Three boys, two girls, and an incredible team of lifesavers!
When five puppies needed help at the Carson shelter, Molly and Old Blue Inc. stepped in to cover their veterinary care, and our extraordinary foster, Teri, opened her home once again.
All five puppies tested negative for parvo, received veterinary care, and are now safe, happy, and enjoying puppy life.
This week, we’re celebrating Cathy, whose journey from volunteer dog walker to dedicated foster and event volunteer reminds us that one small YES can change countless lives.
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
Liberty and Coco’s freedom ride. Lina’s first with LAF.
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.
Lina hugging Kamari at an adoption event.
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
Labradors and Friends volunteer Lina hugging Kira at a holiday event.
“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.
Sometimes saving lives takes more than one rescue. It takes people coming together, sharing resources, and refusing to give up when the odds seem overwhelming.
For five little puppies at the Carson shelter, that village made all the difference. ❤️🐾
Five Puppies in Need of a Lifeline
When we learned about five puppies in danger at the Carson shelter, we desperately wanted to help.
Another puppy had been euthanized following a reported positive parvovirus test, leaving serious concerns about the health of the remaining puppies.
For Labradors and Friends, the decision wasn’t simple.
We had recently spent more than $11,000 providing veterinary care for Charlotte and her puppies. The possibility of taking on another parvo crisis was more than our all-volunteer rescue could financially manage.
But walking away from five little lives wasn’t something we wanted to do.
We needed a partner.
Meet the Girls: Hazel and Aspen.
When Old Blue Inc. Said YES ❤️
That’s when Molly from Old Blue Inc. stepped forward.
Old Blue Inc. is a nonprofit whose primary mission is helping senior dogs at the Carson shelter receive veterinary care beyond what the shelter can provide.
Through an agreement with the shelter, Molly can arrange for dogs to receive treatment from outside veterinarians.
And although these five puppies weren’t seniors, Molly recognized that they needed help.
Old Blue Inc. agreed to cover their veterinary expenses, making it possible for Labradors and Friends to bring all five puppies to safety.
Then came the wonderful news.
All five puppies tested NEGATIVE for parvo!
They received canine parvovirus monoclonal antibodies and fluids as part of their veterinary care.
What had seemed like an impossible rescue was suddenly becoming a story of hope.
Teri Said YES. Again!
Medical care was only part of the equation. Five puppies also needed a safe place to land.
Enter Teri.
Our longtime puppy foster had just finished caring for Charlotte and her puppies, helping that entire little family find their forever homes.
After all those weeks of puppy care, she certainly deserved a break.
But when five more little lives needed somewhere safe to go, Teri opened her home once again!
Meet the boys: Remi, Finn, and Casper.
Three boys. Two girls. Five little personalities, each getting a chance to grow, play, and experience the comfort of being loved.
Today, they’re doing exactly what puppies should be doing — tumbling over one another, exploring their surroundings, enjoying cuddles, and making their foster family smile.
Watch Their Second Chance in Action 🎬
Sometimes words simply can’t capture the joy of watching rescued puppies play.
See for yourself!
Rescue Takes a Village
This rescue reminds us why collaboration matters.
Molly and Old Blue Inc. made the medical care possible.
Teri made their safe landing possible.
Together, we gave five precious puppies the second chance they deserved.
To Molly, Old Blue Inc., and Teri, thank you for being the people who say YES when animals need you most.
Because when rescues, volunteers, and compassionate people work together, extraordinary things can happen.
Five little lives. One big second chance. And a village that made it possible. ❤️
Some dogs leave pawprints on our hearts that never fade. Dottie was one of those dogs.
In 2011, Labradors and Friends rescued a tiny, three-month-old puppy from a shelter. Both of her front legs were broken, and she desperately needed someone to believe her life was worth saving.
Thanks to Dr. Hampel’s remarkable surgical care at Animal Medical Center, Dottie received the treatment she needed. And thanks to two extraordinary foster moms, Brooke and Irene, she found something even more precious: a family.
What was supposed to be a few weeks of fostering became a lifetime together.
Dottie grew into a spirited, fiercely loyal girl whose personality was every bit as unforgettable as her journey. From her mischievous puppy days to her adventures with her beloved pack, she lived a life filled with love.
On October 5, 2026, Dottie crossed the Rainbow Bridge after a courageous battle with cancer.
Brooke and Irene have shared a beautiful tribute to their precious girl. We are honored to share their memories in their own words as we celebrate Dottie’s incredible life.
Dottie’s Story — In Brooke and Irene’s Words
Dottie, Dec 2011 to October 5, 2026
When Dottie was spotted by Labs & Friends at a kill shelter, the poor girl had both her front legs broken. An animal cruelty case, a vet said. We were only supposed to foster this 3-month-old for a few weeks while she recovered from the surgery to heal the broken bones. Her baby eyes undoubtedly melted our hearts at the first sight. Irene and I kept reminding each other a good home was out there for Dottie, because we already had 3 senior dogs over 60 lbs and our HOA only allowed 2 dogs per household. We eventually managed to form our wonderful pack of 4 dogs – Dottie, 2 other foster failures from Lab&Friends, and Julie, as we couldn’t let go of the worry of this sweet girl encountering more hardship in her life.
Dottie’s Ballerina legs didn’t dampen her curiosity a bit; she was just happy and crazy like any puppy – she chewed on staircases and window frames, she dug holes in the sofa, and she “ate” my jeans and Julie’s leather collar… After she got tired, she fell asleep like an angel or a frozen turkey?! Thank God that as Dottie grew up, her tastes changed — she loved steaks and anything milky – not cow-friendly for sure.
Dottie gave people the most tender look one could imagine, but less gentle with dogs. We always wondered if she wished to be the only dog on Earth. However, she saw the pack’s safety as her responsibility and hers alone. She guarded us and her sisters with her whole heart, even when she was very uncomfortable at the end of life. A funny story: when a skunk crossed Irene’s path on a walk, Dottie jumped to stand between the skunk and Irene — while Julie, 7 years older and 20 lbs bigger than Dottie, hid behind Irene’s back. Dottie taught us what it means for a family to always stand together. She fought fiercely with Nita the younger sister who we adopted when Dottie was 6 years old, but she also looked after Nita so Nita didn’t feel scared when exploring new places.
Thank you, Lauren and Labs & Friends, for pulling Dottie — a pit bull with two broken legs — out of that shelter, so Irene and I could have over 15 years of sweetness and tears to grow our souls with Dottie.
Dottie, we knew you tried very hard to stay with us – a 3-week hard fight against the spreading cancer, when the vet said you probably had only days left. We will miss you dearly, but don’t miss us. Run free now, no longer dragged down by those ballerina legs, and run happily over the rainbow bridge with Julie, GiGi, and LuLu. Our precious, sassy princess Dottie!
Dottie, forever loved. Forever part of the Labradors and Friends family. 🌈❤️
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.
