At LRRCT we believe that dogs embody everything that is good and right in the world and that their unfailing love and loyalty, even in the face of adversity, is something we should all strive to deserve. In the Labrador breed, this love and loyalty are unparalleled, and when we decide to bring a Lab into our lives, we are making a commitment to return that love and loyalty in kind. Loving and living with a dog, like another person, is not always an easy road. They require much of us - exercise, training, time, attention - and these needs remain even when life throws us a curveball. In our family of adopters and volunteers many have traveled a difficult road with their Labs, whether it is coping with divorce, financial hardship, new babies, moves, military deployments, illness or death. Maybe you are reading this because you are at one of these crossroads. If so, please check out our Resource Center section for articles on specific topics and contact us about your situation. You may find that there is a solution after all. Maybe instead you are reading this because you have a young Lab that is testing your mettle with their behavior. We firmly believe that a tired dog is a good dog. Exercise and obedience training are the keys to living with your adolescent Labrador and helping them become the well-mannered and beloved family member they were meant to be. We work with lots of trainers and behaviorists so please contact us for recommendations. Maybe, however, you are reading this because your life has changed so much since bringing your Lab home that they no longer fit in it and you feel they'd be better off elsewhere. We can tell you from years of mending the broken hearts of our rescued Labs that they don't want a better life elsewhere. They want YOU to give them that better life by continuing to make room for them in yours. We understand that under some circumstances, despite a great love for and devotion to your Lab, this is not possible, and our commitment is to help you make the best choice going forward for your Lab. But our mission as a rescue is to someday have no homeless pets left to save. Sometimes we "rescue" by helping our Lab friends stay right where they are, offering you instead our support and counsel. So, before you decide to surrender your Lab, please look into their eyes and ask yourself if you have done EVERYTHING you could to honor your commitment to them. If you're not sure how to move past an obstacle or deal with a problem concerning your Lab, we want to help and have many resources to do so, just contact us. Some specific issues are addressed in our Resource Center section and there is more to come. We appreciate the love you've shown your Lab by reaching out to our rescue and we are dedicated to their continued happiness and well-being, no matter what journey you and your Lab ultimately take.
-The volunteers of LRRCT, Inc.
