Adopting a Labrador

[Hollysdad]

It's 8 months since we lost Holly and the house is awfully quiet. We're missing our daily walks, plays, snuggles and the general silliness that goes with sharing a house with a Lab.
Over the last few weeks we've been talking about getting another Lab but are unsure about whether to get a puppy or adopt one. It would be nice to give a dog a second chance at happiness so the idea of adoption has some sentimental appeal. We've always had our dogs as puppies. and have never adopted a dog before so we're interested in learning from other peoples' experiences.
Can anyone recommend a Lab rehoming organisation? There seem to be a few out there but which ones are worth talking to?
We're concious that we're both the wrong side of 65. Do organisations put any limitations on the age of the adoptees.
Are there any pitfalls we need to avoid?

 

[kateincornwall]

Firstly , I am so happy to read your post and what a wonderful legacy Holly will have left . I can thoroughly recommend Team Edward Labrador Rescue , a small but wonderful organisation or what about registering for a dog from Guide Dogs , many dont make the grade but still make lovely pets . Good luck to you both , any dog will be lucky to join you xx

 

[kateincornwall]

Just wanted to add that having had many through our doorway , rescuing or rehoming is a fantastic thing to do . Most come with some baggage but Labs especially can very soon adapt , I have loved them all but sadly no more for us xx

 

[Hollysdad]

Thanks Kate. I had a look at the Team Edwards site and it looks promising. I guess I'll have to contact them to see what the process is - I expect they'll want to check us out be establish our bona fides.
I'd not really thought about rehoming guide dogs. There's a lady we occasionally meet who has a goldie who failed GD training. It's a lovely dog and very easy-going.
We were wondering whether late 60s is too late but we're both reasonably active. Someone has to help me to update Holly's books!

 

[Jacqui-S]

Lovely to hear this.
I would second Team Edward.
Black Retriever X Rescue (will check that name....) who are on FB are also possibly an option? I may be wrong but I think that Kate @Beanwood Has been involved with them as fosterers/assessors.

 

[Lab_adore]

Do you know @Hollysdad I saw a lab that looked just like Holly just a few days ago and I wondered how you were getting on and whether you would get another dog. I am so happy to hear you are considering it. I know it's hard to replace your beloved girl but it would be such a lovely thing to do to rehome or adopt - or even get a puppy

 

[Lisa]

Lovely to hear this!

 

[Cath]

The Labrador Rescue Trust

View information, contact details and reviews for The Labrador Rescue Trust, Dog rescue and re-homing centres in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire.

www.thegooddogguide.com

Great news

 

[Loraseal]

Wonderful news to hear this. I am guessing @Boogie might know about the Rehoming of guide dogs. A puppy is hard work regardless of age so it really is a personal choice. I think it is wonderful to adopt a dog. @Beanwood is involved I think with.

Black Retriever X Rescue

****** REHOMED ****** DOGS AVAILABLE: Bea + Boo - retriever x pups (12 weeks) We took these pupsters from Monaghan Pound in Ireland just over two weeks ago. There are three in total - these two...

www.facebook.com

Good luck with your research x

 

[Hollysdad]

The Labrador Rescue Trust

View information, contact details and reviews for The Labrador Rescue Trust, Dog rescue and re-homing centres in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire.

www.thegooddogguide.com

I found them online, thanks. Have you any experience of them?

 

[Cath]

Only from their north west centre and they were very good. A friend of mine had a labrador from them a lovely dog.
She was from a family split up.

 

[MellowYellow]

I have been thinking about you and wondering if you would get another dog! And no, post 65 is definitely not too old to get a dog (though the sleepless nights and general craziness of puppyhood become tougher...).

 

[kateincornwall]

I have been thinking about you and wondering if you would get another dog! And no, post 65 is definitely not too old to get a dog (though the sleepless nights and general craziness of puppyhood become tougher...).

I so agree ! I was 71 when we had Reuben and yes, I found the puppy stage tough but on the whole , I think with age comes wisdom and patience , dont let age bother you, its just a number x

 

[Stacia]

Thanks Kate. I had a look at the Team Edwards site and it looks promising. I guess I'll have to contact them to see what the process is - I expect they'll want to check us out be establish our bona fides.
I'd not really thought about rehoming guide dogs. There's a lady we occasionally meet who has a goldie who failed GD training. It's a lovely dog and very easy-going.
We were wondering whether late 60s is too late but we're both reasonably active. Someone has to help me to update Holly's books!

Not too late! I was 76 when I had my last Labrador puppy!

 

[UncleBob]

It's great to see you back here, Phil.

You and Ruth would make excellent adopters - and I don't think that your age is an issue at all. Any dog would be lucky to have the two of you as its guardians and I'm sure that any organisation that does any research would soon see that. Do mention your wonderful books and your involvement with MLF - it all goes to show how well-suited you would be

 

[Hollysdad]

It's great to see you back here, Phil.

You and Ruth would make excellent adopters - and I don't think that your age is an issue at all. Any dog would be lucky to have the two of you as its guardians and I'm sure that any organisation that does any research would soon see that. Do mention your wonderful books and your involvement with MLF - it all goes to show how well-suited you would be

Thank you, thats a lovely compliment. Our two Labs, Holly and Cocoa, have trained us well!

 

[Hollysdad]

Has anyone come across this organisation before? We’re looking around at possible adoption agencies who cover our area. They seem to cover England but, as we’re only two miles inside Wales, they could be interested.

Charity helping Foster, Adopt and Rehoming Labradors in need

Could you foster a Labrador or Labrador Cross? We need experienced foster homes and special families to open up their homes & hearts to help rehabilitate labradors in need in the UK. Foster, Adopt and rehoming for labradors

www.labradorsinneed.co.uk

When I first saw them on google I thought it said ‘Labrador sinned’. Perish the thought that any of our innocent little darlings could be so wicked!

 

[kateincornwall]

I havent heard of them, but no harm in registering as it doesnt commit you to taking a dog x Just to say that Team Edward , although based in the east midlands , will deliver a dog anywhere in the UK for the right home , good luck to you both x

 

[Jacqui-S]

Yes, Labradors in need is quite active on FB and has been on the go almost as long as Team Edward (as far as I know).
Not sure if they may have had similar roots.
It's a yes from me.

 

[Beanwood]

Lovely to hear this.
I would second Team Edward.
Black Retriever X Rescue (will check that name....) who are on FB are also possibly an option? I may be wrong but I think that Kate @Beanwood Has been involved with them as fosterers/assessors.

I have been on a course most of week and missed this!

Team Edward are amazing! I have also heard good things of Labradors in need.

I can't comment on BRX at this point.