Wonderful, resilient Labs in troubling situations are waiting to be rescued.

They are in high kill shelters with the clock ticking; some are scared or doing poorly in a cage and some are just happy, young black Labs that are continually overlooked as another big black dog; they may be with caring owners who have lost their home or job; others are signed over to vets to be euthanized because their owners don't like them anymore or they have a manageable medical condition that's just too much trouble; perhaps they've been taken in by a Good Samaritan worried about their homelessness or neglect.

We need foster families so we can rescue Labs and don't have to say "no" to one in need. As a foster, you literally help save a Lab's life. Our foster families are supported 24/7 by a team of dedicated volunteers. We take care of vetting needs. Fosters provide love, stability and structure to help get their Lab "guest" ready for a very rewarding moment: their forever home on adoption day!

E-mail jeckard@gmail.com for more information or send us a
foster application today . . . we'll be in touch soon!

Did you know that Safe Harbor has a web page with links to recommended local trainers and kennels? The following is an excerpt from Secondhand Dogs by Kari Bastyr, Certified Dog Behavior Consultant and owner of Wag & Train.

In the past several years, I've been able to work with many dogs who have been adopted from a shelter or breed rescue. I affectionately call them "Secondhand Dogs".

Adopting a Secondhand Dog can be very rewarding, but it can also be a process that involves unique challenges and frustrations as the dogs settles in and his true personality comes out. I recommend several things to do before and after you adopt, to give your new dog the best chance possible for his future.

1. Do Your Homework. Research different breeds to find out which will best fit into your lifestyle.

2. Ask Questions. Ask about breed, temperament, known history, health, etc. Be wary of rescues or shelters who try to convince you to adopt a certain dog. Be sure the Secondhand Dog you are adopting is right for you.

3. Set Up For Success. Please do not expect your newly adopted dog to be welcoming with eight people over for dinner the day of his adoption. Don't expect your dog to know where to eliminate, or what not to chew on. It is critical that a new family be realistic and if things are not going well it is imperative to reach out to experts for direction.

4. Ease the Transition. Please do not take your dog to the pet store immediately after your adoption - shop ahead of time. If possible, take a day or two off from your job to spend with your new dog.

5. Give your Dog a Job! I always suggest using a rubber Kong toy as a food bowl. Mental exercise provided by problem-solving toys will often tire your dog out more than physical exercise.

6. Refrain from Punishment. Give your new dog space and time to warm up to you. Use a happy voice and small pieces of hot dogs or cheese to lure him where you want him to go - do not force him! It is likely that he was punished and forced in his former home and this will inevitably damage the bond you are trying to build.

It is important that you don't compare your new Lab to your old Lab. Every dog is different and comparisons will only hurt your relationship.

Without a doubt, when you open your home to a Secondhand Dog, you are saving a life. There may be challenges along the way, but in return you will enjoy unconditional love.

Read the full article here.

Many people have interesting stories about how they became involved with dogs. Jacky is one of those people. In 2000, her son needed to find a community project, and Jacky joined him at Table Mountain Animal Center. Together they cleaned kennels and washed dogs. Move on to a volunteer job of identifying Labs for Freedom Service Dogs, then do a Lab-leap forward to 2002 when Jacky agreed to care for a yellow Lab named "Camper" for a few days until a Safe Harbor foster home became available.

Today Jacky is president of Safe Harbor Lab Rescue, an "enjoyable yet challenging" position she's had for the past three years. In addition, Jacky works part-time as a school librarian in Evergreen. She spends many hours, early and late, on the computer and "in the field" doing Safe Harbor work and says her husband, Woody, is hugely supportive of her activities related to Safe Harbor.

Jacky first volunteered with Safe Harbor in 2003 and is pleased with how the organization has changed. She sees an overall sustainable growth and attributes this to the volunteer workload spread, wonderful team work, and to the professional and positive tone and solid problem-solving skills of the volunteers. She is particularly appreciative of the high level of foster and medical care our Labs receive.

Jacky is committed "to saving as many Labs as we can". As are we, Jacky, as are we. Thank you for your compassionate and focused leadership.

Thank you to our "pup" reporter, Ginny Smith, for the Spotlight articles. Follow this link to find out how you can become a Safe Harbor Volunteer.