FAQs

Where do the dogs come from?

Many MLRR dogs come from local animal shelters, county animal control facilities, owner surrenders, and other situations where a Labrador needs a safe place to go.

Whenever possible, we gather information about each dog’s temperament, behavior, health, and training before placement. Some dogs come to us with extensive histories, while others—particularly dogs coming directly from shelters—may have very limited background information.

MLRR evaluates dogs before bringing them into rescue whenever possible and does not knowingly accept dogs with a history of biting people. As with any dog, however, behavior can change as a dog decompresses and adjusts to a new environment, so we cannot make guarantees about how an individual dog will behave in every situation.

How long is the wait to adopt a Lab?

There is no set wait time. Once you are approved for adoption, you may find the right match within a few weeks, or it may take several months.

Families who are flexible about characteristics such as age, sex, color, and size will generally have more potential matches. However, our first priority will always be finding the right fit for each dog.

We look for adopters whose homes and lifestyles match the individual dog’s needs and who are prepared for the exercise, enrichment, training, veterinary care, and long-term commitment that come with welcoming a Labrador into the family.

If I foster a rescued Lab for MLRR, can I adopt my foster dog?

MLRR is always in need of foster families. The number of dogs we can rescue is directly tied to the number of foster homes available to care for them.

MLRR is not a traditional foster-to-adopt rescue. Our foster program depends on families who are willing to help dogs transition through rescue while we learn more about them and find the right permanent home.

So, if your primary goal is to adopt, please complete our Adoption Application.

If you are interested in helping dogs along their journey to forever homes, we would love for you to consider completing our Foster Application.

Fostering is incredibly rewarding, but it also requires flexibility, patience, communication, and a willingness to sometimes say goodbye to a dog you have grown to love.