Over the years we have met many wonderful caring rescuers, fosters, volunteers, adopters, veterinarians, donors and supporters who have played a key role in enriching the lives of the Labs we rescue.

We would like to share a recent remarkable story about one of these Labs, eight-year-old Owen, and the many people whose live he touched. A stray with a dry sunburned coat and a large bloody tumor on his toe, he was picked up by Jefferson County Animal Control and taken to Foothills Animal Shelter (FAS).

Emergency surgery was performed by the shelter vet; the badly infected toe had to be amputated. Biopsy results showed the tumor was cancerous, but successfully removed. Owen had some recovery time ahead so we were called to see if we would like to rescue this ball crazy senior boy. Our answer: “Of course!” Our foster mom was ready to receive him right away.

Our volunteer picked up a very happy Owen and took him to Alameda East Veterinary Hospital for his routine intake check up. Our vet remarked Owen’s type of cancer, melanoma, could be very aggressive and suggested lung x-rays to see if it had spread. We were saddened to hear it had, and began to make arrangements for a hospice foster.

Here is what is so amazing: Ashley, a local veterinarian, and her husband Jacob had contacted us about adopting a senior or special needs dog. Our adoption coordinator contacted them and shared Owen’s story. Would they be interested? They soon met Owen and adopted him, not knowing how long their time together might be.

Owen came to us on November 27 and went to live with Ashley and Jacob less than a week later. Every day was filled with love and adventures. Then on Christmas Day he became very sick. He went to heaven on December 30, just a month after being treasured by his new family and many caring friends along the way. Those who love and care for our rescued Labs are very special people indeed. Here is a very touching video tribute to Owen.