Like so many of our rescue stories, Sophia's begins as an abandoned Lab in a shelter. The authorities got her to a shelter after her family moved and left her on their property. She was dirty, emaciated, frightened and had mothered puppies in the recent past. In foster care Sophia's personality blossomed, but she continued to have many tummy upsets and contracted aspiration pneumonia. A potential adoptive family fell in love with Sophia and cared for her as she recovered. And here is where her story takes a remarkable turn.

Reviewing a routine chest x-ray for her pneumonia, our vet discovered that Sophia had mega-esophagus, a congenitally deformed esophagus that does not allow food to properly enter her stomach. This was the cause of her tummy upsets and difficulty in gaining weight. Our vets thought it was a miracle she had lived to be two years old. Surgery to correct this condition would have been very risky and the outcome uncertain.

Sophia's incredible new mom and dad were undaunted by this news
and still eager to adopt her. Our vet devised a special feeding program for Sophie where her food is softened for easy swallowing and she is fed on an elevated surface to help the food go down. Sophia is thriving and loving life!

Her new dad, James, tells us: "Sophia has taken over the household. She has discovered that chasing bugs and ducks are a good time (she has yet to catch either). Sophia loves to run more than anything. Most importantly, Sophia now feels at home and comfortable. With some training, she is growing into the Lab that she never had a chance to be. Sophia is a wonderful companion and has added volumes to our lives.

"Thank you so much for everything that Safe Harbor has done for this sweet girl. There is not a day that goes by that she doesn't produce a laugh of some sort. When we go on our daily walks, I can't remember the last time that we weren't stopped to hear a comment on how pretty she is and how she is becoming so well behaved. Grandma has said that she has added so much to her life.

"The fact that Safe Harbor looked into the soul of a girl that had a harsh start in life and gave her the opportunity to grow into the being that she was meant to be speaks volumes of the organization.

"Thank you again for this wonderful girl. After my loss of Meg, I didn't think that it was possible to have somebody fill the void in my life that Meg left. Sophia has over flowed it."

Your thoughtful donations make all the difference in the world to Labs like Sophia. 

If you've noticed your Lab is a little more excited than usual, it's because not only is there a sniff of grilling in the air, but they know it's almost time for LabFest, THE Lab party of the year and our most important fundraiser.

If you've been to LabFest before, you already know what a great time it is. If you're new to Safe Harbor, you are in for a treat! Last year about 200 people and about 100 dogs gathered at City Bark, 8th Avenue for an afternoon of fun. The dogs get to play, swim and fetch tennis balls at City Bark's upscale dog park until they are utterly and happily waterlogged. The humans get to talk about dogs non-stop with other Lab lovers. The humans also enjoy a tasty picnic of BBQ buffalo burgers courtesy of Great Range Bison, side dishes, beer provided by Laughing Lab and soft drinks. The Labs are supposed to stay out of the food area, but we all know how that goes!

While the dogs splash and romp with their buddies, you can visit our Safe Harbor booth and be among the first to purchase our beautiful 2012 Calendar hot off the press. There will be other Safe Harbor gear too. Be among the first ten people to purchase $60 worth of Safe Harbor stuff and we'll treat you to a donated $5 Starbucks gift certificate.

To help raise additional funds for the extensive medical costs of the rescued Labs, we'll also have a small silent auction with some great offerings to bid on so stop at the ATM or bring your checkbook to help the Labs. Offerings include:

Ted Terroux Dog Training - Gift certificate for a basic training course

Good Family Dog - Gift certificates for an in-home behavior consultation and training session

K9 Body Shop - Pool swim for your dog with a staff member

Chow Down Pet Supply - Cushy Lab size dog bed FILLED with toys, goodies and treats

Dogma Pet Supply and Dog Wash - It's a surprise!

Direct TV -DIRECTV system for up to four rooms free, professional installation and one year of complimentary CHOICE XTRA programming, plus DVR Service and HD Access.

Tennessee Pass Cook House - Elegant 4 Course Dinner for two; spectacular views included!

Canvas and Cocktails - An evening of guided painting in Cherry Creek with a friend. Think Holiday gift!

Lab Lovers Wine Basket - Beautiful wine glasses etched with Labs, Lab themed wine and charming coasters

Tower of Dog Goodies and Toys - Your dog would so bid on it if he or she could!

Classy and Very Arty Red Gourmet Dog Bowl - Filled with Treats and Surprises 

Wag 'n Wash - A lovely gift basket that's the perfect present for a special someone with 4 paws in your family.

 

. . . . and more!

Our LabFest 2011 Generous Corporate Sponsors to date are:

VCA Alameda East Veterinary Hospital

Beds 'n Biscuits

Novartis Animal Health 

Laughing Lab Brewery

Great Range Brand Bison

The Canine Body Shop, Canine Physical Therapy

Drucker, Montgomery, Lewis and Bess, PC; Attorneys at Law

Tagabiner Pet Tag Holder

The Labs would love to add your employer to this list of sponsors. Just email Lucy our Treasurer at donate@safeharborlabrescue.org for info.

Space is limited so register today at tinyurl.com/shlrlabfest!

Suzanne's family have been dog lovers for years - her Dad had a yellow Lab and raised Greyhounds in Iowa where Suzanne grew up. Mojo, a Dalmatian, was Suzanne and her husband's dog for 13 years. Then in January, 2010, a 10 month old SHLR pup named Shane joined the family that also includes son, Mitchell, age 9, and Noodles, a poodle-mix.

As many of our adopters do, Suzanne started volunteering after bringing Shane home. She made Safe Harbor reference calls before beginning to transport. Mitchell loves to help and rides along with his mother. Suzanne says, "We love transporting and are so happy we can help out."

Formerly a special needs educator, Suzanne says they are grateful for Shane because he was young enough to adjust to the noise of Mitchell's breathing machines, necessary treatments for his cystic fibrosis.

We are so fortunate to have you and Mitchell as transporters, Suzanne. Thank you both for volunteering for Safe Harbor.