About Labrador Rescue.
Labrador Rescue North West is a voluntary non-profit scheme has been set up to try and help many Labradors who have had the misfortune to become destitute, unwanted or homeless. Many through no fault of their own, their owners may have a change is circumstances. This can be due to reasons such as redundancy, health, divorce or for financial reasons.
Financial problems is a big reason which is why we always advise potential adopters to obtain pet insurance. And, in these uncertain times, more people are finding themselves in financial difficulties and the cost of owning a dog sometimes becomes impossible and they could be at risk of losing their homes.
Buying or adopting a Labrador should not be taken lightly. People need to factor in holidays booked and the cost of boarding or arranging a safe place for their pets to be cared for and also the cost of veterinary treatment, which is high, so make the decision with all the people involved in the family or good friends.
We have an alert card In Case Of Emergency which is free of charge and obtained by contacting us. It is magnetic and especially helpful for people on their own or in need of extra support. There’s a contact number for emergency services or family to call us.
Labrador Rescue North West was founded in June 1995 by Glenys Fryer. It was set up to try and help as many Labradors as possible that had had the misfortune to become unwanted and homeless through no fault of their own.
We raised funds in any way we could by car boot sales, stalls at fundraising events in all weathers; trying not just to raise money but to raise awareness of the plight of unwanted dogs and to advise on the breed in general.
With the internet now available, unlike when we started, it is important to verify the authenticity of many rescues that are online. Always ensure they are genuine by checking and double-checking their credibility. Our Rescue is on the Breed Rescue list of The Kennel Club. It is also there to check on other breeds you may be interested in.
The Beginning
During the early years of Labrador Rescue, dogs were housed at a boarding kennels which involved a 44-mile round journey, often up to five times in some weeks which provided costly and time consuming. In 2003 the rescue moved to Malt Kiln Farm and had built six dedicated kennels there so that the dogs could be cared for to a high standard and assessed whilst a suitable home is found.
Thanks to the generous donations from friends and supporters of the Rescue. The kennels were in constant need of upkeep and maintained to a high standard. We keep them cool in the hot weather and warm in the winter. We acquired two extra acres of land to rent which is most generously supported monthly by a friend of rescue. Thanks to this wonderful gesture, the rent is now covered.
The dogs love playing and being trained in the paddock. The fencing was paid for from our funds; it must be secure. This facility has given us so much more scope to get to know the dogs and assess the right home for them.
Some dogs have never had free running and sad to say not even seen grass, some have been caged for up to 20 hours a day, not even had a lead or collar on, this breaks our hearts and we as a team hate the term CRATE TRAINED. A dog may need one in puppyhood to sleep safely in or to recover from surgery. Dogs are not caged animals they need companionship and adventures and be part of the household.
Labradors in advertising
The biggest attraction was using dogs and puppies for advertising resulting in making some breeds attractive without having the knowledge of their needs.
So why do Labradors need rescuing and why so many you may ask? The Kennel Club statistics for Labradors in 2022 were 44,311 a staggering amount taken over only by the French Bulldog for the first time.
When Labrador Rescue North West was founded in 1995, we rehoused on average up to 30 dogs a month, that has decreased slightly since internet. Most were re-homed from the farm which is hands on working at its best and we were able to saying goodbye personally as they go through what is affectionately known as The Happy Gate to their new homes. The Rescue is at the farm thanks to helpers and family, funded by kind supporters known as “Friends of the Labrador Rescue.” All details are on the Contact Us page.
The Pandemic
During the pandemic along with other reputable rescue organisations, we were still able to house dogs with us at the kennels and find homes which strictly followed the mandate issued by the government, my husband Sam set up a separate handover point, and adoptions carried on within the restrictions. Some organisations closed completely, we did not.
After lockdown eased, we all bore the brunt. All rescues, not just us, were inundated with untrained young labs almost wild. Some, not all, were bought on a whim and mainly work bred which are highly intelligent dogs. But we met the challenge, and the dogs were just overgrown pups needing back to basic training, not easy at 25 to 35 kilos but we love a challenge!
If you support our rescue in any way, we thank you sincerely. If you would like to obtain a Newsletter by email or post, please let us know. Also remembering our past supporters and benefactors who made our dream of helping the dogs and people who often sadly must give them up for genuine reasons.
Supported dogs Scheme.
The Rescue helps many older dogs and dogs with medical problems. They may need long term medication or surgery; this is where our supported dogs scheme comes into play. In order to find them a lovely secure retirement home we can help support some of these lovely old dogs who would not be affordable to the average persons funds but a safe place for the dogs in their twilight time is where we can and do help.
If you wish to support in any way, please let us know so we can acknowledge your kind gift The rescue will never send out unwanted letters or mail unless you wish to receive it.
If you have supported the rescue in any way, may we take this opportunity to thank you.