Sometimes, one dog changes everything. For Labradors and Friends volunteer Lina, it all began with two dogs named Coco and Liberty.
Eight years ago, Lina began volunteering at Ramona Humane Society, where she met Lauren through their shared dedication to helping shelter dogs. What started as a simple desire to help would grow into eight years of freedom rides, friendships, heartbreak, and countless second chances.
The Freedom Rides That Changed Everything
Lina’s first freedom ride with Labradors and Friends was with Coco and Liberty, two dogs beginning their journeys toward brighter futures.
But her second freedom ride, with a dog named Midnight, left an especially powerful impression.
Midnight was a beautiful girl who had suffered terrible abuse and was in heartbreaking condition. Watching her finally leave the shelter and get a second chance was something Lina would never forget.
“That freedom ride changed something in me,” Lina recalls.
It inspired her to become more involved in volunteering and shelter assessments. She wanted to help rescues see the dog behind the kennel door, especially those who had been overlooked or unseen.
Eight Years of Showing Up
Over the years, Lina has worn many hats for Labradors and Friends.
She’s helped assess and pull shelter dogs, coordinate transports, communicate with shelters, assist with adoptions, walk dogs in San Marcos and Orange County, and provide temporary foster care.
Today, she plays an important role as one of our Riverside shelter pullers, working behind the scenes to help dogs make their way to safety.
Much of this work happens long before we take a freedom ride photograph. There are phone calls, shelter communications, assessments, transportation arrangements, and countless moving pieces that must come together.
It’s the kind of work most people never see, but without it, many dogs would never get their second chance.
Seeing the Dogs Others Overlook
Throughout her years with Labradors and Friends, Lina has watched the rescue step up time and again for dogs who might otherwise be left behind.
Black dogs. Seniors. Dogs with medical needs. Dogs who simply need someone willing to look beyond their circumstances and see their potential.
She’s also experienced the difficult side of rescue. The heartbreaking losses, unexpected challenges, and cases that stay with you long after they’re over.
But she’s witnessed something equally powerful: the extraordinary dedication of people who refuse to give up.
From fosters and transporters to shelter staff, veterinarians, adopters, and volunteers working quietly behind the scenes, everyone has a part to play.
Rescue Takes a Village
“Every person plays an important role, and every effort matters,” Lina says.
For her, rescue has always been about more than saving dogs. It’s also about the friendships, the people who show up when they’re needed, and the shared belief that every dog deserves a chance.
“The dogs, friendships, and experiences have changed my life. I feel truly blessed to be a small part of such a wonderful rescue community.”
And after eight years, that feeling hasn’t changed.
“There is nothing quite like watching a shelter dog walk out on a freedom ride and begin a new life.”
Thank you, Lina, for eight years of compassion, dedication, and helping dogs find their way to safety. We’re grateful to have you as part of the Labradors and Friends family.
Be Part of Someone’s Second Chance
Behind every rescued dog is a community of people who made that rescue possible.
Whether you can help with shelter transports, volunteer at adoption events, foster a dog, or lend a hand behind the scenes, there’s a place for you in our rescue family.