MLRR friends and family,
There is no better feeling than seeing a formerly unwanted or abandoned Labrador Retriever happily run off into the distance with his or her new forever family. It is our greatest success, but we simply cannot do it without your support. That's why we need your help to raise $24K in 24 days!
When we commit to rescuing a dog at MLRR, we do not think about the cost. We think about the chance to give a dog a happy future in a loving home. We do not see each rescued Lab as just another dog - but see each as one of our own, because they all are.
MLRR is an all-volunteer, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to finding loving, permanent homes for unwanted or abandoned Labrador Retrievers. All rescued Labs are placed in foster homes where they can be evaluated for temperament and level of training before being adopted. Some Labs do come to MLRR with significant medical needs, such as requiring treatment for heartworm or other medical procedures. Medical expenses are MLRR's largest expense. Did you know it costs MLRR an average of $1,500 per rescued dog in medical expenses alone?
In the past, we have held an annual gala to fundraise, which raised a significant portion of our operating budget each year. With the COVID-19 pandemic, that is not possible this year. Nor can we fundraise or even raise awareness of our organization at public events. That is why we are hoping you will support MLRR so we can help more dogs.
We save dogs like Jade and her puppies. Jade was chained to a tree in Texas with her puppies before MLRR stepped in to rescue them. You might have heard about their story from Pilots 'N Paws. All the puppies have adopters, who are beyond excited to welcome a cuddly new friend into their homes. Jade will no doubt find a wonderful forever home once she's recovered.
Then there are dogs like Miller, who is living his best life at his hospice foster home. Yes, Miller is a hospice rescue and he certainly is not MLRR's first. Miller was diagnosed with osteosarcoma. He had to have one of his front legs amputated but, sadly, the veterinarian found that the cancer has spread to his lymph nodes. Miller's heart has gone into abnormal rhythms and an EKG showed pronounced sinus arrhythmia. The vet has found additional lumps on Miller that are consistent with metastasis of osteosarcoma. Aggressive treatment is not recommended - dogs with his diagnosis have a life expectancy of one to three months.
MLRR is making sure that Miller will get to live out his bucket list in the time that he has left. So far, Miller has enjoyed gentle canine massages, romping around in the pool with his friends, snuggles galore with his foster family, ice cream just for him and more! Despite his poor prognosis, MLRR won't give up on Miller and is making sure he not only gets the veterinary care that he needs but also gets to spend his remaining days living it up. Why? Because Miller is our dog and we want him to know true love while in our care.
When rescue partners have reached out to MLRR about dogs with significant injuries requiring medical care or those living in truly squalid conditions, we answer that call because we know we can provide hope and love to these precious souls. You are probably familiar with the stories of Mara and Faith who were rescued last year and Peaches who traveled earlier this year with Miller to MLRR, all of whom are now living much better lives and being given the love and care they deserve.
While we know this is a difficult time for many, our organization is dependent upon your support, and now more so than ever. At MLRR we are on a mission to do better for our rescues and that means going beyond simply covering basic medical costs and the bare necessities. Did you know that we send trainers to our foster homes when needed? It's true! And each rescued Lab goes home with a welcome kit including a harness, clicker for training, A Sound Beginning book, treats, toys and more! Adoption fees rarely cover what MLRR spends on each rescue.
We have seen a dramatic increase in the number of families who would like to adopt dogs and our shelter partners have seen an increase in the number of dogs being surrendered. Together we can save so many dogs from an uncertain future and place them into loving forever homes.
Can we count on you? Our rescued Labs would be so very grateful!
Together, “We Give Labs a Second Chance.”
MLRR is a 501(c)(3) organization and all donations are tax deductible to the extent allowable by law.
