Fostering Saves Lives
By Susan Spisak
We covered the foster- and Maine-based New England Lab Rescue aka NELR several years ago. At that time Heather Labbe’, Founder and President of the 501(c)(3), explained their roots dated back fifteen years ago to a long night at Maine Medical Center. Her husband Gary was a patient there, and while visiting him, she scrolled through Facebook and saw a shelter Lab facing euthanasia.
Heather, with her usual determination, made many phone calls and secured transportation and a foster. That lucky boy was pulled from the shelter and successfully rehomed, and NELR was off and running. Since then, driven by the love of the Lab breed, they’ve grown exponentially thanks to Heather, her board of directors, and countless volunteers. The team has rescued over 5,000 Labs and Lab mixes, largely from overcrowded high-kill southern and Texas shelters.
NELR has a network of foster homes in the south and Texas who pull dogs facing euthanasia, have them vetted locally, and care for them. When deemed healthy and are cleared to travel, they’re transported on their freedom ride north to fosters’ homes to wait for adopters. Thus, there is always a need for more fosters in Maine and New England.
Beth Thibeut of Saco, with her husband Chris, have fostered about 35-40 dogs, including blind Labs. “We don’t have enough [fosters] here, we can’t grab more [from the south] to get them off the euthanization list,” Beth explained. In addition to allowing them to rescue more Labs, Heather said they rely on the fosters for dogs’ personalities info, like and dislikes, and habits so they can be placed in the perfect home. They also have a Safe Harbor Team—longer-term foster homes who care for special needs dogs that require quiet homes to decompress and receive extra TLC.
Beth would tell any potential fosters that they’re not only highly valued, but there is a strong support system in place. Besides helpful adoption coordinators, the team is always available to provide guidance. Heather added that it is enjoyable, the foster and volunteer team all get along well, and foster packages with necessary supplies are provided.
While fosters may get attached and are sad when their dogs are adopted, they know the overall goal for them is a happy ending in a wonderful home. Beth remembered one such dog, “Echo has a soft spot in my heart.” He needed orthopedic surgery and before he had it, Beth was in a car accident. Echo wouldn’t leave her side until she improved. About a month later he had surgery, and she repaid Echo…she cuddled him and comforted him until he recovered. At that point, Echo’s true colors shone, he was a counter surfer, but she was delighted as it meant his surgery was successful.
Visit their website at newenglandlabrescue.com/ for all info on donating, fostering, adopting, and the link to their Facebook page which highlights all their adoptables. As far as donations, cash, martingale collars, and leashes are welcome, mail them to NELR, PO Box 58, Limerick, Maine 04048.
DRACO
2 years old
Draco is a very sweet guy and likes to be with people the most. If you are not in sight, he will try to find you and will work hard to find a way to be with you. His nickname is Houdini. He is neutered and up to date on his shots and will be arriving to New England very soon. He likes other dogs, cats are unknown, but he adores people and will make a great companion if you are interested in having a dog at your feet, by your side, or on your lap at all times. He rides well in the car and will need a little training on the leash, but it is all worth it. He LOVES belly rubs and gives good kisses. He has his paws crossed that he can come to live at your house!!!
ZOEY
2 years old
Adorable Zoe was saved from euthanasia at an overfull shelter at the last minute, and we are so excited to help her make this second chance at life the absolute best! She’s a friendly girl that gets along with other dogs and loves humans. She’s been doing great with her potty training and is settling into her northern foster home well. She’s on the smaller side and has a really adorable, goofy smile that is contagious every time you look at her! Zoe has discovered the doggy toy box and thinks it’s pretty amazing, but laying in a sunny window is pretty great as well. Such a sweet girl!