WHAT IS LAB RESCUE OF LRCP, INC.?

Lab Rescue of the Labrador Retriever Club of the Potomac is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization (Non-Profit Tax I.D. 52-1880024) with a two-fold mission: (1) we rescue, foster and place homeless, abused, and/or abandoned Labrador Retrievers (and Golden Retriever-Labrador Retriever mixes) and (2) we provide a referral service for owners seeking to place their Labradors in new homes. We are similar to other animal placement groups such as shelters and humane societies, but we specialize in Labradors. The orphans we receive first are evaluated for temperament and then placed with foster families where they are loved, exercised and further evaluated as they await adoption. All of our dogs are provided with rabies and distemper shots, heartworm check and, if possible, spayed/neutered. We place over 650 Labradors each year. You can reach us at 301-299-6756 or write to us at P.O. Box 1741, Silver Spring, Maryland, 20915.

WHERE DOES LAB RESCUE GET ITS DOGS?

Our homeless dogs come from shelters, humane societies, good citizens who find strays, and even veterinarians. Occasionally we are called to pick up a Labrador in an abusive situation. With respect to owner give-up dogs, these dogs come from a family who for some reason, e.g., divorce, moving, allergies, finances, work schedule, cannot keep the dog. We make every attempt to screen our dogs for health and temperament problems, but we try to accept all Labrador Retrievers. We will not accept dogs who have bitten people. The typical range of adoptable dogs is 5 months to 10 years of age. At any given time, we have between 20 to 40 dogs available for adoption. Usually, we do not have puppies. Although we adopt out dogs throughout the month, we hold "adopt-a-days" once or twice a month at pet supply stores in Maryland and Virginia where we gather a large number of the available dogs in one place.

WHY ARE THERE SO MANY LABS TO RESCUE OR HELP PLACE?

Labradors are the most popular breed in the United States, and that is precisely the reason why so many need to be rescued. Unfortunately, many people breed Labs irresponsibly, do not then care for the pups or place them ill-advisedly and the dogs end up as strays because they are not properly cared for or the people decide they no longer want the dog. There also are a lot of hunters in our area, and Labs are sometimes abandoned after hunting season--or before if they do not hunt. Some of our dogs come from terrible conditions, where they were chained outside on a three-foot chain all the time, not fed regularly and/or abused physically. Many of our dogs simply need someone to accept their love to provide training.

Owners need to place their Labs through us for a myriad of reasons. People often buy a dog on impulse without realizing the time and effort required to care for it. Sometimes an owner's health problems, death, divorce, marriage or financial problems, child allergies or work schedules requires the owner to find a new home for their pet. In addition, in our geographic area, people relocate frequently and find themselves in the position of not wanting or not being able to take their Lab with them.

HOW DO I ADOPT A LAB FROM LAB RESCUE?

Start by thoroughly considering the life style change that a dog will mean. You must give it exercise, love and attention and provide it with a routine that includes coming home from work to let it out and not stopping at the bar with friends. Pets are worth the adjustments you must make, as they return your love ten-fold, but you must be ready to have a Lab in your life. When you are ready, start by filling out our application. When describing the kind of dog you would prefer, try to think in terms of temperament rather than color, sex or age. If you are an active person or on the quiet side, look for that kind of dog. Consider all aspects of your life -- are you quiet, but have grandchildren who visit frequently? Will your current pet be happy with a Lab moving in? An accurate and complete picture of your life will help us find the right Lab for you. Upon receiving your application, an Adoption Coordinator will call you to discuss it with you. If you are approved to adopt, the Adoption Coordinator will call you to tell you about the dog(s) that we feel would be right for you. Lab Rescue will visit your home to make sure that everything is going well, to answer any questions you might have and to advise you about your particular situation. A housecheck is mandatory, either before or after the adoption. To cover our vet bills and related expenses, we require a $250.00 nonrefundable adoption fee. For any dog six years of age or older, the fee is $200.00. All puppies four months old and younger are $300 plus $50 spay/neuter deposit. There are limited exceptions to the fee schedule if we have had extensive medical costs for the particular dog. We also require a signed contract that contains certain covenants that the adopter agrees to uphold during the lifetime of the dog.

WHAT HAPPENS IF THE ADOPTION JUST DOES NOT WORK OUT?

We are extremely careful in the evaluation and placement of our dogs. We make every effort to give you a clear picture of the dog you will adopt. Sometimes, however, a dog does not work out, and must come back to Lab Rescue (as the contract provides). Fortunately, the services of Lab Rescue are available for as long as the dog lives.

WHY CAN'T I BREED (JUST ONCE) THE DOG I ADOPT FROM LAB RESCUE?

Our goal is to place our dogs in pet homes. Breeding dogs is best left to those who want to improve the breed, both from a temperament and physical standpoint, and who understand the time, work and responsibility involved in preparing to breed and actually breeding a dog. Secondly, there are already too many unwanted Labradors, so why add to the problem? If you do not breed a litter, maybe the would-be homes of your puppies will adopt a Lab that needs a home. There are too many unwanted dogs in the world to justify a litter of puppies "for the kids," "to see the miracle of birth," or "to make money."

SHOULD I TAKE MY LAB TO OBEDIENCE CLASSES?

Yes, Yes and Yes! You CAN teach an old dog new tricks and obedience classes are the place to start. Even if the dog you adopt is trained, classes will: (1) help you learn to communicate with your dog; (2) give you confidence; (3) give your dog confidence in you; (4) socialize your dog; (5) quicken the bonding process between you and your new Lab. There are many fine obedience clubs and classes being offered -- we would be happy to direct you. Please ask for your free copy of Second Hand Dog when the adoption is completed. It offers a lot of information you need to know.

WHAT IF I HAVE QUESTIONS?

Lab Rescue is available for help before, during and after the adoption. Please don't hesitate to call us at 301-299-6756.

You can also find a lot of helpful resources about Labs and dogs in general on the web. See our page of Lab Links for a start.