Because of Teddy....

ALR Family and Friends,

In February of 2001, I did something that changed my life and possibly many of yours as well. I rescued a golden retriever that I named Teddy.

For months I attended adoptions, looking for a yellow female and each time got passed over for a “stay at home mom” with a pool and a house at the lake. Finally, after my fourth Adoption Day, they called about my third choice, a 2 year old red male, which wasn’t at all what I was looking for and I wondered why I had even put him on my list? The next day the foster called and we set up a visit. Reluctantly, I drove to Peachtree City to meet “Ash.” I had no intention of adopting him, but the foster told me there was another shelter dog waiting to take his space, so of course, I signed the papers and we headed home.

The first few days were a disaster. He was apparently a country dog and he was on a mission to escape my small fenced yard, which he did successfully about three times in the first two days. To make matters worse, he had no personality and wanted nothing to do with me. After 3-4 days of this, I decided he wasn’t the dog for me and I called the foster to return him. Of course there was NO foster available, so they asked if I could hang onto him for a day or two more. Well, the very next day Ash did a complete turnaround and he was here to stay. I changed his name to Teddy and he quickly became my constant companion and co-pilot. I was so excited about my rescue experience and this great new friend, that I decided I’d like to help more dogs like Teddy find forever homes.

Teddy became the “Ambassadog” to the 600+ dogs that came to live with us over the years, patiently sharing my time and his home with 4-5 fosters, often at the same time. He welcomed each new dog accordingly, taking it all in stride, which wasn’t the case with my other dogs, who made it their mission to keep them in their place. One by one my family and friends all found themselves with dogs they never knew they wanted, but soon couldn’t live without. The passion became a mission and we decided to start our own rescue in 2007. Since every dog in every shelter is described as a “lab” or “lab mix,” we decided to start Atlanta Lab Rescue. With lots of help and support, and by partnering with other groups around the country, we’ve pulled, transported and rescued over 2,500 dogs...and it’s all because of a slightly raggedy red retriever named Teddy.

About a month ago I found out that Ted had liver cancer. Monday, after a brief and very brave fight, we said goodbye to him. At home surrounded by friends he went with a smile on his face, wagging his tail. Teddy’s big goofy grin was hard to resist and constantly reminded me how lucky I was. My heart is truly breaking and I find it hard to believe how much this dog changed my life for the better. Someone gave me a book a couple of years ago called “Rescuing Sprite” by Mark Levin, a nationally syndicated broadcaster. The book talks about a dog he rescued named Sprite and how this dog enriched his life, it’s a must read for anyone who has rescued a dog.

This week we’ve taken in 6 more dogs (so far), including Laurel a yellow lab in Warner Robins shelter  that has been so neglected she’s developed a skin condition and chronic ear infection that are literally torturing her. Our bank account has about $1000 in it which will barely cover Laurel ’s vet bills, and I’m told we can’t afford anymore dogs right now, but how do we say no to her or any of the other 5? Someday they too may change someone’s life…God bless all of you who open your hearts and homes to these dogs to foster and adopt and those who so faithfully support our efforts.

Thank you,
Becky Cross
Co-founder/Director Atlanta Lab Rescue
http://www.atlantalabrescue.com/
Click here to Donate

A Second Leash on Life

Unlike cats, dogs don’t typically have more than one life. Luck and the right circumstances, however, can make the difference between losing an animal and finding him a foster home on the way to his forever family. Fate may be fickle, but for Derby fate found him the right people at the right time.

Derby’s story began, when he was found, late one night, lying unconscious in a ditch, perhaps hit by a car, dehydrated and barely breathing. He was taken immediately to the Georgia Veterinary Specialists in Dunwoody, GA. While at GVS, Derby was given tests and medications until his condition stabilized.

After his night at the hospital recovering, Derby was subsequently pronounced to be in good health overall - despite the welts and fire ant bites he sustained while lying on or near a mound, unable to move. Unfortunately, he wasn’t wearing tags nor was he micro chipped and no one came to claim him so animal control was contacted. He left for Fulton County Animal Control with his favorite stuffed animal in his mouth. But he wasn’t in ‘doggy jail’ for long. After the ‘stray hold’ expired, Atlanta Lab Rescue sprung the big, good natured, yellow lab and found him a foster home. That, however, was a short-lived stay. While the foster family walked Derby one hot August day, he simply collapsed at their feet.

Rushing him to the Animal Emergency Center of Sandy Springs, with a temperature of 107°, Dr. Dempsey gave Derby oxygen in an attempt to revive him. Unresponsive for more than 4 hours and found to have laryngeal paralysis the vet’s recommendation, to Atlanta Lab Rescue volunteer Karen O’Brien, was given his age of 10 years old, to “let him go.”

As the vet left to make the preparations Karen went to check on Derby to “hold his paw.” What a surprise when the vet returned to find Derby awake wagging his tail and acting as lively as though nothing happened. Clearly, time wasn’t up for Derby. Remaining at the vet overnight, for observation, the phone call from the vet first thing in the morning was to come and pick-up Derby as he was barking loudly and raising a ruckus at the clinic.

Now, Derby is in a loving foster home waiting for his forever family to give him his second leash in life.

Maybe this is the dog for you and your family to love. If you think Derby could be a fit for your family, check out: Derby on ALR's webiste

Top 10 Reasons to Adopt an Older Dog

"Why on earth would anyone want to adopt an adult rescue or shelter dog? After all, aren't they like used cars? Who wants someone else's problems? If the dog is so wonderful, why would anyone give him away? If he was a stray, why didn't someone try to find him? I'd rather buy a puppy so I know what I'm getting, and besides they're so cute!"

Rescue groups often hear a variation of this conversation. Many prospective adopters are just not convinced that bringing an older (i.e, 4 yrs +) dog into the family is better than getting a puppy. But there are a number of reasons why adopting an older pet from a rescue that carefully screens and evaluates its dogs can provide an even better alternative.


1. Housetrained
Older dogs are housetrained. You won't have to go through the difficult stage(s) of teaching a puppy house manners and mopping/cleaning up after accidents.

2. Won't chew inappropriate items
Older dogs are not teething puppies, and won't chew your shoes and furniture while growing up.

3. Focus to learn
Older dogs can focus well because they've mellowed. Therefore, they learn quickly.

4. Know what "no" means
Older dogs have learned what "no" means. If they hadn't learned it, they wouldn't have gotten to be "older" dogs.

5. Settle in with the "pack"

Older dogs settle in easily, because they've learned what it takes to get along with others and become part of a pack.

6. Good at giving love
Older dogs are good at giving love, once they get into their new, loving home. They are grateful for the second chance they've been given.

7. WYSIWYG
What You See Is What You Get: Unlike puppies, older dogs have grown into their shape and personality. Puppies can grow up to be quite different from what they seemed at first.

8. Instant companions
Older dogs are instant companions -- ready for hiking, car trips, and other things you like to do.

9. Time for yourself
Older dogs leave you time for yourself, because they don't make the kinds of demands on your time and attention that puppies and young dogs do.

10. Save a Life, Be a Hero

At shelters, older dogs are often the last to be adopted and the first to be euthanized. Saving an animal’s life offers an unparalleled emotional return on your investment, and you’ll feel the rewards every day you spend together.

*Adapted from Labrador Retriever Rescue's "Top Ten Reasons to Adopt a Rescue"

Thank You Camp Woof

Service organizations can’t and don’t operate in a vacuum. Most, if not all, incorporate the generosity and contributions from many community members. Atlanta Lab Rescue is no exception. Through the on-going support of “Camp Woof” in Norcross, we are able to rescue wonderful dogs from a less than pleasant ending.

While Atlanta Lab Rescue continues its on-going search for foster and forever families, Camp Woof is the weigh-station for many of the dogs. Hans VollmerGeneral Manager says the dogs become part of the family and are able to develop some of the social skills that may have been lacking in their previous situations.

Even though they love having the dogs, says Hans, he’s always happy to see them get adopted into good homes.

"It’s nice to see a rescue dog come in and we are able to provide care for them, but when they leave us, they become different dogs and we feel liked we’ve
played a part in helping them get adopted.”

Opened for business for only 6 months, in Norcross, Camp Woof provides twelve spots for daycare and boarding of rescue animals. With 20,000 sq. ft. of air conditioned space and 15,000 sq. ft. of outdoor space, the animals have plenty of room to play and romp about freely. There’s even an outdoor “kiddy” pool in which both large and small dogs can be found splashing around.

Cots are available for nap time and rest periods. The dogs are safe and well cared for. Vollmer says that it’s important for Camp Woof to give back to the community of which they are a part. We, at Atlanta Lab Rescue, are grateful for their support.

As part of our special relationship with Camp Woof, Atlanta Lab Rescue adoptive families get discounts from Camp Woof as well as a first night of boarding free. Becky Cross, co-founder of Atlanta Lab Rescue expressed her gratitude to Camp Woof and its staff,

“We are so lucky to get free boarding at Camp Woof. It’s the nicest facility that I’ve ever been to. I have never boarded my dogs but would have no problem with sending them there. It’s immaculate and the staff is knowledgeable and helpful. The dogs seem to really like it there and they get plenty of play time.

There is also a retail section that is a doggy dreamland. They have EVERYTHING. It’s worth the trip out to Norcross to check it out and they give discounts to ALR adopters and volunteers.”

If you’d like to foster or are considering adopting a great dog for your family, check out Atlanta Lab Rescue: http://www.labrescueofatlanta.com/

So thank you Hans Vollmer and Camp Woof for all you do and share! For more information about Camp Woof in Norcross or Camp Woof in Decatur, follow the link, http://www.campwoof.com/.

Love Connections & Success Stories

Life's A Beach!

Hi guys - just wanted to give you a quick update on "Courtney" - now Carly (we adopted her in late May). She is the BEST!!!! Not only is she beautiful, but she has fit in perfectly. She's still a little wary of one cat, but loves her new sister the black lab, and the orange cat. She is everything you billed her to be. She is well mannered, house broken, sits, shakes and grins at you when you come home (she curls her teeth back from her lips in a smile-hilarious). She sleeps most nights on one of my sons' beds. We took her and her sister to the beach in July - man that dog can hunt down a seagull! And she swims, fetches, she's perfect. I've told many friends about your organization and what a great experience we've had.Thanks so much for bringing Carly in our lives! Holly

Camp Woof Offers ALR Families A Customer Loyalty Program

Camp Woof of Norcross customer loyalty program and benefits for Atlanta Lab Rescue families:

• Spend $75 in our Pet Food Supercenter and get 1/2 day of daycare free (six hours or less)


• Spend $100 in our Pet Food Supercenter and get 1 day of daycare free


• Buy a 15 day daycare package and receive 1 free day of daycare


• Buy a 30 day daycare package and receive 2 free days of daycare


• Board your dog(s) for 8 nights in a 3 month period and get 2 free days of daycare for each dog, nights do not have to be consecutive


• Get your dog groomed 4 times and the 5th groom will be 50% off


• Get your dog bathed 4 times and the 5th bath will be free, does not include nails and trimming


• Refer someone to us and get 1 free day of daycare or 1 free night of boardingAll of us at Camp Woof appreciate your business and patronage.

Please remember we are locally owned and operated.

Many Show Support at Bark for Art

On Saturday, May 16th Atlanta Lab Rescue hosted its Annual “Bark for Art” Silent Auction and fundraiser. More than 400 Atlanta Lab Rescue supporters helped reduce the current deficit. The event raised about $27,000 with attendees bidding on more than 200 auction items ranging from a weeks stay at a beach home to Braves Tickets with so many other wonderful treasures in the mix.

Atlanta Lab Rescue Co-Founder Becky Cross said,

“This was an exceptional event! Our organization truly has many caring friends and special adopters. And we couldn’t have done it without the largesse of those who helped with services and other resources. I’d like to extend a special thanks to our caterer, Endive; and the extraordinary gallery, Mason Murer who made the location vibrant and colorful. No event would be complete without the appropriate wine; donated so generously by Intermezzo Café.”

Over the past two years, Atlanta Lab Rescue has saved more than 600 labs and mixed breed dogs. However, in order for them to continue their rescue efforts, and "draw down their debt," several fundraisers are in the works.. Currently, a motorcycle ride is scheduled for the fall. For updates on volunteer and other support opportunities, rescues, fundraisers and adoptees, check out the website: http://www.labrescueofatlanta.com/.

It Takes a Village

"Ora na azu nwa" is an old Nigerian saying that means it takes the community/village to raise a child. While raising a single child presents certain challenges, raising nine children is a whole different game – especially when the children have a total of thirty-six legs, nine tails, need constant attention and bark and wimper throughout the night. Such was the case for the nine puppies, affectionately known as the Cedarcrest 9, who were adopted by the young villagers (ages 5-11) of the Cascade sub-division in Suwannee,Georgia.

Taken into the care of Cascade residents after the mother needed surgery, the pups were initially treated, given their puppy shots and microchipped at the Cedarcrest Animal Hospital in Acworth. The young charges then took the puppies home where they fed, watched, played with and cleaned up after the mixed breed puppies until they were all adopted into their forever homes. The last one, Stitch, found his permanent family May 30, 2009.

A Puppy's Story

I was born approximately April 3, 2009. My mother was a full-blooded yellow lab and my dad was a mixed ‘lab-looking’ dog. When my 8 brothers and sisters were just 3 weeks old, my mother was taken in for surgery as a result of such a big litter. The nine of us, though, were taken to Cedarcrest Animal Hospital in Acworth where we were bottle fed and weaned. Now living in a subdivision known as Grand Cascades, our foster homes have provided us with food, shelter and family fun.

And boy! Do we eat! Currently, we’ve been fed Exclusive Puppy food by PMI Nutrition. It’s the Chicken and Rice formula which can be found in many specialty stores around the metro area and on-line at http://www.pminutrition.com/.

So my brothers, sisters and I are as healthy as puppies can be. We’ve been ‘dewormed’ twice, ‘microchipped’ (it only pinched for a second, and I was brave) and received our first series of puppy shots. All of this done through the generosity of our fairy Dog Mothers and Fathers at Atlanta Lab Rescue. Not to speed up the process, but spaying and neutering is usually done around the six month mark (that’s around October 2009). Since we’re still puppies, it’s important to stay in familiar surroundings, as we’re very susceptible to parvovirus which is transmitted from infected dogs through fecal material. Sometimes public places don’t always agree with us little guys.

Our foster families provided an abundance of resources to ensure our transition to ‘forever’ homes. Some advice I overheard while playing, is that puppies need to walk every day. It’s not enough to romp in the backyard, we want to exercise and get socialized so that we’re comfortable and calm with other people, pets and environments. It’s a great time to be with our families. When I walk, I get too tired to be destructive around the home. And, I’m much easier to train.

Which brings me to a very important part of puppyhood. Learning where and when to go. I’ll learn much more quickly if I’m taken outside frequently to ‘relieve’ myself. Just let me know where my grassy area is and take me there often – especially when I’m awake. A treat, reward or special playtime (and of course constant repetition) will help me learn the “do’s” and “don’ts” of a puppy’s life.

My brothers, sisters and I can bring our new families a great deal of joy and satisfaction. And now that some of us are transitioning into our ‘forever’ homes, you’ll be hearing and probably seeing lots of us as we grow into lively and spirited pets. Our foster families want to continue to know of our progress so we’ll see each other at dog parks, picnics and an already planned reunion.

And you can join in the fun.