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The Lab Life Line Fund has been set up for Labs who need extra care after rescue and/or prior to adoption. Many of the Labs who come to SHLR have a special condition that needs ongoing treatment or a procedure that SHLR cannot afford through adoption fees alone. Without medical help, many of our Labs would not be candidates for adoption. Our Lab Life Line Fund is there so we don't have to say "no" to wonderful Labs who need extra care.
Labs in Need
Several of our most recently rescued Labs who will benefit from your thoughtful donations to the Lab Life Line Fund:
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Saul
 Picked up as a stray Saul was in dire straits and deemed unadoptable by a shelter because of severe ear infections. Good natured, but obviously in great pain, we took him immediately to Alameda East Veterinary Hospital. His right ear had a slight yeast infection. The left ear was, as our Medical Coordinator noted, “just horrible – there was tremendous bacterial infection, swelling and the ear was bleeding at the slightest touch”. Saul was diagnosed with three different infections. One was resistant to readily available medication and a specially formulated drug had to be flown in.
 We will do all we can to heal and save the hearing in the badly infected ear. Your support of the Lab Life Line will make all the difference in the world to this sweet boy so desperately in need of care to relieve his suffering and get him ready for his well deserved forever home.
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Regina, Kenzi and Ashley's Story
Ragina, Kenzi and Ashley are three young purebred Labs who were rescued together from a bad situation. Upon arrival each was immediately vetted. All were filthy, underweight and so dehydrated they gulped down snow once outside.
We learned that little Regina had such severe dental disease, her infected gums bled at the slightest touch and that she had a hernia. We made sure Regina’s dental health was restored so she can eat without pain. Her hernia was repaired.
Sweet Ashley, who spent her life as a breeder, had life threatening infection, pyometra, as well as alopecia, a condition resulting in balding and hair loss. We made sure she received the vet support and nutrition needed to restore her overall health.
And gentle 4 year old Kenzie, also a discarded breeder, was diagnosed by our canine ophthalmologist with progressive retinal atrophy, an untreatable genetic condition that will leave her blind.
Meeting the medical needs of these callously discarded, but deserving three girls, was a substantial cost for us. We are most appreciative of the generous financial support of Lab lovers, like you, who make it possible to give these innocent, gentle souls a second chance at life as a healthy and loved companion.
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Lab Life Line Fund Success Stories
Thanks to generous donations and the efforts of our foster volunteers, these beautiful Labs have a chance at a better life.
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Puppies
 Zeke, Sophie and Charlie were brought to us from deplorable conditions when our vets suspect they were a mere 6 weeks old. They weighed only 5 – 6 pounds with tummies distended from parasites and dull, brittle straw-like coats — a far cry from the soft cuddly little Lab puppies most people think of. Each tiny puppy was malnourished, dehydrated and fighting severe intestinal and upper respiratory disease.
They required several trips to the emergency room, extensive veterinary treatment and almost around the clock care by their foster parents to survive.
 Your support of our Lab Life Line Fund to help pay for the costly care to save their lives made all the difference for these puppies who will indeed survive and flourish in the warm love of their new families.
While tiny, they send you an enormous “thank you!”
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Riley's Story
Homeless at holiday season, Riley was so frightened by his misfortune that he cowered and shook in the back corner of his kennel. Once rescued and in our care, we found an affectionate, easy-going, well behaved treasure of a Lab. We were concerned, however, by large lump on his thigh. Our vet confirmed it was cancerous and surgery was immediately performed to remove the mass. To everyone’s relief, this timely surgery was successful and Riley’s prognosis is excellent.
As it is for humans with cancer, surgery and post-operative care is very expensive. We deeply appreciate your donations that made it possible for Riley to have for a wonderful and healthy future as a treasured companion.
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Lexi's Story
Lexi’s guardian angel was on her shoulder when she walked through the door of a hospital and into our arms. Running stray at a busy intersection on a below freezing afternoon, a Good Samaritan brought this badly injured 9 month old girl to the hospital.
She had a large, deep, raw gash on her leg and black patches of frostbite on her ears. As you can see from her photo, she was utterly emaciated and dehydrated. She was stabilized by the emergency room staff at Wheat Ridge Animal Hospital and underwent surgery for the repair of her wound almost immediately. Safe weight gain was carefully monitored as was the frostbite.
Thanks to your thoughtful donations we are able to help dogs like Lexi who through no fault of their own find themselves homeless and cruelly injured and in need of our loving care before going to their forever home.
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Luke's Story
 When Luke arrived, the immediate concern was his leg, injured in a car accident as a puppy and never attended too, would need amputation. Grossly obese, he was in pain and lethargic. Our orthopedic specialist found that with a substantial weight loss, physical conditioning and a special orthopedic boot Luke could manage very well with his leg.
Luke’s gentle, every-happy, uncomplaining spirit, has won the heart of everyone who worked with him. While we were fortunate to have some professional services donated for his extensive care, x-rays and orthopedic evaluation were expensive. They were possible for this deserving Lab because your thoughtful support of our Lab Life Line Fund.
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Tyra's Story
 When Tyra arrived she was evaluated for epilepsy and a skin condition that caused an uncomfortable, malodorous yeast infection. Looking into her trusting eyes we found one eye had a dilated pupil and the other a constricted one, suggesting an underlying neurological issue.
“Thanks to your help I got top notch vet care — my skin and coat are pretty again and, after some special tests, the vet found my pupils don’t match because I have Horner’s Syndrome from some nerve damage in my neck. I’m feeling great in my forever home now . . . thank you again!”
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Beau's Story
 Seven year old Beau is feeling like a pup again! Sore and achy after a long shelter stay, Beau never complained. Diagnostic x-rays revealed considerable arthritic changes in his elbows. The right meds have him enjoying his walks these days. But that’s not all he’s thankful for . . . a lump on his belly turned out to be a cancerous mast cell tumor. Our vet removed it and happily all is well.
Surgical and diagnostic procedures to help give our rescued Labs the best possible start in their new lives are costly and your thoughtful donations are much appreciated!
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Marletoo's Story
 Marletoo is a smiling and frisky boy again! He was abandoned at a vet hospital with a three week hip old injury after being hit by a car. Confused and in terrible pain, he was withdrawn and scared. Hip surgery to repair the damaged joint, attentive care at Animal Lodge at VCA Alameda East Vet Hospital and finally the perfect forever home have Marletoo feeling on top of the world!
“Thanks for helping Safe Harbor help me with your donation to the Lab Life Line Fund!” wags a grateful Marletoo.
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Zuri's Story
Young Zuri is delighted to tell you he’s a happy tail waggin’ Lab again!
Critically ill with canine influenza and a virulent case of pneumonia this little guy has recovered completely after two emergency hospitalizations and loads of TLC.
“Thank you for your donations to the Lab Life Line Fund,” wags Zuri. “I’d never have made it without you!”
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Kate's Story
 Kate’s heart has lots more room for love now! Our pretty little girl tested positive for heartworms during her routine vetting with us. Her long and expensive treatment was successful and she back to romping after her carefully monitored recuperation.
Thanks to your support our Lab Life Line Fund we can take care of rescued Labs like Kate who need an extra special measure of care before they can go to their forever home.
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Jack's Story
Full of pep, Jack is once again the picture of a beautiful healthy young Lab! During a long shelter stay, Jack contracted life threatening pneumonia. His lung capacity was so diminished he could neither bark nor cough and he was debilitated by a high fever. An expensive hospital stay and treatments were needed to save his life “A huge ‘thank you’ to everyone who helped me get better with a gift to the Lab Life Line Fund!” wags Jack with as big healthy woof.
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Jameson's Story
Handsome, gentle Jameson is fully recovered from his extensive surgery to remove a baseball size lump near his shoulder. The deeply imbedded lump impaired his movement and made breathing difficult. Jameson told us, “I’m feeling great now thanks to all the Lab lovers out there with big hearts like mine who helped with my surgery costs. And best of all I love my forever home . . . Thank you everyone!”
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Molly's Story
 Molly came to us when a Good Samaritan brought her to us after her large family was evicted from their home. When this 18 month old Lab arrived, she was blind in one eye with severe, very painful glaucoma. The eye, hugely swollen and painful, could not be saved and had to be removed. Completely recovered now and with a charming wink, this frisky ever adaptable little girl can look forward to life free of pain as a well loved Lab in her forever home.
Thanks to your generous contributions to the Lab Life Line Fund, we can provide that “extra mile of care” for Labs like Molly who need the family of Lab lovers to ease their pain and make them well again.
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Healthy Happy Hearts Again!
All our rescued Labs are tested for life threatening heartworms. Both Hayden and Ian tested positive and had to undergo lengthy, carefully monitored treatment to rid their hearts of these worms. Had they been on readily available heartworm preventative medication, they could have avoided the risky and expensive treatment needed to save their lives. Happily, both are hale and hearty now after several months of treatment and rest and are happily home at last!
Our adoption fee can nowhere near cover the high cost to treat a heartworm positive dog. Your donation to the Lab Life Line Fund makes it possible for us to save the lives of these Labs. Thank you!
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Marco Is Feeling Great!
For the first time in ages, Marco feels great like every Lab should. His inflamed skin has healed; the ear infections and ticks are a distant memory. Our canine eye specialist tells us Marco will always be blind, yet how he amazes and inspires everyone as he happily wags and cruises through life without a care.
After quite a journey, Marco asked us to send a huge “thank you” to all the caring Lab Life Line supporters who were part of those helping hands who made all the difference for him.
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 Noah's Ready for Play Dates!
“Get out your calendar and circle a date for me,” smiles Noah. “I’m ready to play!” 7-8 month old Noah had to put puppy playing on the back burner for a few months while he recuperated from orthopedic surgery to repair his broken leg and dislocated hock. A pretty bad case of pneumonia slowed him up too. All that’s behind him now and a happily ever after story awaits. Noah asked us to pass on this message: “Thank you and a great big puppy kiss to everyone who helped me with their support of the Lab Life Line Fund!”
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 Gus Is Ready to Romp Again!
Gus is happy to be up and running on all four paws again! Surgery on his complex hind leg fractures was a success and his days as an emaciated, crippled Lab running on the Interstate are a faded memory. “I’ve heard we Labs have big loving hearts,” smiles Gus “But, gosh so do all you Lab lovers!
Thank you for supporting the Lab Life Line Fund so I could be put back together again!”
Home and healthy at last, Gus is ready to romp through life thanks to your help.
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Jessie's Got a Lot to Smile About
Frolicking and frisking are back on Jessie’s agenda! Nice long walks, trips to the park and romps with dog buddies will fill her days once again. Labs loves to be out and about, but sweet, gentle Jessie, who was hit by a car and had heartworm, was very patient about following doctor’s strict orders for rest and recuperation. But finally her broken pelvis has healed; the major surgery on her dislocated hip and her heartworm treatment were successful. “A huge thank you,” smiles Jessie, “for helping me get back on my paws again by supporting the Lab Life Line Fund. I couldn’t have done with you. Hope to see you at the park soon!”
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Dusty's Summer Looks Bright Now!
“Thank you,” wags Dusty, “to everyone who helped me so I can run and play this summer!” Our thanks too to all those who wished her well as she recovers from orthopedic surgery to repair her neglected fractured foot.
Her lengthy surgery involved a bone transplant, realignment of her ankle bone and insertion of a metal plate Without it though, this two year old girl would have been permanently crippled and her leg unusable.
As you may recall, Dusty was abandoned in a shelter with a neglected fracture and no cast for support. Although sweet tempered and good natured, we knew from her yelps how painful her injury was.
Dusty will wear a cast for a few months and then it’ll be time to enjoy life like a typical two year old Lab. What a difference your support has made for Dusty!
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Mr. Happy is Happy Once Again!
 Feeling frisky and happy to breathe freely again after a good romp, Mr. Happy is back to his mischievous self thanks to your support of the Lab Life Line Fund.
Just a big 9 month old puppy rescued from a shelter, Mr. Happy was critically ill with a temperature of over 105 degrees and severe upper respiratory distress. He was rushed to the hospital where he remained for several days for care and special treatments.
As with people, hospitalization is costly for our very sick rescued Labs. We’re delighted that your support of our Lab Life Line Fund helped put the “Happy” back in Mr. Happy!
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Carly & Casey Update: Two Young Labs Send Their Heartfelt Thanks!!
Carly, Casey and all of us at Safe Harbor would like to thank everyone for their generous support and kind wishes for Carly and Casey. What a difference you’ve made! Your recent contributions to the Lab Life Line Fund helped bring back their happy, lively Lab smiles and tails that never stop wagging.
Their new pictures say it all! Healthy and happy, Carly and Casey are now ready for the next part of their journey – each finding their own forever home.
As you recall, these two helpless Labs were abandoned at a shelter, Carly with a blinded eye and Casey with a broken jaw. Both were so sick and debilitated that, upon their rescue, they were immediately rushed to the hospital for life saving treatment.They remained there for several days until well enough to go to their foster home for full recovery. Later our eye specialist found that Carly’s eye is permanently blind, but gives her no discomfort. Board Certified Surgeons x-rayed and evaluated Casey’s broken jaw. They advised that since the traumatic injury has healed and causes no pain, that it is best to spare him a complex, painful surgery. However, Casey did require extensive oral surgery to remove a number of fractured, abscessed teeth as a result of the blow to his head.
Once again we, and especially Carly and Casey, send our heartfelt thanks for your generous support of the Lab Life Line Fund that helped make their future so bright!
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How To Donate to the Lab Life Line Fund
Donations to the Lab Life Line Fund to help our Labs in need are welcome in any amount and can be made by mailing a check to:
Safe Harbor Lab Rescue
601 16th Street, #C-322
Golden, CO 80401
Or
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| Honorarium & Memorials: The online form will let you explain any honorarium or memorial intent. |
Our special thanks go out to each and every Lab lover who knows what it’s like to have your life enriched by a Labrador – the most wonderful breed in the world. You can see the result of your generosity by visiting our Success Stories where you will find many incredible “tails” of Labs living the happy and healthy lives they all deserve.
Behind the Scenes: The Lab Life Line Fund - Making A Difference
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Are you one of the loyal Lab fans who visit the Safe Harbor Lab Rescue website on a regular basis just to see all the beautiful Labs who have been posted or to read their success stories and smile? Do you ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes before a Lab makes it to the website? We are thrilled when we take in a Lab who is “good to go,” but for many that’s not the case. The “Lab Life Line Fund” has been created to help those who aren’t as fortunate. All of the Labs you see on the website have something in common – they have either been surrendered to us or have been abandoned. Those smiling faces are all hoping that with our help they will find a wonderful forever home. Behind each of the pictures is a very special story. Many of our Labs have been in the program for weeks or even months before ever making it to the website for adoption. Those Labs are receiving all the tender loving care they need to get back on their paws again and prepare for that magical day when they will go home with their new families.
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Each Lab who enters the program is quickly scheduled for a routine physical, vaccinations and spay/neuter. Sadly, many Labs come to us who are not in adoptable condition. Some have been surrendered because they require medical treatment which the previous owner could not afford. Some have been injured, neglected or abused. These special needs Labs are immediately placed in a loving foster home where they receive comfort, exercise, a healthy diet, socialization and training.
Our foster homes are their “safe harbor” until they are well again. For some it is the first time in their lives they experience human kindness and happiness. The next step is to provide our Labs with the medical treatment they require to restore their health. It is through your kind donations that we are able to make their dreams come true and their lives whole again.
Donate
Click Here to see how you can donate.
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