Canines on the Couch

14. May 2012 · Write a comment · Categories: Did You Know? LLL Behind the Scenes · Tags: , , ,
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Photo Courtesy of CBS

Did you know…that CBS is going to the dogs?

Debuting later this month, the new reality show Dogs in the City premieres at 8 p.m. on Wednesday May 30th. The unscripted series features New York dog whisperer Justin Silver and his attempts to help real-life dog owners with their doggy dilemmas. 

The producers say the troubled pups will be the heart and soul of show.

The series had me thinking about the neurotic behavior my two Labs Ginger and Shadow displayed over the years. Can’t wait for the series to air? Why not share with us the neurotic behavior your Lab displays. How do you, or did you, deal with it? Would you ever call a dog whisperer like Justin to help you resolve it?

 

Until next the next time.

Wendy

 

Not enough Lab? Click HERE and subscribe to LLL’s monthly newsletter Lab Gab.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Not Enough Lab?

27. April 2012 · Write a comment · Categories: Ginger Snaps
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Not enough Lab? Subscribe to Lab Gab now!


If you want even more Lab, click on the link below to subscribe to Labrador Life Line’s monthly newsletter Lab Gab.

Co-written and edited by my Mom and fellow board member Michelle, Lab Gab gives you latest scoop on LLL happenings and doings. You’ll also read success stories (or what I call, Lab Tails) of recent Labs they have helped, news about upcoming and current LLL fundraisers, and usually a fun, general interest piece.
So, what are you waiting for??? Click here to subscribe.

Until the next time, keep wagging your tail, cause it makes them wonder what you’ve been up to!

 

Ginger


 

Life Lines for Some Special Labs

21. April 2012 · Write a comment · Categories: Lab Tails · Tags: , , , , , , , ,
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If any Labs needed a “life line,” it is the Labs in the next few paragraphs.

Each of their “tails” has something in common. These Labs were saved twice–first from the streets or the no kill shelters they were in, and secondly, from Labrador Life Line.

After his best friend deployed overseas again, Labrador Retriever Rescue of Connecticut took Scooby in. Upon a routine check-up, Scooby tested heartworm positive. Treatment started immediately. Despite the severity of Scooby’s condition, his vet gave him a good to excellent chance for a full recovery. Labrador Life Line was able to help fund some of Scooby’s treatment and get him healthy so he could start searching for the new forever home he longed to have.

 

 

Pete’s Sake Rescue Group pulled Dodger from a high kill shelter in Tennessee. A car had hit the young pup. After quickly accessing Dodger had a great disposition and was a good candidate for adoption, the rescue set out to mend his broken leg. With funding assistance from Labrador Life Line, Dodger had his leg fixed. A few months later, Labrador Life Line received this happy update. “He was adopted into a home with previous Lab owners…his leg is healed and he is doing wonderfully!”

 

 

When Daisy came to Canine Solutions of Illinois, she was suffering from bilateral Entropian Disease, an inherited disease of the eyelids. With surgery, the condition is reversible. Following her surgery, assisted with funding support from Labrador Life Line, Daisy was able to “look” forward to finding a new forever home.

 

 

 

Unwanted and no longer loved, Hoagie’s family took him to the vet to have him put to sleep. Thankfully, the vet had both a heart and compassion, and saw no reason for Hoagie to be put to sleep and found Sunshine Golden Retriever Rescue to take him in. While in foster care, Hoagie tore his Cranial Cruciate Ligament and needed surgery to repair it. Labrador Life Line helped to fund Hoagie’s operation so he could mend. Once better, he started looking for the loving forever home he very much deserved to have.

 

 

In 2006, Onyx was lucky. He thought he found his forever home. Labrador Friends of the South took Onyx in when his owners returned him five years later. Not long after his arrival, Labrador Friends discovered Onyx was suffering from a leg injury. The rescue promptly took him to the vet who diagnosed the poor guy with a torn Cranial Cruciate Ligament. Labrador Life Line provided funding support so that Onyx could get well again and find a new forever home that he would never have to leave again.

 

 

Labrador Life Line wags its tail in thanks to all the guardian angels, who, with little or no fanfare, dedicate their lives to finding forever homes for Labs (and other dogs.)

Until the next time…

Luv and sloppy kisses,

Ginger

Did You Know… What’s Coming Up for LLL?

16. April 2012 · Write a comment · Categories: Did You Know? LLL Behind the Scenes, Special Events · Tags: , , , ,
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Did You Know that LLL’s bi-annual board meeting is coming up? I’ve written before about the unique nature of our organization (we meet online!), but it seemed like a good time this week to get into a little more detail about just how we all “come together” to manage Labrador Life Line. Why? Soon, in the next couple weeks, all of our members will be “meeting up” for one of our board meetings.

Like any non-profit (or really, any organization for that matter), we get a lot of our ideas churning and actions in motion through our board meetings. In fact, they’re required by our charter to take place at least two times a year. Generally, this happens somewhere around May 1st and November 1st, and it happens – where else? – online!

Of course, it’s not particularly fancy – the good old instant messenger provides most of our support – but it does allow us all, from our different sections of the country, to meet in   get the juices flowing about what LLL is doing successfully, what we still need, and how we can best meet the needs of our labs and their families in need.

The meeting goes a little something like this: each committee chair (that’s Triage, Fundraising, Publicity, Web, etc.) will submit a report shortly before the actual event. It’s then reviewed, and formally accepted during the meeting, where it’s voted on by the board members. Of course, this is pretty standard, but if you’ve ever been involved in a group like this, you know that it’s important. This way, all of us are on the same page about the group’s agenda, goals and where we’re at right now. It’s a great way to keep everyone involved and connected, even when literally, disconnected.

And even though we’re online, it still runs much like any other organization’s board meeting: our President takes through an agenda of items, minutes are taken, discussed and then we vote. And what do we talk about? Well, everything. This month’s topic of choice? We’re beginning the first preparations for the 2012 Cyber Show. This upcoming event is like our digital-version of a traditional dog show. Enter your dog (there are categories for Labs and non-Labs, alike!) via their photo and compete in a variety of categories: from Best Portrait to Biggest Tongue, (and don’t forget Most Extreme), there is a category for every dog to excel in. And of course, it wouldn’t be a dog show without the Best in Show. The overall winner will walk away with a whole basket of goodies, all provided by the generous donations of LLL sponsors. In fact, part of our goal at this season’s board meeting will be to start organizing this year’s show, and keep finding supporters and donors who want to help make this important fundraising event happen.

Want to know more? Stay tuned. There’s always another Did You Know right around the corner… (and expect a Post-Meeting edition wrapping up all of the high notes from this season’s board meeting)

Until next time,

 

-AL

LLL intern, Board meeting attendee, and Dog Lover

 

Lab Tail: Princess

13. April 2012 · Write a comment · Categories: Lab Tails · Tags: , , ,
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Despite a separation of over half a world, nothing could be stronger than the bond between our human and us. Such was the case with Princess and her Dad who was serving our country in Afghanistan.

Princess‘ Mom came to Labrador Life Line for help after she was hit by a car and sustained a severely fractured tibia. When her Mom contacted LLL, she was on a morphine drip (to help ease her severe pain) and her leg was in a splint.

For Princess–it was a matter of life or death.

The vet stressed that surgery needed to be performed that day or else Princess was at risk for being put down. Upon hearing that his girl might not make it, Dad emailed LLL all the way from Afghanistan saying, “(he) would hate to lose my dog without being able to say goodbye. She truly is my best battle buddy.“

This is where Labrador Life Line shines. Because of the urgency of Princess’ condition, the board quickly processed and approved her case for funding in only a couple of hours and Princess had her surgery.

Now when Dad comes home, she can run up to him and give him a big, wet, and sloppy (is there any better?) welcome home kiss.

Remember to keep wagging that tail…it keeps them wondering what you’ve been up to!

Luv and sloppy kisses,

Ginger

Did You Know… Handicapable Dogs Edition

06. April 2012 · Write a comment · Categories: Uncategorized
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Do you know a dog in a wheelchair? We sure do. It’s a topic that has come up a few times at Labrador Life Line. In fact, it can be a more common occurrence than ever, these days, as people are more willing to treat their canine companion’s ailments, and make them as comfortable as possible. Although it’s not a main focus of our organization, we have seen a few applicants come through seeking the help of “wheels” for their labs, and it’s got me thinking – there are many people using the aid of wheelchairs after a spinal cord injury, but there is also an incredible amount of research done every day to find new ways to reverse, or heal those injuries. Do we invest that time and money into the health of our injured dogs?

A dachshund and his "wheels." Photo courtesy UCSF, Science Daily

Well, apparently, we absolutely do. Check out this pretty amazing article over at the Science Daily about how research at two universities will perhaps change the fate of our wheeled-pups – and maybe one day, save their human owners, in return.

The science is as complex as you’d expect, so I’ll leave it to the experts in decoding Science talk to explain it with a bit more clarity (it’s not a regrowth therapy, but one that “mitigates” the old injury, etc. – I told you this was best left for the left-brained…) But what struck me about the article was really the sweetness and caring in it. Normally, when reading about research and the involvement of animals in testing, I’m left with a rather uneasy feeling about how my animal friends might be treated, but this really seems like a wonderful thing. To quote Professor Linda J. Noble-Haeusslein, “We are in a unique position of being able to treat a dog population where there are simply no current therapies that could effectively improve their hind limb function.” And to boot, if the research proves helpful to the dog population, humans may also benefit – the injuries caused by ruptured discs in the spinal cord are most similar in dogs and people.

So, yet again, dogs prove to be our very best friends. And, might I say, I’m glad we’re at a point in time where people are really treating their dogs with the kind of respect I’ve always felt they deserved – to receive a second chance through love, attention and top-notch medical care. I’m proud our dogs are members of the family. Aren’t you?

If you want more science and dog related news, I’m a big fan of Science Daily – their section on dogs has some excellent articles (a great one on the feeding habits of German Wolves has my interest peaked right now, actually). And if you’re interested in reading about more of our handicapable dog friends, check out our front page for a story about Maui, Harrison, and their shared wheels.

Until next time,

 

-AL

LLL Intern, Science Geek and Dog Lover

 

Did You Know: Where in the World is Labrador Life Line?

22. March 2012 · Write a comment · Categories: Uncategorized
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Did you know… that Labrador Life Line is an entirely volunteer based organization? Based on… the Internet?

Scarlett - helped by LLL just this year.

When we first started the Did-You-Knows on the LaBLog, our main focus was to get people interested, and involved, in what it is we do here at LLL. Part of that is getting the word out about a breed that every volunteer at LLL has dedicated themselves to aiding, caring for, and in most cases, living with in their own homes.

Every week, I like to share with you interesting facts about Labradors and stories about amazing dogs with qualities fitting of the Lab moniker, but what I haven’t gotten to do a lot of yet, is share some of the facts I know about this fantastic non-profit I dedicate my extra time to.

For one, LLL is a completely web-based foundation. How does this work, you ask? Well, the internet has afforded us some amazing opportunities in the last few decades (if you haven’t already noticed). Each day, volunteers communicate with one another over online groups (like chat rooms, really) and email, where we brainstorm, plan and execute.

Labrador Life Line is comprised of committees of individuals – Publicity, Fundraising, Triage, etc. – all working together to raise the money needed to help the many labs and their families that apply for our assistance each year.

How do we decide who to help? It all starts in triage. Like any other non-profit, receiving help from LLL starts with a meeting. In this case, that meeting is the initial application. Interested owners fill out the application on our website, and the triage committee is first in line to receive the info. Triage caseworkers then commit to individual cases and begin the process of contacting and guiding applicants through the process. Have an emergency? Your case worker is on it.

And where does it go from there? After the basic questions are answered, veterinarians contacted and plan in place, LLL works like the best of any democratic organization – a voting process. Even though the volunteers of Labrador Life Line are miles apart, we come together every time a case comes through our door (well, proverbial door, I suppose) to do our best to help the labs and their families that need it most.

So, where is LLL located? Well, that’s easy… everywhere. Being online may not afford us the ability to meet the people and dogs we help in person, but what it does allow us is the flexibility to help A LOT of labs. No matter where in the U.S. your lab lives, we’ve got the potential to help in a crisis. And because we’re online, and with members across the time zones, LLL can help fast – and I think that’s one of our very best qualities as an organization.

I mean, who needs an actual building, when you’ve got a foundation as strong as the 16 fantastic members who devote their time?

Still jonesing for a little more LLL fact-finding? Please head to our website for a closer look!

Until next time,

 

-AL

LLL Intern, Web-based Volunteer and Lab Lover

Lab Tail: Wrigley

18. March 2012 · Write a comment · Categories: Ginger Snaps, Lab Tails · Tags: ,
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Hi Everyone!

 For my first Lab Tail, I want to tell you about Wrigley. Wrigley is like most of us….he loves to go on walks and play. Most of all, he loves to play Frisbee with his owner. One day when he was playing, the three-year-old tore a ligament in his right knee. If that wasn’t painful enough, Wrigley’s left knee also hurt.

His owner took him to the vet. After the examination was over, the vet said both of Wrigley’s knees needed an operation in order to get better. He also said Wrigley should have the operation sooner, rather than later. He also said that after the operation, and with a few weeks of rest and rehab, Wrigley would be as good as new.

Not long after Labrador Life Line helped Wrigley his owner sent this update.

I am pleased to tell you that Wrigley is doing very well so far and his legs seem to be working great. His final evaluation and x-rays are due within the next two weeks or so.

The x-rays should tell us whether or not his bones have healed properly and hopefully I will be taking him on short walks very soon. I will keep you updated on what we find out from his x rays as soon as we get them done. I am so thankful for your help in getting Wrigley fixed!

I have no doubts that by the beginning of summer, Wrigley will be playing Frisbee with his owner at the local Dog Park.

Until the next time…keep wagging your tail, cause it keeps your owners wondering what you’ve been up to.

Luv and Sloppy Kisses,

Ginger

Did you know: Dogs and TV

15. March 2012 · Write a comment · Categories: Did You Know? LLL Behind the Scenes · Tags: , , , , , ,
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Did you know that some dogs LOVE watching television? So much, in fact, that DOGTV is about to enter your living room – if you have cable, that is.

Relaxing Dog

Does your dog need some relaxing scenery? Could he get it from TV?

The cable network, premiering nationwide soon (and currently available in San Diego), is supposed to be geared toward the dog that spends his day alone. You know; to keep your otherwise lonely puppy company while he sleeps on the couch for most of the afternoon. Or at its best, maybe it will keep him from chewing up your favorite couch (table, rug, favorite sweater – I’m sure you’ve seen these casualties before). Check out the whole concept here on Dogster.

But I’ve gotta ask, does your dog watch TV? I’ve had several dogs, of all different breeds in my lifetime, and only one has ever even given the television set a second glance. Rooster, our current poodle mix (who also, consequently, is fascinated by his own reflection in the mirror – is that another dog in there?), is glued to the set whenever another dog makes an appearance. He’ll bark, whine, beg – like this other canine is right in the room with us. Not to mention what happens when a squirrel makes an entrance. Would watching this sort of programming really settle him down while I’m out of the house? I’m not so sure. But if some televised “relaxation” shows could keep his attention while I used the terrifying and evil vacuum cleaner in the next room? Well, I’d sign up for that!

What do you think? Is your lab a wannabe couch potato? Or is he apt to be riled up by the mere sight of a TV-star animal? Would you subscribe to DogTV?

I’ll be thinking about it… until next time,

 

-AL

LLL Intern, Dog Television skeptic, but a definite Dog Lover

 

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