Labradors & Friends Dog Rescue

Tag: dog rescue volunteers

63 Dogs, One Unexpected Beginning, and a Legacy of Love

Volunteer Spotlight: Meet Carole

Sometimes the most meaningful journeys begin with heartbreak. And sometimes, the best way to honor someone we’ve lost is to carry forward the love they left behind.

Cindy — the Great Pyrenees whose legacy helped inspire 63 second chances.

For Labradors and Friends volunteer Carole, that journey began with Cindy, a Great Pyrenees she had hoped to adopt. Although that adoption wasn’t meant to be, Cindy’s passing would ultimately open the door to something extraordinary.

Encouraged by Laura B., Carole joined Labradors and Friends in August 2023, beginning a rescue journey that would change her life and the lives of dozens of dogs.

What began as a way to honor someone special became a remarkable commitment to rescue.

63 foster dogs. And counting.

The Dog Who Made It Personal

Ask almost any rescue volunteer, and they’ll tell you there’s always that one dog who leaves an unforgettable mark.

For Carole, one of those dogs was Flower.

Flower was terrified when she arrived in foster care. She needed patience, understanding, and, most importantly, someone willing to let her discover that she was finally safe.

Carole gave her that chance.

And then came a moment that made all the uncertainty, patience, and hard work worthwhile. Flower felt safe enough to lie on Carole.

“THAT was the best feeling ever.”

That moment didn’t happen overnight. It took months for Flower to learn to trust, and her journey toward a forever home wasn’t easy.

Flower was returned twice, each setback another reminder that finding the right home sometimes takes time. But Carole never stopped believing in her.

Today, Flower has a family who loves her, quirks and all. And for Carole, knowing that the frightened dog who once struggled to trust finally found her people makes every difficult moment worthwhile.

But Flower’s story has one more beautiful chapter.

Her adoptive family understands just how special the bond between Flower and Carole truly is. In fact, they’ve even included a provision in their trust that, if anything should happen to them, Flower is to return to Carole.

For a dog who once struggled to trust anyone, that’s quite a testament to the love and security Carole gave her.

Flower may have found her forever family, but she’ll always have a place with the person who first taught her it was safe to love.

It’s a simple moment, but anyone who has helped a frightened dog learn to trust understands just how extraordinary it is.

For Flower, it was a step toward feeling safe. For Carole, it was a reminder of why every dog deserves someone who won’t give up.

More Than a Foster Home

While fostering 63 dogs in just over three years would be an incredible accomplishment on its own, Carole’s dedication extends far beyond opening her home.

She’s one of those volunteers who seems to be everywhere, quietly making things happen behind the scenes.

From transporting dogs from shelters and Acton to attending adoption events, walking and bathing dogs, and helping with fundraising alongside Michele, Carole is always finding another way to help.

She also coordinates Fi trackers and microchips, helps with grant applications and corporate donation outreach, tracks dogs at Anaheim Hills and Vinjon’s, manages and distributes supplies to foster families, and shares photos and social media updates to help dogs find their people.

Some of these jobs happen in the spotlight. Most don’t.

But every single one matters.

Because rescue isn’t just about the moment a dog leaves a shelter. It’s about everything that happens afterward, and the dedicated people who make those second chances possible.

The People and the Dogs

When asked what keeps her coming back, Carole’s answer says everything about the community she’s become part of.

“The people I get to work with in rescue and the dogs, that’s what keeps me coming back.”

It’s that combination of compassion, teamwork, and shared purpose that makes an all-volunteer organization like Labradors and Friends possible.

There are difficult days in rescue. There are unexpected challenges, long drives, medical emergencies, and moments when the need seems endless.

But there are also moments like Flower learning to trust. Dogs finding families. And friendships built around a shared determination to make a difference.

A Legacy That Lives On

Perhaps the most meaningful part of Carole’s story is how she describes the connection between Cindy’s passing and the dogs who have found refuge in her home.

“The loss of her life gave 63 dogs a chance at my house.”

It’s hard to imagine a more beautiful tribute.

Sixty-three dogs who had a safe place to land. Sixty-three opportunities for healing, hope, and a new beginning.

And one volunteer who turned a painful loss into something extraordinary.

Carole, thank you for every foster dog, every transport, every event, every behind-the-scenes task, and every time you’ve said yes when a dog needed someone.

Cindy’s legacy continues through the lives you’ve helped save, and we’re grateful you’re part of the Labradors and Friends family.

Every yes changes a life. Sometimes, it changes 63.

November 7, 2026
Volunteer Spotlight: Shannon Williams

A Promise to One Dog. A Lifetime of Showing Up.

Some rescue stories begin with a happy ending. Shannon Williams’ story begins with a dog who never got one.

Eleven or twelve years ago, Shannon came across a Labradors and Friends Facebook post about a red pit bull on his last day at a shelter. She pledged a small donation, hoping someone would step forward to save him.

The next day, she learned that no one had. He was euthanized.

“I was so sad for him, and disappointed with myself that I hadn’t stepped up for him,” Shannon remembers.

That heartbreak became a promise.

“I promised him, and myself, that I was going to step up for the next dog I saw that was in dire need, in his memory.”

Blacky enjoying a nap on his bed.

That next dog was Blacky, a partially blind black pit bull who seemed to have every strike against him.

“He had every strike against him, it seemed. I got in touch with the rescue, offered to foster him, and the rest is history.”

But Blacky didn’t just find a foster home. He found his forever mom. Shannon adopted him, and he remained by her side until his passing.

And the promise that brought them together continued long after Blacky was gone.

More Than a Decade of Showing Up

Oso, Shannon’s current long-term foster.

Over the years, Shannon has fostered numerous dogs, including her current long-term foster, Oso, who has been with her for two years. When Oso came into rescue, he was facing heartworm treatment, and Shannon was there to help him through it. She also walks dogs on weekends, helps at adoption events, has transported dogs in need, and supports LAF with monthly donations.

Along the way, dogs like Oso and Gracie (formerly Birch) have become part of her story, too. Gracie is another foster who found her forever home right where she started — with Shannon! Sometimes the best foster homes turn into forever homes.

For Shannon, the rewards go far beyond the dogs themselves.

“Volunteering is good for my soul. And I have made some great friends at LAF.”

She loves watching frightened or sick dogs blossom into happy, loving companions and seeing families discover the dogs who were meant for them.

“I love seeing all of these humans work together to help a dog find its forever home, and to help humans find their fur baby.”

When asked what keeps her coming back despite the difficult days, her answer is simple:

“The knowledge that the dogs need us. There is a never-ending supply, and they need as many of us as are willing to step up to help them.”

Birch, aka Gracie, sharing her toy with Shannon. How could you not fall in love!

There’s a Lid for Every Pot

One of Shannon’s favorite lessons came from her grandmother.

“As my grandma once said, ‘There is a lid for every pot.’”

Shannon sees that truth in rescue every day. Different dogs touch different people, and sometimes the right family takes a little longer to arrive.

“Some just have to wait longer for their lids, and we try to help them as best we can during that time.”

And for anyone considering volunteering but unsure whether to take that first step, Shannon has a message:

“It will reward them in ways they probably can’t imagine right now.”

Thank you, Shannon, for turning one heartbreaking goodbye into more than a decade of second chances. And thank you, Blacky, for being the beginning of such a beautiful journey.

October 31, 2026
Volunteer Spotlight: Cathy — From Dog Walker to Lifesaver

One Facebook post, countless second chances, and a foster fail named Vinnie.

Four years ago, Cathy saw a Facebook post from Labradors and Friends looking for volunteers to walk rescue dogs. She had always loved dogs and enjoyed walking, but her own dog was getting older and could no longer go very far. She thought walking rescue dogs might be a wonderful way to help.

She joined a pack walk, fell in love with the dogs and the people, and never looked back.

What started as simply walking dogs soon grew into something much bigger.

Over the years, Cathy began transporting dogs to adoption events, opening her home to fosters, and eventually coordinating adoption events and fundraisers. She has helped approximately 15 foster dogs find their forever homes, giving each one the time, patience, and love they needed along the way.

Sometimes, Love Takes Time

One dog who left a lasting impression on Cathy was Isabella, a frightened girl who struggled to trust the world around her.

Believed to have been found tied to a tree in a field, Isabella feared nearly everything. Noises during walks frightened her. She wouldn’t go outside after dark. Even being in a crate caused her stress.

Cathy worried that Isabella might never find a family willing to work through her fears.

But instead of giving up, Cathy approached each challenge one small step at a time.

With help from Cathy’s dog Vinnie, Isabella slowly gained confidence on walks. Gentle introductions helped her become comfortable in her crate. And with a little encouragement from chicken and other tasty treats, she discovered that going outside after dark wasn’t so scary after all.

When an adoption application finally arrived, Cathy made sure Isabella’s potential adopter understood that she would need extra patience and understanding.

Her new mom was more than willing.

Today, Isabella is living her best life, spoiled and loved by a family who understood that some dogs just need a little extra time. Her adopter still sends pictures and updates.

The Moments That Make It Worthwhile

Some rescue stories stay with you forever. For Cathy, Habanero and Wasabi are two of those dogs.

The brothers were among six dogs whose world was turned upside down when their owner suddenly passed away. With no family able to care for them, the brothers and their four siblings were surrendered to the Riverside shelter.

Their owner’s sister, a former volunteer with Labradors and Friends, was heartbroken. She reached out to the rescue, hoping we could do something, even if it was simply sharing their stories.

The dogs ranged in age, all over three years old, including two seniors. Their situation became even more heartbreaking when all six contracted Strep Zoo, a serious bacterial infection, while at the shelter. Tragically, two of the dogs did not survive.

As the remaining four recovered, Labradors and Friends began putting a plan together. If the dogs were placed on the euthanasia list, we wanted to be ready to help.

But saving them meant finding foster homes willing to take dogs who had already experienced so much loss and uncertainty.

That’s when Cathy stepped up.

Habanero and Wasabi were brothers who did better together, and Cathy welcomed them both into her home. The other two survivors went to separate foster families.

For Habanero, the transition was overwhelming.

He was so frightened that he wouldn’t even get out of the car. Once inside Cathy’s home, he retreated to a corner and ran away whenever anyone approached.

For days, he hid.

Cathy didn’t rush him. She gave him space, offered food, and patiently worked to earn his trust.

Little by little, Habanero began to emerge. His confidence grew, his personality started to shine, and the frightened dog who once couldn’t face the world began to feel safe again.

And then came the moment Cathy will never forget.

When it was time for Habanero to leave for his forever home, the dog who had been too terrified to get out of a car happily jumped into one, ready to begin his new life.

All four surviving dogs eventually found forever homes.

What began with six dogs losing the only home they knew, and a grieving sister desperately trying to find help, became a remarkable rescue effort made possible by people who refused to give up.

For Cathy, watching Habanero transform from a terrified dog hiding in a corner to a confident dog heading home was one of those moments that reminded her exactly why she volunteers.

More Than Walking Dogs

When Cathy first started volunteering, she had no idea how many people it takes to save a single dog.

From coordinating with shelters and arranging transportation to finding foster homes and helping dogs reach their adoptive families, she discovered an incredible network of people working together behind the scenes.

She also discovered something about herself.

“I have a sense of purpose and know I’m making a difference for some of these dogs.”

Even on the difficult days, it’s the dogs who keep her coming back.

“Seeing their excitement when they get out of their kennel and see some familiar faces makes it all worthwhile.”

And when asked what she would tell someone considering volunteering?

“It’s the best thing ever! I’ve always wanted to bring home every dog I meet, and now I get to!”

Of course, sometimes one of those dogs doesn’t leave.

Vinnie became her very own foster fail—proof that sometimes the dog you’re helping rescue ends up rescuing a little piece of your heart, too.

Once You’re Family, You’re Family

When asked to finish the sentence, “To me, Labradors and Friends is…” Cathy didn’t hesitate.

“Family. Every dog that comes in is immediately part of the LAF family, and the volunteers are amazing.”

Four years after answering that Facebook post, Cathy has helped change the lives of dogs who needed someone to believe in them.

And it all started with a walk.

Could your story start the same way?

Whether you have time to walk dogs, transport them, foster, help at events, or lend a hand behind the scenes, you have a place in the Labradors and Friends family.

Because sometimes, the smallest first step makes the biggest difference.

October 12, 2026
Showing Up Matters: Amy’s Journey from Dog Walker to Lifesaver

Volunteer Spotlight | Labradors and Friends Dog Rescue

Sometimes, the smallest acts of kindness make the biggest difference.

When Amy first began volunteering with Labradors and Friends in 2019, she wasn’t looking for a major commitment. She and her husband, Brian, had recently lost their beloved dog, and spending time with rescue dogs seemed like a way to heal their hearts while giving back.

She started by walking dogs in boarding.

Seven years later, Amy’s volunteer journey has touched countless lives, including dogs who needed patience, medical care, a temporary home, or simply someone willing to sit beside them.

From Dog Walks to Second Chances

As Amy spent more time volunteering, her role grew. She began helping with intake assessments, dog-to-dog introductions, adoption meet-and-greets, and training new volunteers.

She also opened her home to foster dogs, including those with medical needs and those nearing the end of their lives.

But some of her most meaningful moments came from helping frightened dogs learn to trust again.

Josie was so scared that volunteers couldn’t even put a collar on her. After two days of trying, Amy discovered the key: letting Josie watch another dog enjoy training games. Suddenly, Josie wanted to participate, too.

Deejay needed a different approach. He was too frightened to accept a harness until Amy began singing to him. Her voice helped him relax enough to ask for affection and eventually let her clip on his harness.

Sometimes, a breakthrough doesn’t require anything extraordinary. Just patience, understanding, and a willingness to try something different.

Seven Precious Months with Kenji

One dog will always hold a special place in Amy’s heart.

Kenji arrived at Labradors and Friends in September 2022. A few months later, Amy and Brian noticed his leg was swollen during an outing. Veterinary testing revealed lymphoma.

When the rescue began searching for a hospice foster, they welcomed Kenji into their home right away.

He became a beloved member of their family, surrounded by love and comfort. They even celebrated his birthday with fellow rescue volunteers.

Amy and Brian originally thought they would have only a few weeks with Kenji. But as Amy recalls:

“We thought he’d live only a few weeks, but he thrived for almost seven months and became a true part of the family.”

What began as an act of compassion became seven precious months of love, laughter, and memories Amy and Brian will carry forever.

Understanding the Dog Behind the Behavior

What began as a way to heal after losing her beloved dog became something much bigger for Amy. Through rescue, she found close friendships, a deeper understanding of dog behavior, and a purpose that continued long after she welcomed another dog into her family.

But perhaps the most important lesson came from the dogs themselves.

“I want people to understand that rescue dogs are not broken, and they are not any less worthy of a home than a puppy.”

Amy has spent years working with dogs in boarding facilities, where the stress of kennel life can bring out behaviors that don’t reflect who a dog truly is.

Some are frightened and withdrawn. Others are overly excited, jumping, mouthing, or pulling on the leash. Behind those behaviors is often a dog who simply needs patience, understanding, and a chance to decompress.

Amy remembers something she once heard from a dog behavior professional:

“They aren’t giving you a hard time; they’re having a hard time.”

It’s a lesson she now shares with new volunteers.

Rescue isn’t always easy, and Amy doesn’t pretend otherwise. There are heartbreaking losses, frightened dogs, and adoptions that don’t work out. But when asked what keeps her coming back, her answer was simple:

“What keeps me coming back is that there is always another dog who needs you. The simplest acts of kindness can make a dog’s day. Sometimes even just sitting quietly with them is all that they need.”

And that may be the greatest lesson of Amy’s volunteer journey: You don’t always have to change a dog’s entire world in one day. Sometimes, you just have to make that day a little better.

You Don’t Have to Do Everything to Make a Difference

For anyone thinking about volunteering, Amy has a simple message:

“If someone is considering becoming a rescue volunteer, I’d tell them that it will be more rewarding than they expect.”

She knows rescue can be hard work, filled with dirt, scratches, and heartache. But she also knows how much even the smallest commitment can mean.

“Walking dogs a few times a month may not sound like much, but it makes all the difference to those dogs. Whatever time you can give is a gift to the dogs and to the rescue.”

Because sometimes, changing a life starts with something as simple as showing up.

Because sometimes, changing a life starts with something as simple as showing up.

Thank you, Amy, for seven years of compassion, patience, and dedication — and for reminding us that every dog deserves to be understood, loved, and given a chance.

Want to make a difference? Become a Labradors and Friends volunteer.

October 10, 2026

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