Safe Harbor's Lab Gab
July 2009
Volume II, Issue 7 |
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Our Mission Statement
Safe Harbor 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.
2009 Statistics as of June 30, 2009
Labs Taken in....134
Labs Placed...140
Spayed/Neutered....45
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 Hello Friends of Safe Harbor -
Every season in Colorado opens up a new world of adventures for the Labs! On these warm summer days remember the water and shade, to wipe out ears after a cool swim, do a quick tick check after mountain hikes and never ever leave your dog in the car - even for a quick errand. With lots of open doors and off leash activity, curious Labs can get themselves lost. Be sure everyone's got current ID so your best friend can find you.
Thanks to everyone for your ongoing support. With your help over 130 Labs have found their forever homes this year so far!
Best Wishes,
Jacky
President
Safe Harbor Lab Rescue
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| We still desperately need foster homes for Labs like Sadie shown here waiting for us in a concrete cell in a shelter.
We're scrambling to rescue her and two other Labs from a rural shelter that is "clearing out" their dogs. Safe Harbor covers medical expenses and provides 24/7 support for its fosters. You supply the loving home for a few weeks and are part of fantastic, rewarding and fun team. Please contact Mary, our Foster Coordinator, if you can help a Lab on his or her journey to a better life. [email protected] So many are waiting for us to save their lives!
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Success Story ~ Casey
After Casey's first week in her forever home, Casey's new "mom" Lynn tells us:
"She is already a member of the family. Axel is very calm with her and allows her on the bed with him. She found an enormous rawhide bone in the house and carries it everywhere as well as a stuffed animal that she uncovered. She helps wake up our son who is home from college by licking him on the face and jumping on his bed. She whimpers when Bob leaves for the office in the morning, then comes and lays down with me until I get up. Needless to say , we are all crazy about her...she has an incredibly sweet personality and is adorable. We think she is quite intelligent and holds her own with Axel, who is twice her size. We couldn't have asked for a better fit and are so grateful to Safe Harbor. You did a wonderful job and we appreciate your good work."
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Your Donations make a Difference!
All the rescued Labs who join us see the vet right away. We want to be on top of their health care needs from the get go. Their basic care includes a thorough health check up, routine shots, a heartworm test and they are spayed or neutered. Everyone gets a microchip as a "ticket home". Here are a few Labs who joined us this month and got to shake paws with one of our vet partners at Alameda East Vet Hospital or Arvada West Vet Hospital:
Audrey from Table Mountain Animal Shelter
Clyde from the Humane Society of Boulder Valley
Dusty from Mesa County Animal Services
Halle from Denver Municipal Animal Shelter
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 VET'S CORNER - SUMMER'S STINGS!
by Jeff Steen, DVM
Dogs are most often stung on the face by flying insects as they chase or try to eat them. Bites from flying insects are painful, may cause local redness and swelling and generally resolve on their own.
Some dogs may have an allergic reaction to a sting which can compound things from a medical perspective. These reactions vary from mild to severe. In rare instances they may be life threatening.
Most reactions include swelling at the site of the sting, development of hives and swelling around the lips, eyes and ears. The swelling usually occurs rapidly within minutes of the sting. Severe itchiness around the face and ears is also common. Most dogs with this type of reaction can be easily treated with antihistamines and steroids with no long term effects.
Some reactions can be more severe with breathing difficulty, weakness, collapse and possibly death. Luckily, this type of reaction is rare.
(Check with your veterinarian about temporary home remedies now, and be prepared!) | |
Spotlight on Connie Fredman
Connie Fredman is a most extraordinary volunteer! Owner of Canine Health Resort in Fort Collins, Connie expertly cares for dogs recovering from major medical treatments and traumas, many from CSU's College of Veterinary Medicine. The care at Connie's home, rather than a hospital reduces stress and speeds recovery time.
We are both lucky and honored to have Connie generously helping us as a medical foster. She looks after our Labs who have serious medical issues such as heartworm treatment, require strictly monitored orthopedic recovery or need experienced management of a medical issue. It's truly Lab heaven at her house; 74 acres complete with the Lab's favorite a -- great big pond!
Connie has fallen in love with and adopted two of her SHLR fosters -- Spree, a puppy who required a leg amputation and Dexter, a "Lab with a pointy dinosaur-like head". Also part of Connie's permanent pack is 11 year old rescued Boone, a three legged much lauded certified therapy dog who mentors little Spree. One day Connie hopes she'll follow in his paw-steps.
Compassion, dedication and humor are the words that come to mind when we think of Connie. No matter how naughty or poorly a pup is feeling, she can always send an email that brings a smile or chuckle, kind words and hope for a speedy recovery of our Labs that need special care.
Visit Connie and her gang at www.caninehealthresort.com The pictures will surely touch your heart and speak volumes about what a remarkable woman Connie is.
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Events
Wellington Pet Dog Show
benefiting the Larimer County Humane Society
Safe Harbor Lab Rescue had a booth at the fun family event on Saturday, June 27th. The free community event was an opportunity for all to interact with their pets in the fun setting of a casual dog show. The dog show is non-competitive and ribbons and trophies were awarded. The event included vendors, breed rescue groups, concessions and more.
* * * Upcoming Events
Safe Harbor Lab Rescue has been chosen to be featured for a week on the Three Scoops of Vanilla website. We will receive 25% of all purchases made on the website on the week of July 26th - August 1st. Visit www.threescoopsofvanilla.com to learn more about this program. Thank you Georgia Hansen, Terri Saurber, and Marcia Barber for nominating SHLR!!!
Lab Fest
Save the date!
Saturday, September 19, 2009 at City Bark, Denver
Save the date for our always much anticipated annual fund raiser with fun loving Lab lovers like you, food, swimming and goodie bags for the Labs and a Silent Auction with really neat stuff!
Stay tuned to the website for more details soon. 
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LAB ANTICS by Kara Karsten
We adopted Lilly from SH three years ago and it was the best decision! Lilly was a very active and crazy puppy. One day after work, wanting to buy my new friend a special toy, I went to PetsMart and selected a Jolly Ball. I knew Lilly loved ropes and strings and I wanted her to tug on something other than my shoelaces! When I got home I gave her the ball and with all excitement she took it, ran outside and went crazy shaking the life out of it. She then developed her special technique of twirling in circles letting that ball fly with her! She kept going and going without getting dizzy and we laughed so hard watching her have a blast! To this day her Jolly Ball is still subject to her energy outbursts!
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Kara's Lab Tested Trail
No labs were harmed in the climb to Royal Arch in the Boulder Flatirons, but the author wondered a few times if she would survive. This is the most aggressive trail we have reviewed so far, but it is worth the effort if you and your dog are in good health. The 3.5 mile round trip is very steep going up, and equally steep coming back down, with a total of 1365 feet in elevation gain, if you count the part where you thought you were at the top, started going down, and then discovered another whole up section. This false summit is called Sentinel Pass.
The trail starts on Bluebell Road in Chautauqua Park, next to the Ranger's Cottage. There is no warm-up, it's a work-out from the word GO. This is one time when you might thank that dog who is a relentless puller. The trail is well-marked - follow the signs to Royal Arch, or just follow the crowds in the summer. If you are coming down the trail,
good trail etiquette is to yield to the poor soul who is dragging himself up the hill. He needs to keep up his momentum. Especially keep your leashed dog close to you to avoid tripping up other hikers.
Pack water for you and the dog, and a snack, and have a seat at the top. Rest a while and enjoy the spectacular views of Boulder, and even
downtown Denver on a clear day.
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| Letters to the Editor
We adopted Daisy about a year ago. She is the greatest and obviously talented too. This is how she greeted me when I came home one day. Just wanted to share the picture. ~ Connie Fuerst
A True Lab! We love hearing from our readers!
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| Contact Information
601 16th Street, #C-322
Golden, CO 80401 phone: 303 464-7777
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