resources and breed education.
2008 Statistics as of June 30
Labs Placed.......100
Labs Taken In...110
Spayed/Neutered....36
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Hello Friends of Safe Harbor!
We've rescued 110 Labs so far this year! We can't begin to thank you enough for your support and encouragement that have made it possible for us to help so many Labs in need.
As you try to stay cool this summer, remember your Lab can get pretty toasty too. Dogs have a hard time cooling themselves. You probably know they pant to cool themselves, but did you know that their only sweat glands are on their feet? Even though their pads might seem tough, they can still be burned on hot pavement. And please never leave your dog in the car on a warm day - it quickly becomes a fatal oven. We know you've got that baby pool in the back yard for splashing and loads of drinking water!
As always, we'd love to hear from you at LabGab@SafeHarborLab.org
Best Regards,
Jacky
SHLR President
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July Success Story - by Marie Silverstein
 Melissa had been looking for a second dog to be with her and sweet Bailey. Five years ago Melissa rescued Bailey from a dumpster at a rest stop in rural Montana. Bailey was in very bad shape, full of fly strikes and sick at only 4 weeks old. Melissa pulled her out of that dumpster and never looked back. Bailey really needed a calm guy as the second dog and Melissa was committed to making a difference in another dog's life. She saw Saul, and KNEW he was THE ONE. She showed up at the adoption today with an engraved tag ready for him, new leash and collar, and the most wonderful big smile. Saul knew he was home. Pictured here is Melissa - Bailey and Saul's ANGEL - with Bailey on the left and Saul to her right. Melissa has already called me to tell me she cannot imagine a more perfect addition to her family. She is busy introducing him to his grandparents and her boyfriend. We cannot imagine why there are people in the world who would elect to not care for Saul or throw out Bailey - but we are so thankful for Melissa and others like her who truly change lives with their goodness. Fetch! More Success Stories |
 Trainer's Corner: Top 10 Reasons You Should be Using a Gentle Leader:Animal Behaviorist
1. Prevents and/or decreases pulling
2. Calms your dog
3. Takes the pressure of your dog's neck
4. Allows you to have more control of your dog's head (like a horse!)
5. Increases Leadership because of the pressure points
6. Your dog can still eat, drink, and pant- it's not a muzzle
7. Helps you keep your dog's attention
8. Can decrease leash reactivity in many cases
9. You don't have to give any corrections
10. It's pain free!
The Gentle Leader headcollar is a wonderful way to help you gain control of your dog and improve your walks. If you haven't tried one, and your dog pulls or is out-of-control on leash, try one today!
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Volunteer Spotlight - Carol Farina
Carol Farina has been volunteering with Safe Harbor for over 3 years in many capacities. She started medical scheduling for the Labs and currently volunteers at events, fosters Labs and compiles behind the scenes paper work. Carol has fostered dozens of labs many of which require intensive medical care and TLC. Carol was a nurse for years and her knowledge has been a great help for the many Labs that require special medical attention and therapy - such as Saul, this month's success story. Carol fostered Saul for 2 months, cleaning and administering ointments to his ear daily. Saul too was appreciative of Carol's kindness as he would lie on the floor exposing the ear that needed drops/ointment when necessary.
Carol prefers to foster one Lab at a time so she can devote all of her attention to the lucky Lab. Carol finds working with the Labs rewarding and gratifying because they can't speak for themselves and so many come from bad situations. "They seem so immediately appreciative of any kindness...so grateful" she says. Even Carol's husband, Kirk, says they "know" they are in a better situation once they come to us.
One of Carol's favorite Labs she fostered was named Nick who was very tall, much like a great Dane. He came to Safe Harbor with pneumonia, needed to be on an IV and have inhalation treatments twice a day. Carol and Nick would go into her small bathroom where he couldn't back away from the face mask. The two of them on the floor filled the whole room. Carol says of Nick, "He was a true gentle giant".
Carol also volunteers her time working with All Breed Rescue Network, Colorado Nurses Association and other animal nonprofit charities. Carol has a quick wit and amazing energy and always there to lend a hand. Thank you Carol for your years of medical attention and tender touch with the Labs.
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Blondie's Story ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ In June, long time SHLR Lab, Blondie crossed over the Rainbow Bridge. Blondie, at almost 15 years old, was fostered by Ruthann for the past 2 years, ever since she arrived at SHLR. Blondie was found living under 18 wheelers at a truck stop. We believe she was abandoned there by her owner. When Blondie arrived, she was given a prognosis of 2 weeks because of a cancerous mass but she proved everyone wrong and went on to live 2 more very full, happy years. She provided motherly love to many of the other fosters that Ruthann has taken in over the past 2 years.
Ruthann made sure that Blondie was surrounded by love for the past 2 years and at the time she passed over the Rainbow Bridge. We are so grateful to Ruthann and Blondie will be missed. Ruthann commented "You (SHLR) saved a dog who others would have overlooked. Blondie wasn't the smartest girl in the world but she topped them all in terms of sweetness. And Blondie was an exceptionally happy dog. That tail of hers was kept in constant motion. You did a very good thing in taking her in and making sure she was comfortable and loved."
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 Easy Riders by Meagan Baalman, volunteer
(Sunny with Meagan and husband, Kurt)
People have told me that I am an angel for adopting a blind Lab. While I smile and say thank you, I know that Sunny is the angel, not me. Talking with other blind lab owners, I've discovered that these dogs are troopers in all things life related. They learn commands quickly, and recover instantaneously from bumps to the head. When it comes to riding in vehicles, they are calm, collected easy riders: Laid-back little sleepers. No barking. No whining.
Their blindness is commonly caused by glaucoma or hereditary diseases perpetuated by irresponsible breeding. There is little warning and there is little that can be done medically. Lab owners need only avoid re-arranging furniture, keeping the house and backyard in order and developing simple commands like "STEP" and "CAREFUL" to ensure a lovely life for a blind lab.
Do not baby a blind lab! Visitors often insist on walking Sunny down the stairs and guiding her to the sofa. She soaks up their attention like a sponge and begins to stand at the top of the stairs and cry (when she could go up and down them perfectly well before the visitors arrived).
In general, dogs handle this disability better than people. They accept it at birth or transition into it as if it was bound to happen sooner or later. Sunny doesn't chew things that don't belong to her; she is potty trained; she only barks when she is dreaming; she's a love bug; and she is a daily inspiration. Would I recommend a blind lab? Yes. I would suggest one.
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 Myah's Story
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Little 11 week old Myah joined our program on June 22nd. Four weeks ago, Myah and her sister were about to be dropped over the side of a boat, in a burlap bag into a lake in Missouri. A Good Samaritan boater spotted them and asked the man with the bag if he could have the puppies. They were gladly handed over. Myah's sister found a home, and Myah found us!
We suspect she was going to be disposed of because she was less than perfect and couldn't be sold. Myah is beautiful and except for underdeveloped eyes and blindness, she IS perfect.
But Myah does need expensive surgery by our canine eye specialist who will remove both her weeping, sightless eyes and implant prostheses. Your generous donations to our Lab Life Line Fund will help Labs in need like Myah receive the critical medical care they so desperately need. We're not worried a bit about Myah, though. She already sees with her heart.
Please consider a donation to our Lab Life Line Fund. It makes a tremendous difference for deserving Labs like little Mayah who has her whole life ahead of her.
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Upcoming Events
LabFest 2008 - Join us Saturday, September 20, 2008 at City Bark for our annual celebration of Labs and their families. There will be a Silent Auction, Barbecue, and SWIMMING for the Labs! Volunteers will be needed prior to and the day of the event - contact Judy at funkskater@mywdo.com
if you are interested in helping at this fun event.
LabFest 2007
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Tidbits
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Instead of leaving aluminum cans in the plastic bin at the curb for the recycling companies to pick up take those cans in to a recycling center for some cash. The money you get can be given to animal charities of your choice. |
| Contact Information
601 16th Street, #C-322
Golden, CO 80401 phone: 303 464-7777
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