Update 10/1/08/08

Lucky had the surgery to remove his eye and is recovering well at home.

Update 9/14/08

Lucky's family still does not have the funds to cover the surgery to remove Lucky's eye. His eye is being treated with drop, but the vet is recommending immediate removal of the eye. Labrador Harbor cannot cover the entire cost of the surgery at this time.

Update 8/10/08

Lucky's family needs urgent help with funding to help cover the high cost of surgery required on Lucky's eye. Pressure build up is pushing Lucky's eyeball out of its socket and the vet recommends immediate removal of Lucky's eye. Please help today!

Update 9/1/08

Mamas has a large tumor in her stomach that needs to be removed. Mamas single mother is in need of assistance to cover the costs of the surgery scheduled for 9/5/08. Mamas is a beloved family dog - her human sister pictured above is very attached to her. Please help Mamas today with a small donation today. The surgery is estimated at $620.00.

Update 9/17/08

Mamas had surgery to have her lump removed from her abdomen. The lump was fatty tissue, very good news, and no further treatment is needed. She is doing well!

Update 9/1/08

Carter was adopted by a loving and generous family who are caring for the costs and recovery of Carter. He is doing well in his new forever home.

Update 6/4/08

Carter is a Lab in Rescue through Labrador Rescuers (San Diego). He has disc compressions in both the Thoracic-Lumbar spine and the Unbearable spine. Surgery is required to relieve his pain and get him walking again.

His foster mom has worked diligently with the Veterinary Specialty Hospital of San Diego who have agreed to discount Carter's surgery by almost $4,000. However, his surgery total bill will still be a little over $2,000 which the rescue group cannot afford. Labrador Harbor has offered some assistance, but Carter needs your help now to have this surgery.

Click the MAKE A DONATION button at the bottom of this page to donate directly to Carter today!

Update 7/20/08

Thanks to Labrador Harbor, other generous donors, and the wonderful staff at UC Davis, Big Bud's surgery was a success!

Update 6/8/08

Big Bud is a vibrant, young service dog that desperately needs surgery on his elbows, which are deteriorating due to a genetic condition. The estimated cost of surgery is $3,000 - $3,500 and his owner, who is on disability, cannot afford the high cost surgery. The vet says that prognosis is excellent for Big Bud considering his age and personality. Please find what you can to help this dog who has so much to offer to his owner and family.

Update 2/29/08

Cricket was able to have surgery, but needs x-rays to ensure her leg is healing properly, bandage changes, meds, etc. Please help Cricket today with a donation for her continued care.

Update 1/25/08

Cricket is a two year old black lab that was hit by a car and has a tarsal/metatarsal fracture/luxation. Her owner reports that the vet says she either needs surgery to correct the problem, or needs to have her leg amputated, as splinting will not work. Her owner is working to raise funds to save Cricket's leg and is close to reaching the $3200+ goal, but she desperately needs your support.

Cricket's mom is a teacher, and has already spent her summer fund on Cricket's time at the hospital, and is moving back in with her parents.

Update 4/20/08

Madison was run over by a car on a family trip and his leg was broken in 6 places. He was rushed to the hospital and cared for, but his family is in desperate need of assistance to help cover the costs of the life saving surgery. Madison's best friend is the family's 4-year-old boy, Bryce. Bryce is legally blind and has CP and he and Madison rely heavily on each other.

Update 6/13/08

Stella ingested about 10 Deramaxx (doggie pain pills). Her mom's roommate's dog passed away, and she was going to recycle the meds to a rescue group, but Stella got the bottle and ate them. Stella has been released from the ER and is doing well. Her mom is on SSI, but she does have doggie insurance. Labrador Harbor helped with a grant to help cover the cost of the medical bills.

Update 6/4/08 - From Scooby's Mom

Dear Labrador Harbor:

My guide dog, Scooby is doing very well thanks to your generous donation of $150.00 which enabled me to pay for a 6-month supply of Deramaxx to treat his arthritis.

Labrador Harbor was the only organization who understood how important Scooby is to me as working guide dog and companion. He loves helping me get around town and going totally ball crazy when we return home form outings. Thank you for helping continue our partnership.

Please post theses photos on your website taken may 29th, 2008 as a thank you to Labrador Harbor's donors!!

Update 5/7/08

Scooby is a service dog for his owner who is blind. Scooby current requires expensive medications to treat his hips and his owner is struggling to pay for these medications. Please help Scooby today so he can continue to provide his valuable services to his owner.

Update 4/7/08

Update From Andy's Mom
As of now, it appears he is doing well. He made it through both surgeries with no complications. He will have follow up xrays on Wed. March 23rd. We should know much more then. He is still living in his kennel here at home. Poor baby. He has been stuck in the kennel for 6 weeks now.... I will keep you guys updated as we learn more over the next few months. Also, I added your logo to both of our websites. Hopefully it will help let more people know of your wonderful organization. Thanks for everything!
Team Andy
Tasha, Octavio & Prince Andy

Update 3/3/08

Andy's first surgery went well. He is at home recovering and seems to be doing great! The next surgery should be in 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 weeks, as long as his family can raise the remainder of the money. Please help Prince Andy today!

Update 2/21/08

Prince Andy needs your help!. This dock diving champion needs TPO surgery on both hips. His family simply cannot afford the high cost of these surgeries. His family is arranging yard sales, a car wash, etc. to help raise money, but they will still need help from Labrador Harbor. Andy is a dock diving dog in Bakersfield, and they are asking for help from the dock diving teams, too. The prognosis from the first vet is 95% full recovery.

Prince Andy also has a web site, if you'd like to read more, www.PrinceAndyFlores.com.

Update 4/1/08

Barkley is recovering from his surgery.

Update 3/24/08

Barkley is a 6 year old yellow boy who tore his Achilles tendon from playing fetch - he tore the one on the opposite leg a year ago, and had surgery to correct it. He needs surgery, as he is not putting weight on the leg and his toes are curling up. Dr's plan to reattach the tendon with pins, and he will need to be confined for 6-8 weeks. Last year, his family managed to pay $3800. This year, Barkley's family needs your help to get Barkley the surgery he needs.

Update 4/7/08

From Delta's Mom
Thank you so much. I appreciate all of your help.
Delta is doing really well. She looks a little like a checker board with all of the shaved spots. When she first got the bandage off her leg it got really swollen and red but it is now SO much better. She is getting her staples removed today and all is going very well so far. Again, Thank you Thank you Thank you. I am very Thankful for what you are doing for so many dogs and their people.

Update 4/1/08

Delta is currently recovering from her surgery.

Update 2/25/08

We received an application for Delta, a 5 year old yellow Lab mix. She has a torn ACL ligament in her left back leg. She needs surgery to repair it. The vet confirms that prognosis is good with surgery. Delta's mom is single, and she has two other rescued dogs.

Update 2/29/08

This was sent from the rescue group that is caring for Stella:
"Stella and Labrador Rescuers thank you from the bottom of our hearts for
your financial support which helped us get this little girl's leg fixed
up. She is doing so well. "

Update 2/21/08

Stella was believed to have been hit by a car. She is under the care of Labrador Rescuers, a local rescue organization, and they needed assistance covering the expensive surgery. Stella had to have surgery to repair a broken femur, putting in a plate and pins so that she could heal and grow. Prognosis is very good. Labrador Rescuers' has a volunteer foster family to help nurse her back to health. Hopefully she will be adopted to a forever family when she is fully recovered. You can track Stella's progress through Labrador Rescuers here.

Update 1/25/08

Tye is now with his dad, recovering from surgery and getting his spunky personality back. Labrador Harbor was able to assit in covering the costs of surgery.

Update 1/12/08

Tye is a Lab Mix that has a large benign tumor growing in his neck and causing great discomfort. Labrador Harbor has worked with Tye's family to cover the cost of the removal of the tumor using it's general fund. Surgery is scheduled for 1/15/08.

5/19/08

Mollie passed away due to cancer complications. Her mom sent this to Labrador Harbor in thanks:

Thanks for helping Mollie, and if you want, put her under the success stories cause she had a cancer that should have killed her within 3 months and we got a year and half and she was so healthy the whole time! I miss her so much, but she went quickly and didn't suffer and I was so blessed to have her active and healthy for so much longer than that cancer should have allowed her to have!

1/12/08

Casey was severely injured when attacked at a local dog park. Casey mom is currently under financial pressures and Labrador Harbor was able to donate to help towards some the costly medical bills. Casey is recovering well from her injuries.

Update 11/8/07

Duffy needed emergency surgery to remove his spleen on 11/6/07. The surgery went well and Duffy is recovering at home, but his mom has a large balance remaining at the vet's office. IMOM, Vet Assist, and Labrador Harbor have all contributed to help cover this life saving surgery.

Update 12/14/07

Labrador Harbor was able to assist Harley's family with the funds they needed.

Update 12/5/07

Harley is a very well-loved 6 year old female who needs an ACL repair. Her mom is actively fundraising and has applied to many organizations. Labrador Harbor has offered to help with a potion of the costs, but Harley's family still needs help. Please help Harley by donating to him today!

Update 11/8/07

Dr. Basher has decided it is in Betty's best interest to hold off on any surgery at this time. There is currently no pressure on her eyes, and they are not causing Betty discomfort. Betty remain with her foster family and is getting around well now. If her eye condition worsens, her fosters will re-evaluate with Dr. Basher.

Update 6/13/07

From Betty's Family -
Betty returned to Dr. Basher the third week of last month. The doctor did more testing only to find that her eyes are changing and he is not certain when to do the operation. One eye seemed clearer and the other remained the same. Dr. Basher asked that we hold the surgery and that she come back in at the end of [June]) for another exam. [Dr. Basher] says there is no real way of telling how to proceed without another spaced visit. As [Dr. Basher] is a genius in my book, I, we and mostly Betty, wait in his trusted hands.

Update 4/16/07

Betty is scheduled for eye surgery on April 23 and The Mutt Scouts still need help covering the costs of this procedure. Your donations are needed and will go directly to help restore Betty's eyesight! Please help to give Betty this chance at a long, happy life!

Update 3/19/07

Dr. Basher has evaluated Betty and determined that eye surgery is possible and will help Betty. Betty's rescue group, The Mutt Scouts, is working very hard to fund raise the $2,800 for the surgery but they still need help. Labrador Harbor is granting some funds to Betty and asks that you please donate any amount to help this wonderful young Lab!

Update 3/7/07

Betty was rescued by The Mutt Scouts from the city shelter, along with her mom and 4 siblings by MuttMatch (Los Angeles, CA). At only 3 months old Betty was diagnosed with juvenile cataracts and she is almost completely blind. At present she relies on her sister to help get around.

She is good natured and affectionate. Doctors have informed the owners that surgery is mandatory to improve Betty's quality of life.

Dr. Basher of the Veterinary Specialty Hospital of San Diego is providing a detailed evaluation of Betty on Wednesday, March 7 to determine the best possible solution.

Click the MAKE A DONATION button at the bottom of this page to donate directly to Betty today!

Update 11/2/07

Pockets had her surgery today, in addition to her spay, and is now home healing with her mom. Thanks to Labrador Harbor and two other local groups (Pet Assist and Vet Assist), Pockets received the procedures and should have a happy, healthy recovery.

Update 10/25/07

Pockets was adopted off the streets by her mom. She had her at an outdoor event and Pockets broke free to go see another dog, and was hit by a car. AMC x-rayed her and said she has a broken pelvis and femur. Her mom is also working with another group, who suggested she apply with us, too. They suggested that she transfer her to another clinic, as the treatment will be less costly, which she did today. They are in desperate need of funds to help cover the cost of surgery which will be around $1,300.

Click the MAKE A DONATION button at the bottom of this page to donate directly to Pockets today!

Update 10/29/07

Lilly is home recovering from parvo now. Lilly's family is still in need of help to cover the veterinary bills. Please help this wonderful family who is working hard to save Lilly's life.

Update 10/25/07

Lilly was adopted by a family here in San Diego, and they were told that she had her shots, which apparently was not true. She is one year old and spayed. She is currently at AMC in critical condition from parvo. Her mom is a new volunteer fire fighter with no set income yet.

Updated 10/19/07

This saga started when Hercules, a 9-month-old Lab mix puppy,  was brought by his owner to an emergency clinic in Upland to be euthanized, because he'd been hit by a car and suffered a spiral fracture in a foreleg. The clinic convinced the owner to sign the dog over to them, then called a member of the Southern California breed club, who in turn contacted Fetching Companions Labrador Retriever Rescue. Once they took possession of Herkie, it was necessary to conduct surgery to pin and wire the broken bone. Because a week or more had elapsed between his accident and the procedure, the surgeon had a pretty tough task.

The surgery went well in spite of that complication, and after the intervening couple of months, the leg is fully mended. Herkie be ready to adopt, once the surgeon removes the pin from his humerus. That's scheduled for late October.

Now that he's free of pain and can use all four limbs unfettered, his bright, friendly disposition shines through fully. He's as active, playful and carefree as any pup his age, thanks in large part to the substantial financial aid provided by Labrador Harbor.

Ellie is a dog rescued from Hurricane Katrina by her now owner. Ellie's had a host of problems with infections, etc., from the conditions during the hurricane. She is healthy now, but her mom owes the vet $500. Please help the wonderful Lab and her family.

Updated 8/20/07

Kipper dislocated his back hip and his family took him to a local vet. The vet performed a procedure that put Kipper's hip back in place (to a cost of $900 which the family paid). Unfortunately, this procedure did not fix Kipper, who now needs a hip joint replacement which will cost the family around $1,700. Kipper's family is in need of $700 and would greatly appreciate any donations to help Kipper get back to normal. Please help today.

Updated 10/1/07

Faith had her second surgery late last week. She is reportedly doing well - the first leg healed much faster than expected, and she is expected to take a little longer with this one, but be home to her mom by mid-November. Her dog-mom, sent us more photos from home (before surgery) to share...you can tell in the last one that her little back legs had some issues. Hopefully she will be good as new after healing!

Updated 8/20/07

Faith is recovering from her surgery. So many generous donations came in for her! Labrador Harbor wants to thank everyone who contributed to Faith's needs, her mom is also very grateful. We will post more updates and new post-op photos once we have them.

Updated 7/26/07

Faith is scheduled to have her surgery on Tuesday, July 31. Thanks to all who have donated to help this beautiful girl! We will try to get some more pics up asap.

7/15/07

Faith is a service dog. She has cranial cruciate ligament disease and degenerative joint disease in both stifles, and degenerative joint disease in her elbows. The needed surgery will be very expensive and Faith's mom cannot afford the costs at this time. Please donate today to help this wonderful Lab who has provided so much for her owner.

Update 7/13/07

Following an EMG and muscle biopsy it was determined that Bruno has masticatory muscle myositis, an immune mediated disease. Bruno is currently being treated with antibiotics and immuno-suppressors. Bruno may need long term medication treatments, although it is hoped that his current treatments will put the disease in remission. His family could still use additional help from Labrador Harbor's generous donors.

Update 6/14/07

Bruno's original owners had four children and felt bad that this 18 month old boy could not be given the time and attention that he needed. They had an unfenced property, and had to keep him leashed or in a dog run for his protection. Bruno was lucky to find an adoptive home where he can receive the love and attention he deserves. His new family took him for his neuter and vaccinations and discovered that he had a severe ear infection and could barely hear, and that there is also something very wrong either in his mouth or behind his left eye, as he has trouble opening his mouth to eat. Antibiotics have helped his ears, and he is now able to hear, but he is still experiencing pain around his left eye and upon eating. Currently, the family is working with the Veterinary Specialty Hospital of San Diego who will be performing a CT to determine the cause of Bruno's mouth/eye problems. Labrador Harbor has helped to cover some of the costs regarding the intense ear infection, but his family still needs assistance covering his medical bills to get this boy back to perfect health. We ask for your generous donations to help Bruno. All donations specified for Bruno will go directly to his vets to cover his care.

Updated 7/30/07

Lauren's family rescued her from the Irvine Humane Society when she was a few months old. She has been an active and loved member o the family ever since. On 7/23/07 she tore a ligament in her knee. TPLO surgery is the only option to repair the damage and get Lauren back to full health. The family has researched local vets for the lowest cost, but they still need help to pay for the expensive surgery. Please help Lauren's family today.

Update 7/13/07

Midnight had an FHO surgery yesterday on the right hip.  The vet, Dr. Diane Craig, said all went well and if Midnight does OK overnight she will most likely return home on 7/13/07. As for her left hip, right now she is clinically/functionally more involved on the right with more limping and lameness on that side.  Her family is going to see how she does after this surgery and go from there.  We will keep updates posted here on Midnight's progress.

Update 7/10/07

Midnight's family has done an incredible job of raising funds for this beautiful girl. Her surgery is scheduled for Thursday, July 13. They still need help to cover the remaining costs of the surgery so please send in your donation today!

Update 5/30/07

Midnight's human brothers and sisters (pictured above) have done an amazing job in raising $1700.00 in funds for Midnight's surgery. By walking dogs and offering other neighborhood services this family has shown the true spirit of caring for Midnight. They still need help from Labrador Harbor to cover the remaining costs of the expensive surgery. Please make a donation to Midnight today!

Update 2/12/07

Midnight is a 7 month old black lab mix with severe bilateral hip dysplasia, grade IV on the right hip, and grade II-III on the left hip. The owners have tried deramaxx, but is still limping and having difficulty squatting to urinate. The orthopedic surgeon recommends THR (Total Hip Replacement) on the right, and, if done soon before more damage, TPO (Triple Pelvic Osteotomy) on the left. The vet found no signs of elbow dysplasia. The vet gave a good prognosis, and stated that Midnight's quality of life would be significantly improved with surgeries. The family's 10 year old daughter has taken obedience training with Midnight, and had begun agility training through 4-H, but had to stop due to Midnight's discomfort. The cost of surgery is estimated at $6000-$7000 for THR, and $3000-3500 for TPO. Midnight's Family is also willing to fund-raise, has applied for several other grants, and is willing to utilize Care Credit, if approved. Midnight and her family need your help to give her the normal quality of life she deserves.

WHAT IS A TOTAL HIP REPLACEMENT (THR)?
A THR is a prosthetic hip that is implanted in a similar fashion as is done in people.  It replaces the painful arthritic joint.  The modular prosthetic hip replacement system used today has three components – the femoral stem, the femoral head, and the acetabulum.  Each component has multiple available sizes which allow for a custom fit.  The components are made of cobalt chrome stainless steel and ultra high molecular weight polyethylene. Prosthesis implantation may be cemented or cementless (press-fit).

Dayme had a tumor removed from her armpit on 7/11/07, and the vet says prognosis is good. She will not require further treatment. Her family could still use additional help from Labrador Harbor's generous donors to cover the large balance of $700.00 remaining to be paid for the surgery.

Update 6/27/07

Lady C. had her tumor removed on July 25. She is recovering well with her family.

Update 6/27/07

Lady C. has a large growth on her stomach (shown above). She is a happy, energetic 11 yr. old Lab, but has begun to chew at the growth. Her vet recommends removing the growth and states the prognosis is good for recovery from surgery. Lady C. is otherwise healthy. Her owner is under financial hardship and is requesting assistance from our generous donors. Labrador Harbor has offered to assist with a small grant, but Lady C. still needs donations to help cover the complete costs of surgery.

Update 7/9/07 -

Lady's surgery was a success thanks to the care of the Oakdale Veterinary Clinic, a donation by Labrador Harbor and a generous donation by the local SPCA. Lady is now recovering from surgery in her current foster home and will be available for adoption soon.

Update 6/25/07 - emergency needs

Lady broke her leash while walking and was struck by a passing car. A major nerve in her front leg was severed, leaving the rest of the leg unusable. There is currently no blood flow to the leg and Lady needs to have the front leg amputated. The family is struggling to come up up with the estimated $1000.00 for the surgery. The local SPCA has offered a grant and Labrador Harbor is assisting as well.Lady still needs your donations to help with the costs - the family currently does not have enough to pay for the required surgery. Lady is chewing at her limb, which will only lead to potential infections and more problems. The family is doing all they can to keep Lady from chewing the leg, while they struggle to raise the money for the amputation.

Update 5/24/07

From Roman's Family:
Great news! over the weekend, my friends, family and co-workers (mostly my father) got together and chipped in for roman. we were able to pay in full, and he had surgery late monday, he is doing o.k..  I would really like to thank [Labrador Harbor] for starting such a great organization, more than anything you gave us hope. I will keep in touch and let you know how his recovery goes. Thanks again

Update 5/19/07

Roman injured his leg while he was running with his family and slipped on tile. The family, with five human children, took Roman to the vet who determined that Roman needed acl repair to his leg. Roman is currently hurting and the family has no way of paying for the surgery he needs to get better. The estimated cost of this surgery is around $1700.00. Labrador Harbor will be assisting Roman's family with some funds, but it will not be enough to cover the cost of surgery. Please donate today to help Roman!!

Update 5/25/07

From Dustie's mom-
Dustie is doing good.
She got her bandage of yesterday, and her leg is full of staples. We go back to the vets in 10 days for a check up.
Dr. Fritz was very happy at how well Dustie is doing. She does not cry in pain or anything like that. She does limp when she walks on it. She can only walk on her leg when she is going potty-other wise she has to stay put. (that is very hard to do-but I am doing my job on that) 
She takes 3 types of pills twice a day along with some liquid pain meds.
The vet is not to sure about her seizures yet. We are still trying to evaluate them.
We are hoping she doesn't have anymore for a while. Dustie has taken a toll on her body in this week.

Update 5/19/07

Labrador Harbor assisted Dustie's family with funds and resources and they were able to get Dustie the needed TPLO surgery. With additional funding through imom.org and Orthodogs' Silver Lining Foundation, Dustie's family was able to raise enough funds for the procedure. We will keep you posted on Dustie's recovery.

Update 4/16/07

Labrador Harbor will be covering the costs of x-rays for Dustie. We hope that x-rays will help determine the exact nature of Dustie's injury and assist the family in making an informed decision on how to move forward to help Dustie.

Update 4/9/07

Dustie will potentially need a TPLO surgery on her back hip. Labrador Harbor is working with her family and vet to determine the exact needs and how best to move forward. Dustie's family is also contacting other organizations for assistance. Dustie needs your help!

Update 4/24/07

Dash's owner adopted him, knowing that he was sick, but not what was wrong, as the previous owner was going to let him die. (Two other pups were not as fortunate as Dash). Dash was taken to the vet, and tested positive for the parvovirus disease. His new mom and dad had him treated and Dr. Johnson has confirmed that Dash is doing well, prognosis is great. Dash is now home with his new family. Dash's mom worked hard to fund raise for his needs. Labrador Harbor was glad to help as well with a grant to help towards Dash's expensive medical bills.

Update 4/9/07

From Lady -
Dear Labrador Harbor, Thank you so much for helping my mom. I did not take any pictures of my surgery because I don't think any one wanted to see my shaved bottom. I had to spend the the night after my surgery because one my anal glands had thickened scar tissue and was also inflamed so it made it a little difficult for my favorite veterinarian Dr. John Hansche to remove it.  Due to my age he felt it better I spend night and I went home the next evening. My sister just laid next to me while I slept. I tried to go for a walk the next day but I was too weak so we just walked slow for about 5 minutes. By the end of the week I was much better. And now I am back playing with my sister, taking my daily walks and have never felt better. This was the best thing that could have happened.My glands were also checked for cancer and I have none. I have and never did have any fecal incontinence due to Dr. Hansche caring and surgical skills. Thank you Labrador Harbor and thank you Dr. Hansche.
Love, Lady, Ginger, & My Family

Update 3/19/07

Lady has recurring bleeding from anal glands that is causing discomfort and infection. After a year of holistic treatments, costly antibiotics and improved diet, Lady's family decided, under vet recommendation, to have her anal glands removed. This is a costly surgery ($1200 - $1300) and the family needs support. Labrador Harbor is working to assist Lady's family with funds for this surgery. Please donate to Labrador Harbor to help cover the costs of this procedure.

Update 4/21/07

From Herbie's family


As many of you know, Herbie's dental surgery was on Friday. It turned out that in addition to the two teeth we needed to extract, there was a third tooth that was badly abscessed and also in need of removal. Fortunately, Dr. Niemiec was able to root canal the large molar, so Herbie kept that tooth. So, all in all, the surgery was a success.

Herbie is recovering well, less three teeth, and trying to adjust to his new, half-empty mouth. The next two weeks will be a little rough as Herbie is not allowed to chew on anything (no balls, squeeky toys, etc.). A lab not allowed to chew anything for two weeks? How will he make it? Lots and lots of long walks and park time (no beach for a week, either).

Thank you so much for all you have done to help my boy. Herbie will never forget how much support he got from Labrador Harbor! Tootless kisses for everyone!

Love,

Emily & Herbie the Toothless Luv Bug

Update 3/19/07

Herbie needs dental surgery due to a trauma he received to his upper molars. Herbie was adopted by his new family from a San Diego based rescue group, Labrador Rescuers. Labrador Harbor has donated a portion of funds to Herbie's surgery and Labrador Rescuers has also given funds to assist Herbie.

Update 2/1/07
From Fresno's Foster Mom -
His forever home has not materialized but there are several possibilities. Everyone loves him at the vet's office. He knows everyone and just walks past the desk into the back. He had the pin inside him move so the vet did a minor surgery to reduce the size of the pin in him. He is here at my feet now. He is so great with cats and other dogs. Again Thanks so very much to Labrador Harbor. Oh, he has discovered the joy of chewing my shoes!

Update 1/17/07
Fresno's surgery went well. Dr. Holms has inserted pins in Fresno's femur and estimates up to 10 weeks for recovery. Fresno will have his tail amputation and neutering today - then hopefully no more surgeries for him! Kelly's Safe Haven will be looking for a forever home for Fresno.

1/12/07
Fresno was found hit by a car by a Northern California rescue group - Kelly's Safe Haven for Cats. Fresno has a fractured femur that require surgery and needs surgery to repair his tail. Fresno cannot walk now and needs your donations! The surgery will be handled by Dr Holms in Fresno, CA and Labrador Harbor will be providing assistance.

Update 2/12/07

Coffee was rescued in Lakeside, CA by a newly retired couple. They had hoped to adopt a dog from the Humane Society, so that routine medical needs would already be addressed (spay, vaccines, check-up), but they heard about Coffee and had to help her. Coffee's original owners were moving, and were unable to take her along. Coffee's new owners were in a tight place financially, but knew they could provide Coffee with a loving home. They took Coffee in and promptly took her to their family vet for a routine check-up to update her vaccines and schedule for her to be spayed. The vet discovered that Coffee had a severe ear infection that required cleaning and medication, an additional cost that they had not planned on.

The family contacted Labrador Harbor and we agreed to help cover the costs related to the ear infection - which had been an unforeseeable expense. Labrador Harbor would like to extend congratulations to this couple who opened their home to Coffee when she needed a family the most. Her family reports that she has filled a hole in their hearts in the short time she has been with them.

Update 3/22/07

Sent from Fetching Companions - Here are the latest info and a few photos that we received from the family who adopted Kona, the young chocolate female lab helped by your group (thank goodness! - she was one of our most expensive dogs due to her propensity to chew on her tail, getting around E-collars and Bite-Not collars).  Kona now has a 6 inch long tail, which fits in well with the family's other dog, a nice female Boxer named Scarlet.  [Lab Harbor's donation] paid for the final (3rd) tail amputation.  The first one was about the same amt., but the second one, which was done at the emergency clinic, was about twice that much, plus we had had to take her in for temporary repairs four times for between $60 and $80 each.  As you can see, your donation helped us when we were running out of funds for her care, and came at at most propitious time.

Thank you very much for your support!  It allowed us to continue to rescue dogs and find them great homes, instead of having to stop bringing in new dogs for a while.

Success Story 7/27/06

Kona was rescued by Fetching Companions (www.fetchingcompanions.org) an injured her tail during boarding. Her wounds were treated but Kona kept re-injuring her tail and the only option was for her tail to be amputated. Labrador Harbor covered the cost of the surgery on behalf of Fetching Companions to help Kona maintain an active lifestyle.

Hunter Update: 8/16/06

We are saddened to report that Dr. Basher's further testing on Hunter's eyes revealed that Hunter does indeed have Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). Hunter's family thanks everyone who helped to get Hunter this evaluation. Labrador Harbor will continue to work with Hunter's family as needed.

Hunter Update: 7/20/06

Dr. Basher's evaluation of Hunter requires further testing to determine if Hunter will be good candidate for cataract surgery. Dr. Basher's concern is that Hunter may have Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) - a genetic, inherited disease of the retina (the "film" in the camera), which occurs in both eyes simultaneously (more information on PRA available here).

Hunter Update: 6/30/06

Labrador Harbor is working with Dr. Basher of the Veterinary Specialty Hospital of San Diego to get Hunter the help he needs. Dr. Basher will be providing Hunter with a free examination and Labrador Harbor will be covering the costs of any tests required during the evaluation. We will know about how Dr. Basher might be able to help in mid July.

Hunter's Story

Hunter is a 6-7 yr old Chocolate Lab.  He was given up to a local rescue when he wandered onto someone's property who were not able to find his owners. Hunter's current mom volunteered with that rescue and became Hunter's foster mom.  Their family fell madly in love with Hunter from day one and decided to adopt him.  He seemed to fit right in, just like a puzzle piece.  Hunter arrived partially sited.  With Hunter having vision problems and the family's 5 yr old son visually impaired, the match just seemed "meant to be". Hunter could navigate the doorways and steps just fine. But within the last few months Hunter went completely blind and now bumps into walls, doors, and trips over toys.  Recently, the family has gone through some major financial setbacks and cannot get the needed eye surgery that will allow Hunter to live a happy and complete life.  He should be running with the other dogs in the back yard and chasing balls. 

Hunter needs cataract surgery to improve his quality of life!
- Hunter's Family (name withheld)

Success Update 6/8/06
Bubba had surgery May 9th at VCA Central Animal Hospital in the City of Upland, California. They amputated his leg. He was suffering and he was going through a lot of pain and when I took him in to take X rays to see if he had cancer anywhere else, the results were: He didn't have cancer anywhere but his paw!! The Vet recommended amputating his leg to prevent spreading and prolong his life, and we went with it.
This has been a tremendous relief for our family knowing that Bubba is OK now. When we picked him up from the hospital, I was ecstatic to see him safe after successful surgery. Although it was quite shocking for me to see him with only three legs, I quickly got used to it and so has he. The doctor and my son talked to me and tried to make me understand that he will be fine and that there are dogs that live with three legs. Some people don't understand, but we see Bubba, not just as a pet, but as a part of our family and we will do anything to make sure he stays with us.
The surgery was $2,489.00. At first, I didn't have enough to pay for it, but many family members and friends chipped in because they knew how much Bubba means to us. We thank you for all the help and support you've given us, and hope you can help many others in need. It's only been a week, and Bubba is allready running around and being his old playful self.

Thanks again for your support!!
Bubba's family!