Welcome! This is where we share adoption stories, upcoming events, and updates from the rescue. We’re an all-volunteer team that’s been finding loving homes for Labradors, Lab-mixes, and their friends since 2007 — grab a cup of coffee and see what’s new.
Some dogs come into your life as fosters, and some quietly become a part of your soul. Brando was both.
Brando was just seven months old when Labradors and Friends pulled him from the Riverside shelter. He had a fungal infection on his muzzle, and shortly after coming into foster care, he suddenly collapsed. We discovered he was suffering from tick-borne illness, which turned what was supposed to be a short foster stay into months of helping him recover.
Brando was my very first foster—and my only foster fail. Somewhere along the way, I fell completely in love with him. My foster became my dog, my constant companion, and my soul companion.
A Life Lived with Joy
Once Brando was healthy, he embraced life with his whole heart. He loved playing fetch, going to doggie day camp, taking walks, and spending time with his sister, Leia.
And he absolutely loved chasing squirrels. In fact, chasing a squirrel led to the leg injury that ultimately required TPLO surgery.
Gone Far Too Soon
We hoped the surgery would get him back to the things he loved. Tragically, Brando developed complications from the surgery, and we lost him on June 13, 2025, at just seven years young.
His story will never be defined by how he died. It will always be about how he lived—with incredible resilience, joy, and so much love.
The Dog Who Changed the Plan
I had spent years fostering dogs, believing my job was to help them find their forever homes. Brando taught me that sometimes the plan changes.
Sometimes the dog you think you are rescuing is the one who rescues you.
Brando came to me as a sick little puppy who needed a chance. Instead, he gave me seven beautiful years of love, laughter, companionship, and memories I will carry forever.
I will always be grateful to Labradors and Friends for pulling that little puppy from the Riverside shelter and bringing him into my life.
He was my first foster. He was my only foster fail. And forever, he will be my soul companion.
Some dogs find their way home quickly. Kippy took the long way — and along the way, she taught us a little something about patience, understanding, and what it really means to meet a dog where they are.
When Kippy came to Labradors and Friends, her whole world had fallen apart. She had lost her owner, lost her home, ended up in a shelter and then boarding, and she was completely shut down. She wasn’t eating, barely responded to her name, and was frightened and unsure of everything around her. One of our volunteers took Kippy for a walk shortly after she arrived at boarding. When it was time to go back inside, Kippy desperately didn’t want to go. So what was supposed to be a walk turned into, “I’ll just take her home for the weekend so she can decompress.” That weekend was only the beginning of Kippy’s journey. Kippy had two potential homes that didn’t work out. Each time she returned to LAF, it meant another transition for a dog who had already experienced so much change. Along the way, it also became clear just how significant Kippy’s separation anxiety was. She needed more than a loving home—she needed someone who understood her anxiety, would move at her pace, and could help her feel safe.
It Took a Village
The volunteer who first brought Kippy home was committed to keeping her out of boarding, but needed a little help to make it work. Another LAF volunteer stepped in, and together they shared fostering Kippy between their two homes.
Little by Little, Kippy Came Back
At one home, Kippy had two other dogs to learn from, a big yard to run around in, and daily neighborhood walks. At the other, life was quieter, but there were adventures—walks downtown, coffee shops, farmers’ markets, trips to hardware stores, and plenty of car rides. Kippy wanted to meet just about everyone. And slowly, Kippy began to come out of her shell. They discovered Kippy knew how to sit—although her preferred version looks more like a circus dog sitting on a unicycle.
She also knew how to “speak.” Very, very loudly. Kippy was learning new routines and began feeling safe enough to relax. Car rides went from shaking and whining to her walking straight to the car when she saw the leash, hoping she was going somewhere. She became more independent at home, sometimes choosing another room to relax in by herself. And then there were the beds. Neither foster normally allows foster dogs to sleep in bed. Kippy slept in both of their beds. Apparently, some rules are negotiable when you have soulful brown eyes and a sugar-sprinkled face. Kippy still had challenges. Her anxiety could overwhelm her in busy situations, especially when she was expected to sit still. Lunch at a dog-friendly restaurant? Absolute disaster. But start walking again, and Kippy would immediately transform, happily prancing along like a little princess. She wasn’t a dog who needed someone to “fix” her. She needed someone who understood her.
Then the Right Person Came Along
Then an application came in from a woman who believed Kippy was supposed to be her dog. One of Kippy’s fosters talked with her extensively about everything they had learned about Kippy—the wonderful parts and the challenging ones. She listened. She waited until the timing was right to meet her. And then Kippy had what was possibly the worst meet-and-greet she had ever had. She barked. And barked. And barked some more. Her anxiety was through the roof. Her applicant still wanted to take her home. Then the updates started coming. Kippy relaxed. She slept on the couch. A few days later came a video of Kippy lying on her back playing with a stuffed toy for several minutes—something neither foster had ever seen her do.
Then another video came over. This time it was Kippy figuring out a puzzle to find treats. Her new mom was already giving Kippy the love, time, patience, and structure she needed. Every day, another little piece of Kippy emerged. By the next weekend, Kippy was adopted!
The Updates That Mean Everything
And the best part? Her mom still sends updates. Pictures. Videos. Stories about what Kippy is doing. Sometimes it’s something significant, and sometimes it’s simply Kippy being Kippy. Those updates mean more to our fosters than adopters may realize. Foster families don’t stop loving these dogs when they’re adopted. They wonder about them. They miss them. They invested a piece of themselves in helping a frightened or displaced dog become ready for the next chapter. So, adopters, send the picture. Send the silly video. Tell us what they did today. We promise—we want to see it. Kippy took the long way home. It took a rescue, boarding, two foster homes, a couple of placements that weren’t meant to be, and, finally, an adopter who saw past the anxiety and understood the dog underneath it.
Kippy took the long way home.
And now Kippy is safe, silly, happy, and very, very loved. That’s Kippy’s Happy Tail.
Twinkle has been waiting a long time for her forever home. Through the years, she’s remained part of the LAF family while waiting for the person who will finally see in her what we do.
Until that day comes, Twinkle still needs friends in her corner. By sponsoring her, you’ll help provide the food, veterinary care, supplies, and support she needs while she waits — and you’ll become part of her journey along the way.
Be Part of Twinkle’s Journey
Choose the monthly sponsorship level that’s right for you, then select “Make this a monthly donation” at checkout. Be sure to enter Twinkle’s name in the note so we know whose team you’ve joined.
Some weeks in rescue seem to capture everything we do—and this is one of them.
Lucille came to us after being abandoned on a property with two of her siblings. Now, a large mammary mass means she needs surgery, and we’re hoping we caught it in time.
Kennedy continues to make us wonder how such a good boy is still waiting for his family, while Tara is safe and beginning the next chapter of her journey.
And then there are the happy endings. ❤️ Lilo found exactly the family she was waiting for—and a whole pack to call her own.
This week also includes a story especially close to our hearts: Fozzie Bear. A 10-week-old puppy who couldn’t walk became a force, a fighter, and eventually part of the inspiration behind LAF’s Paw Up! Fund. His life wasn’t perfect, but it was a good life. And it was a loved life. 🖤
Plus, we’ve got upcoming ways to join us, support the dogs, and be part of what happens next.
When Tara became a Labradors and Friends dog, she was frightened, uncertain, and still trying to understand that the world around her had changed.
We promised her time.
And Tara is already showing us what a little time, patience, and kindness can do.
A Little More Tara Every Day
Tara is still in boarding, but she isn’t going through this transition alone.
Every day, our walking volunteers are showing up for her. They’re taking her out, spending time with her, and giving her the consistency she needs to begin building trust.
And little by little, Tara is letting her guard down.
She’s relaxing. She’s engaging. She’s seeking out attention.
She’s even discovered that rolling around in the grass with your belly in the air is a pretty great way to spend an afternoon. ❤️
The frightened girl we met a week ago is beginning to show us who Tara really is.
This Is What Rescue Looks Like!
Freedom rides are the moments everyone loves to celebrate. But rescue doesn’t end when a dog walks out of the shelter.
For Tara, the work happening now is quieter.
It’s a familiar face showing up again tomorrow. A patient walk. A few extra minutes sitting together. Learning that a leash means something good is about to happen. Discovering that hands can bring affection instead of fear.
Our walking volunteers are giving Tara those moments every day, and slowly, they’re adding up.
Trust isn’t built all at once. It’s built one good experience at a time.
And Tara is beginning to believe.
The Next Step: A Foster Home
Tara has already come a long way, but boarding is only a stop along her journey.
What she needs next is a foster home where she can continue building confidence and begin experiencing the rhythms of everyday life — a quiet place to rest, a familiar routine, and people she can learn to trust.
Fostering Tara doesn’t mean having all the answers. It means giving her a safe place to continue becoming the dog we’re already beginning to see.
A week ago, Tara needed someone to save her life. Today, she needs someone to help her build one.
