by Joni Frauenheim, LRRF Foster
Labrador Retriever Rescue of Fresno shares with us every other month about their rescue dogs.
Say hello to two-year-old Bernard who is sixty pounds of pure handsomeness! We all love labs, and one of the things we love most is their resilience. Bernard is sweet, albeit quite shy at first and will need the right situation to help him thrive. Many of our lab rescue dogs adapt quickly to a new home and surroundings, but others, like Bernard have taken a little longer. We wish he could tell us about his past and why he feels shy, but all we know is he was found as a stray and spent five weeks in a shelter. Dogs like Bernard are often overlooked at a shelter, but not by Labrador Retriever Rescue of Fresno. He was pulled from that frightening shelter and placed in a safe and comfortable foster home. He has had time to adjust and learn to be a companion.
Bernard
Bernard would do well in a calm environment with patient adopters, and it is important he has a “mentor dog” who has a calm energy to demonstrate that his new family can be trusted. He craves attention and the love of a family, but it just takes a little time to adjust. Once he does, his goofy, playful side comes out. Bernard is ready for his “furever” home and is deserving of a caring, patient, and loving family. Bernard has been vet checked and neutered. He is up to date on vaccines and is microchipped.
If you are interested in becoming sweet Bernard’s family, please visit our website at labrescuefresno.org to complete an adoption application.
As with Bernard, many LRRF dogs are taken in, fostered, and provided all that they need until they are ready for adoption into a new “furever” family. These are the happy endings that everyone wants to hear about. While we celebrate those adoptions, that is not the case with all the dogs under the care of LRRF. There is another side of rescue that must be recognized as well. Often dogs are not in a position to be adopted. This can be due to a variety of unfortunate and heartbreaking reasons.
LRRF rescues dogs that have been abused and neglected or used in puppy mills and abandoned all alone, left medically untreated, and diagnosed as terminally ill or perhaps a senior dog in it’s final days. This is the harsh reality of rescue. When this happens, these dogs remain in permanent foster homes. They will be loved and cared for as they have always deserved to be, until their last day. Every need they have is provided by LRRF. In their foster homes, they get to experience being the treasure that they are and part of a family. They are truly spoiled. When the painful day comes that we must say goodbye, they are held by our loving hands when they cross the rainbow bridge. Not alone and not left abandoned. 
LRRF is a no kill non-profit 501(c)3, that is 100% foster based. We rescue abandoned, homeless, and neglected Labradors from all over central California and beyond. We wish to end suffering and promote the welfare of labs and lab mixes through direct action and education. Labrador Retriever Rescue of Fresno believes that all companion animals should be treated with dignity, compassion, and kindness. Through the generous heart and hands of those who support LRRF, we can ensure that the animals who come into our care will never again be alone, hungry, sick, afraid, or in pain.
The number of dogs in need has increased drastically over the course of the last year and the need for fosters is greater than ever before. Fostering is one of the most important volunteer opportunities available with the Lab Rescue. The foster home is the dog’s first step out of homelessness and towards a safe and better life. Fostering a dog is extremely rewarding. Words cannot describe the feeling of watching a scared, malnourished dog thrive and become a beautiful companion that can be placed with a new family. The foster family also provides valuable insight into the dog’s personality so that the perfect family match can be made. Not to mention all the puppy/dog kisses that come with the job!
LRRF has established itself as one of the most active animal rescue organizations in the valley. We continue to push the boundaries of service to the community by developing exciting and innovative ways to serve the animals who so desperately need our help. We are constantly looking for volunteers, fosters, donations, and supplies that can help us make a difference.
If you are led to join us in our mission, please contact LRRF by email at muttlovedogs@gmail[dot]com.
Check out more animal rescue stories in our Pet Perspective section and we would love to have you join our KRL Pets Facebook group. Advertise in KRL and 10% of your advertising fees can go to the rescue of your choice.
Beautifully written. Praying he finds a family home to spoil him and give him the love he so deserves.
Wonderful organization with humongous hearts for these awesome animals.