Luvin' Labs

My name is MOLLY and I am a spayed 2 year old female,black and white Labrador Retriever mix.  I have been at the shelter since February 15, 2012 and available for adoption since February 19, 2012.  Somehow I must have lost my family and they never thought to look for me here.  If you are interested in meeting me contact Albuquerque Animal Welfare Department at (505) 768-1975 and ask about animal ID #A1609471.

This is SOCHI, a beautiful 3 year old spayed female chocolate labrador retriever.  If you’ve been searching for a young pure-breed chocolate female, this girl looks to be the one.  She arrived at the shelter on February 21, 2012 and is available for adoption on February 22, 2012.  If you are interested in lovely SOCHI contact Albuquerque Animal Welfare Department-Westside at (505) 768-1975 and ask about animal ID #A1039402.

Jewel is a beautiful purebred chocolate Labrador Retriever in danger at the very full Noah’s Ark Animal Shelter in Carlsbad, NM. She is about a year to a year and a half old, very sweet and friendly, typical outgoing lab personality according to the shelter. She was picked up as a stray, so hard to believe that someone would let this beautiful face go, but they did. Please call the shelter at 575) 885-5769 and ask about animal id 15454798 for more information on this sweet girl.

Buddy is a 1 yr old yellow labrador retriever mix. He was surrendered by his owner who no longer had time for him. Buddy is already neutered and ready to join your family today. Stop by and say hi to Buddy. He is currently at the Rio Rancho animal control, 505) 891-5075, animal id C12-0241.

Treble is a 2 yr old male Labrador/Weimeraner mix. He’s a bit on the thin side and just needs a few more groceries to fill out. He was surrendered by his family because they were moving and couldn’t bring this big boy along. He is very nice and just wants a little bit of affection from you. He would make a great family dog. Check him out — he is available for adoption now. He is currently at the Rio Rancho animal control, 505) 891-5075, animal id C12-0248.

Simba was surrendered because the landlord would not allow dogs. She is already spayed and friendly, tho a little shy at first. She is waiting for her second chance at a new home. She is a lab and shepherd mix, at the Rio Rancho animal control, 505) 891-5075, animal id C12-0220.

Jake was surrendered to the shelter because his family had no time for him. He is 3 yrs old, already neutered, and needs a family that can spend some time tossing a ball or frisbee for him and a yard to romp and play in. He is a big boy and just needs a little structure in his life and a family that will love him and give him a second chance. He is at the Rio Rancho animal control, 505) 891-5075, animal id C12-0208.

These beautiful lab mix puppies are in immediate danger at the Clovis NM animal shelter. Both are males. They were picked up as strays and will be available on 2/21. Please call the shelter at 575) 769-7893 and ask about animal id numbers 40065 and 40066, cage #29 for more information.

This is TIM, a handsome black male adult labrador retriever.  TIM has the most beautiful shiny black coat and always appear to be smiling.  This guy only needs a new forever family to make his life complete.  If that could be you contact the City of Clovis Animal Control at (575) 769-7893 and ask about Cage #20, Pet ID #40037.

Meet Tank and Duke, 2 beautiful black lab siblings found running along a highway near Loving, NM. They are about 1 year old and very loving and protective of each other. They are in immediate danger in the Noah’s Ark Animal Shelter in Carlsbad NM. 575) 885-5769

Tank is a sweetheart of a giant who seems to love all other animals…dogs, cats, birds, etc.  He will need someone who can provide some extra TLC; it appears he must have been abused by a man when he was young as he is cautious when men are present and will run and hide. Animal id 15414651

Duke is smaller than Tank and extremely smart.  He also appears to have been abused, but not to the extent that Tank was.  Like his brother Tank, Duke also has a special affection for other animals (see photo below) and feels very safe around them. Animal id 15414610

It would be wonderful if these 2 brothers could be adopted together, but they also could function quite well apart.  If you are interested in giving both or one of these boys a loving and secure home, please contact Noah’s Ark Animal Shelter in Carlsbad at (575) 885-5769.

There is a crisis out there right at our doorstep.  We need help!! We are turning away dogs which means that they are being put to sleep daily because of lack of space.  We do not have enough fosters or resources to save all the wonderful labs out there.  These wonderful dogs which we all know and cherish do not deserve to die alone in a shelter. If you’ve ever considered fostering, please let us know. Fostering saves lives. If you can help, even for a few days, please give us a call at 505/362-0331.

Meet Kai, a male chocolate labrador retriever who somehow found himself homeless at the Las Vegas Animal Shelter.   Kai pleads at you with his endless eyes, yearning for a family and a home to call his own.  Luvin Labs wants to save this guy, but we can’t without a foster.  Can you help?  If you are interested call (505) 362-0331.  You can meet Kai at the City of Las Vegas Animal Shelter in kennel #12.   The shelter is located at 1700 North Grand Avenue in Las Vegas, NM, or you can call 505-426-3288.  The shelter is open from 8:00-5:00, Monday through Friday.

The reason so many of us do what we do. A former LL rescue with a current LL foster, pulled off death row when his time was up. Does it get any better than that?

Sheila and Page Butler are fabulous advocates in the Dalls area. They have transported most of our pups from that area, fostered many of them, and always help us with fundraising, vet visits, and anything else we need. We are so blessed to be a part of their journey in helping those without voices. Thank you both of you, the world is a better place because you are in it. Wishing you lots of labby kisses.

Please watch the video for pictures of Kane, Rigel, Kaiden, Rex, Cocoa, Sawyer, Travolta and many more Luvin’ Labs alumni.

To volunteer to become an animal transporter please email colleen@luvinlabs.com

A Rescued Dogs Prayer

Thank you for rescuing me … I know you’ve thought long and hard about a new friend
Something about my soulful eyes and soft fur touched a very special part of you.
I wanted to share with you a bit of me,
and what might help me to be the best pup for you.
Up until a few weeks ago I had the perfect dog life,
and then one day, a day like every other,
Ended with me being abandoned.
I’ve been at the shelter, on the end of a chain,
In a field, or sitting on the side of the road
Waiting, scared, moved from place to place
With no idea of who to trust or what is going to happen.
Thankful for the fresh water, food, a warm place to sleep and sometimes kind people.
And then you chose me …
Please give me time to adjust to you and to learn your expectations of me.
All I want is to please you, I just do not know how to yet.
I ask you to please give me patience and understanding.
I don’t yet know what you want of me.
Teach me softly, consistently,
Outside, down, fetch, sit, good dog!
If you don’t understand my behavior,
It may be because I have been abused, abandoned, neglected.
Sometimes I may be afraid of you, of other people, of loud noises or sudden movements.
Time and patience will help me learn to trust again.
Please forgive me if I am protective of my food.
I was so very hungry for a very long time.
Someday I’ll understand that my food bowl will never again be empty.
Adopt me because you want me,
Because under my faults and flaws you see who I really am,
You understand that each of us is not perfect,
That our imperfections actually show our individual beauty.
And last but not least, please give me the precious time
I need to adjust to your house, to your home, to you.
I will bond to you … be it today, or tomorrow … or next week
And I promise with all that I am that I will be
Your most loyal, loving, forever friend.

By Luvin’ Labs

A Rescued Dogs Prayer was written with input from all of us at Luvin’ Labs to try to help new owner’s understand that their newly rescued lab needs some time to adjust.  Thanks to each and every one of you for your input!

Pictures are of Sir Lancelot, a 3 year old yellow Labrador Retriever rescued from the Garland, Texas shelter by many rescues working together.  He was an owner surrender who knows sit, shake, and lie down and was just left there, and rescued hours before being put to sleep.  The “Sad Lab” picture at the top of post circulated all over the internet waiting for a rescue to commit to him.  The “Happy Lab” picture at the bottom was after he was rescued, and safe, in boarding.  We are happy to say that Sir Lancelot is living his happily ever after with his new family in Albuquerque, NM!

My name is DUKE and I am a neutered male, black Labrador Retriever mix. I have been available for adoption since Jan 26, 2012. The shelter thinks I am about 6 years old. I have been at the shelter since Jan 26, 2012. Please call Albuquerque Animal Services – Eastside at 505) 768-1975 and ask about animal id A0877642 for more information.

The shelter named me Mocha and I’m a young female chocolate labrador retriever.  Somehow I lost my family and I need to find a new one.  The staff at the shelter thinks I have the most soulful face…what do you think?  If you might be interested in giving me that forever home I want so badly call the City of Socorro Animal Shelter at (575) 838-3103 and ask about Mocha, that’s me!

Encino Man is a cute Labrador Retriever mix currently waiting for a new home at the Albuquerque Animal Humane. Please give them a call at 505) 255-5523 and ask about animal id 25542 for more information.

My name is PEBBLES and I am a 5 year old spayed female yellow Labrador Retriever mix.  I have been at the shelter and available for adoption since January 10, 2012 which is a long time to be here.  I really need to find that special person who wants to share lots of outdoor time and activities with me.  If that is you, contact Albuquerque Animal Welfare Department-Eastside at (505) 768-1975 and ask about animal ID #A1635126.

Shelter staff named me PENNY and I am a female, brown Labrador Retriever mix. I have been available for adoption since Feb 04, 2012. The shelter thinks I am about 3 years old. I have been at the shelter since Feb 01, 2012. For more information, please contact Albuquerque Animal Welfare Department – Westside at (505) 768-1975 and ask about animal id A1636522.

Hey there, my name is Sitka, I weigh about 25 lbs. I’m about 6 months old. I love playing outside with people and other dogs. I enjoy long walks and playing with toys. I’m very active and energetic. Not to mention cute! Please call the Humane Society of Ruidoso NM at 575) 257-9841 and ask about Sitka for more information.

Jenner is a yellow lab mix who is currently at Rio Rancho animal control and in need of a new family. Such a cute boy who obviously could benefit from a bath and a good brushing. You have to love those goofy ears of his. Please call the shelter at 505) 891-5075 and ask about animal id C12-0158 for more information.

Hi, my name is Windy…I am a lovely lady with so much love and excitement to offer you. I am polite and sweet, I love being near my human friends and dog friends. I am soft and wiggly I weigh 48 lbs and I am full grown. You might need to help me remember some of my manners, but for the most part I am a very good listener and very cool. I would like to meet your other doggies if you have any before you adopt me into my forever home! Come here to the shelter and see for yourself how wonderful we can be together.  I am at the Santa Fe Animal Shelter and Humane Society.  For more information about me call (505) 983-4309 and ask about animal ID #A066961.

You like me all ready, right? I’m a teenager who is 77 pounds of playfulness and love. In my previous home I lived successfully with cats and a small dog. If you like to have lots of fun with your dog, please come to meet me. I LOVE to play. Fetch is a favorite game. Balls and plush toys make me happy. Thanks for planning to adopt your next best friend. Paws crossed that it’s me. For more information on Sparky, please call Albuquerque Animal Humane at 505) 255-5523 and ask about animal id 25439.

My middle name is action. See, I can’t even stand still for my photo, so I’m a little out of focus. Hopefully, however, you can still see how pretty I am. I think everything is fun, interesting, and meant for play, especially you. I really like people who enjoy being active and physical, but I need to learn some boundaries. Sometimes, I have trouble controlling my enthusiasm and I jump up on people. This is a behavior that I should probably learn not to do, so I would appreciate a loving owner who can take the time to teach me better manners. Ideally, I need a yard to run around in, but that’s not enough. I need to have regular walks and a job to do. I would make a terrific companion to Superman, but I would be just as happy with a loving human companion who devotes time to training me and showering me with affection and who is also playful. That’s not too much to ask, is it? For more information on Lacy, please call Albuquerque Animal Humane at 505) 255-5523 and ask about animal id 25448.

Who can resist a puppy, especially one as cute as THEOPHILUS?  THEOPHILUS is a neutered black and while male labrador retriever about 2 months old and just starting to learn all that life has to offer him.  Hopefully that’s a loving family who will give him the love and security he deserves.  THEOPHILUS has already charmed the shelter staff.  How about you?  If you might be interested in adopting this precious guy, contact Santa Fe Animal Shelter and Humane Society at (505) 983-4309 and ask about animal ID #A067443.

The shelter staff named me RATTLES and I am a female, black Labrador Retriever mix about 6 years old.  I have been here at the shelter since January 18, 2012 and available for adoption since January 22, 2012.  If you think you might like me as a member of your family call Albuquerque Animal Services-Eastside at (505) 768-1975 and ask about animal ID #A1635672.

My name is Blue and I am not your typical 8 month old lab mix.  Currently I weight 40 pounds, but will probably gain 10 more by the time I am full grown.  I am extremely intelligent and need things to do, so hopefully you have a very active household.  Since I’m still a puppy, training is a must in order for me to channel my energy into the amazing companion I am meant to be.  I love being outside, so I hope you do too.  The shelter has taken very good care of me, but I am so eager to find my new forever home.  I like other dogs, so if you have one at home please bring it in to meet me.  If you are interesting in knowing even more about me contact Santa Fe Animal Shelter and Humane Society at (505) 983-4309 and ask about animal ID #A066221.

My name is Lala  and I am a young black female labrador retriever.  I am looking for a home that will keep me exercised as I love to hike, run and play.  If this sounds like your home environment, then maybe I am the dog for you.  If you currently have a dog at home, please bring them in to meet me.  You can contact Santa Fe Animal Shelter and Humane Society at (505) 983-4309 and ask about animal ID #A056174

My name is BONITA and I am a spayed female, black Labrador Retriever mix. The shelter staff thinks I am about 6 years old. As an owner surrender I don’t have a lot of time here so I need a new home for the new year ASAP.  I have been at the shelter and available for adoption since December 31, 2011.  Help me start the new year with a new family to love.  If you can be that family call Albuquerque Animal Services at (505) 768-1975 and ask about animal ID #A1025053.

Did You Know:    Black dogs are particularly doomed when they are brought to a pound because they are passed by for lighter colored dogs.  This is especially true of  black labs or lab mixes.  They are euthanized at a horrifying rate at many pounds & shelters. If you are thinking about adopting a dog , please don’t overlook black dogs because they are just as loving & wonderful as lighter colored dogs!   Martin County Animal Shelter, Fairmont,MN

Emery is a male, black Labrador Retriever mix that is in danger at the Animal Service Center of Mesilla Valley in Las Cruces NM. Please call the shelter at 575) 382-0018 and ask about animal id 13101985 for more information.

I see you….

My name is Hendrix and I am a neutered male, black and white Labrador Retriever mix. The shelter staff think I am about 2 years and 9 months old. Hi there, my name is Hendrix! I’m a 2 year old lab mix.I like to do all the normal lab things like hike, run, and play with balls, and I am also a very affectionate guy. My new living situation makes me a little nervous, but I know I will find the right forever home soon! While I am cautious at first, I like other dogs, so if you have one at home, please bring it in to meet me! For more information, please call the Santa Fe Animal Shelter and Humane Society at 505) 983-4309 and ask about animal id A064479.

Shelter staff named her ONYX and she is a spayed female, black and white Labrador Retriever mix. Our volunteer tells us she is easy to walk, mild mannered and would make a good family dog.  She walks nicely on leash and settles for a good petting.  She does not have lab ears so doesn’t look very labby, but what lab she has in her shows in her personality.  She has been at the shelter since December 24, 2011 and available for adoption since Jan 04, 2012. The shelter thinks she is about 6 years old. Please call Albuquerque Animal Services – Eastside at 505) 768-1975 and ask about animal id A0884488 for more information.

Libby, a chocolate lab mix, was abandoned by her owner and is waiting for a forever home while being fostered at the Doggie Dude Ranch. She is thought to be 6 or 7 years old and has been spayed. She will be up to date on inoculations and microchipped before going to an adoptive family. Libby is a friendly, outgoing girl that gets along well with other dogs. She CAN and HAS scaled a 6 ft. rock wall when she hears loud noises like thunder or firecrackers; she doesn’t leave the ranch but goes into the picnic yard. She has not, however, tried to climb out of her 6 ft. chain link fenced cabin area or any of of the other chain link fenced areas. To give yourself the joy of the companionship of this great dog, contact Frank at 575) 647-1416 or Doggie Dude Ranch, 575) 647-4471.

Mister Megan is mostly Labrador retriever, tan-gold in color with a gentle disposition. He is about 6 years old, neutered, micro-chipped, and up-to-date on vaccinations. He is timid at first, getting accustomed to new surroundings, but responds readily to attention and training. He came to the Humane Society of Southern NM adoption/foster program because the family who owned him was moving and unable to keep him. Mister Megan is a sweetheart, looking for a forever home with a loving family or individual. For more information, please call Frank Bryce, 575) 647-1416.

Staff named me Helen and I am a spayed female, black and white Labrador Retriever mix. The shelter staff think I am about 2 years old. Hello my name is Helen. I am a 2 year old, 46 lb, full grown lab mix. I love sniffing and exploring new places as well as meeting new people. I can be a little overwhelmed by exuberant dogs, but am okay with canines in general. So if you have a dog at home please bring it in to meet me so we can make sure to get along. For more information, please call the Santa Fe Animal Shelter and Humane Society at 505) 983-4309 and ask about animal id A063497.

Kate is a black lab mix finding herself in need of a new home. She look so sweet and happy in her picture. She’s currently waiting for her new family at the Animal Services Center of the Mesilla Valley in Las Cruces, NM. Please call the shelter at 575) 382-0018 and aks about animal id 12164634 for more information.

Thanks to all for your help. Hot Rod is now getting healthier and is available for adoption with New Mexico  Dogs Deserve Better! You can reach them at 505/974-4733

On Saturday June 18th Luvin’ Labs co founder Marita Harris was transporting one of our dogs to a foster and was at 2nd and Candelairia in Albuquerque… “I saw a puppy running in and out of traffic about to get hit. I pulled over and after about 30 minutes finally caught him. He was so scared. He curled up on my lap in the car and started giving me kisses. We are sure he was so glad to be rescued. We took him home to our four other dogs and they played all evening. I think we got about 2 hours sleep that night, we forgot puppies sleep during the day. I called New Mexico Dogs Deserve Better, who found a foster. Hot Rod was given his shots. Three days later he crashed and by the time he got to the vet he was listless, having diarrea and vomitting. After tests we found out he had Parvo and they were going to have to put him down due to the costs of treatment. We weren’t about to let that happen. It wasn’t his fault. So we started treatment at the vet and within days he was starting to feel better. He is still not out of the woods but has gotten to go back to his foster and is recovering slowly. (we hope). He is truly a little fighter. Four days of treatment at our vets discounted price totaled $775.00. We need help paying for his past and future treatment. Can you please help Hot Rod to have a happy ending?

Please adopt.

I ask for the privilege of not being born …  not to be born until you can assure me of a home and a master to protect me, and  the right to live as long as I am physically able to enjoy life … not to be born until my body is precious and men have ceased to exploit it because it is  cheap and plentiful.
~ Author Unknown ~

A beautiful example of how each of us doing one simple thing can make a life saving difference in the life of one dog …

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We use this list to help place dogs in danger, asking you to just hit forward.

Special thanks to Robert Moore. Robert, big puppy kisses and kudos!

By Jim Willis, 2001

When I was a puppy, I entertained you with my antics and made you laugh. You called me your child, and despite a number of chewed shoes and a couple of murdered throw pillows, I became your best friend.  Whenever I was”bad,” you’d shake your finger at me and ask “How could you?” — but then you’d relent, and roll me over for a bellyrub. My housebreaking took a little longer than expected, because you were terribly busy, but we worked on that together.  I remember those nights of nuzzling you in bed and listening to your confidences and secret dreams, and I believed that life could not be any more perfect.  We went for long walks and runs in the park, car rides, stops for ice cream (I only got the cone because “ice cream is bad for dogs,” you said), and I took long naps in the sun waiting for you to come home at the end of the day.

Gradually, you began spending more time at work and on your career, and more time searching for a human mate.  I waited for you patiently, comforted you through heartbreaks and disappointments, never chided you about bad decisions, and romped with glee at your homecomings, and when you fell in love.  She, now your wife, is not a “dog person” — still I welcomed her into our home, tried to show her affection, and obeyed her.  I was happy because you were happy.  Then the human babies came along and I shared your excitement.  I was fascinated by their pinkness, how they smelled, and I wanted to mother  them, too.  Only she and you worried that I might hurt them, and I spent most of my time banished to another room, or to a dog crate.  Oh, how I wanted to love them, but I became a “prisoner of love.”

As they began to grow, I became their friend.  They clung to my fur and pulled themselves up on wobbly legs, poked fingers in my eyes, investigated my ears, and gave me kisses on my nose.  I loved everything about them and their touch — because your touch was now so infrequent — and I would have defended them with my life if need be.  I would sneak into their beds and listen to their worries and secret dreams, and together we waited for the sound of your car in the driveway.

There had been a time, when others asked you if you had a dog, that you produced a photo of me from your wallet and told them stories about me.  These past few years, you just answered “yes” and changed the subject.  I had gone from being “your dog” to “just a dog,” and you resented every expenditure on my behalf.  Now, you have a new career opportunity in another city, and you and they will be moving to an apartment that does not allow pets.  You’ve made the right decision  for your “family,” but there was a time when I was your only family.

I was excited about the car ride until we arrived at the animal shelter.  It smelled of dogs and cats, of fear, of hopelessness.  You filled out the paperwork and said “I know you will find a good home for her.”  They shrugged and gave you a pained look.  They understand the realities facing a middle-aged dog, even one with “papers.”   You had to pry your son’s fingers loose from my collar as he screamed “No, Daddy!  Please don’t let them take my dog!”  And I worried for him, and what  lessons you had just taught him about friendship and loyalty,  about love and responsibility, and about respect for all life.  You gave me a good-bye pat on the head, avoided my eyes, and politely refused to take my collar and leash with you.  You had a deadline to meet and now I have one, too.  After you left, the two nice ladies said you probably knew about your upcoming move months ago and made no attempt to find me another good home.  They shook their heads and asked “How could you?”  They are as attentive to us here in the shelter as their busy  schedules  allow.  They feed us, of course, but I lost my appetite days ago.  At first,whenever anyone passed my pen, I rushed to the front, hoping it was you that you had changed your mind — that this was all a bad dream … or I hoped it would at least be someone who cared, anyone who might save me. When I realized I could not compete with the frolicking for attention of happy puppies, oblivious to their own fate, I retreated to a far corner and waited.

I heard her footsteps as she came for me at the end of the day, and I padded along the aisle after her to a separate room.  A blissfully quiet room. She placed me on the table and rubbed my ears, and told me not to worry.     My heart pounded in anticipation of what was to come, but there was also a sense of relief.  The prisoner of love had run out of days.  As is my nature, I was more concerned about her.  The burden which she bears weighs heavily on her, and I know that, the same way I knew your every mood.  She gently placed a  turniquet around my foreleg as a tear ran down her cheek.  I licked her hand in the same way I used to comfort you so many years ago.  She expertly slid the hypodermic needle into my vein.  As I felt the sting and the cool liquid coursing through my body, I lay down sleepily, looked into her kind eyes and murmured “How could you?”

Perhaps because she understood my dogspeak, she said “I’m so sorry.” She hugged me, and  hurriedly explained it was her job to make sure I went to a better place, where I wouldn’t be ignored or abused or abandoned, or have to fend for myself — a place of love and light so very different from this earthly place.  And with my last bit of energy, I tried to convey to her with a thump of my tail that my “How could you?” was not directed at her.  It was you, My Beloved Master, I was thinking of.  I will  think of you and wait for you forever.  May everyone in your life continue to show you so much loyalty.

The End

A note from the author:
If “How Could You?” brought tears to your eyes as you read it, as it did to mine as I wrote it, it is because it is the composite story of the millions of formerly owned pets who die each year in American and  Canadian animal shelters.  Anyone is welcome to distribute the essay for a noncommercial purpose, as long as it is properly attributed with the copyright notice.

Please use it to help educate, on your websites, in newsletters, on animal shelter and vet office bulletin boards.  Tell the public that the decision to add a pet to the family is an important one for life, that animals deserve our love and sensible care, that finding another appropriate home for your animal is your responsibility and any local humane society or animal welfare league can offer you good advice, and that all life is precious.  Please do your part to stop the killing, and encourage all spay & neuter campaigns in order to prevent unwanted animals.

Avril Lavigne granted permission to use her song “I’m with you” to convey this important message for animals. The organization is called “New Leash On Life”

Please help us to keep on helping those without voices.

“I looked at all the caged animals in the shelter…the cast-offs of human society. I saw in their eyes love and hope, fear and dread, sadness and betrayal. And I was angry. “God,” I said, “this is terrible! Why don’t You do something?” God was silent for a moment and then He spoke softly. “I have done something,” He replied. “I created YOU.” ~ Jim Willis ~