Who We Are

Love of Lab's (LOLIN, INC) mission is to reduce the euthanasia rate of Labrador Retrievers and Labrador mixes throughout animal shelters/animal controls in the Midwest (ESPECIALLY INDIANA). LOLIN will accomplish this goal by spaying and neutering dogs we rescue from shelters and educating the public regarding adoption, heartworm prevention, sterilization for all pets, and responsible ownership. LOLIN, INC. is a not-for-profit, 501(c)3, IRS deemed Public Charity, and your donations are tax deductible to the full extent provided by the IRS. Love of Lab's obtains our operational funds through adoption fees, donations, and various fundraisers ONLY.

Why Adopt A Rescue Lab?

One of the most important parts of LOLIN's mission is education.  At events we participate in throughout the community and here on our web site, we hope to spread the word about the problem of pet overpopulation and the importance of adoption.  Many people do not realize the severity of the problem here in Indiana and throught the country, particularly in the Midwest and South.  Those who pause to think about the number of animals in shelters and humane societies often think that healthy adoptable animals are adopted rather than put down.  We know this simply isn't true.  We also often hear shock expressed when we are out in the community talking to people that purebred Labradors are at risk of euthanasia in shelters.  Many people believe that a purebred dog will always get adopted or rescued.  The truth is that purebred, adoptable, healthy, FABULOUS dogs are euthanized every day across this country.  Until spay and neuter laws are put in place and enforced, we rely on spreading our message of adoption and rescue in order to save as many dogs as possible.  Every adoption we have at LOLIN allows us to shift resources to the next needy shelter dog.  When you are considering adding a new four-legged member of your family, please opt to adopt.  Every animal purchased from a pet store or breeder supports that business breeding more litters.  Even if you love and care for the dog you purchase for its whole life, statistics are against the litter in general.  Chances are one or more dogs from nearly every litter bred will end up in homeless, in an animal shelter, or living a life of neglect.

Our adoption fee covers the costs incurred for spay/neutering, vaccinations and other standard Vet/Medication costs. Visit our website at www.lolin.org to find out more about what our adoption fees cover.

When multiple applications are received for a particular dog, the final decision on who gets to adopt the dog will be based first on which home best suits the needs of the dog (in our opinion). References submitted on adoption application will be checked. If more than one family is best suited for a dog, then the family that first submitted the application will have first shot at adoption.

FOSTERING

The thing we hear most is, "How can you foster a dog, keep it in your home, and then just give it up?? Doesn't that just break your heart?" Sure, your foster dogs take a piece of your heart with them when they leave, and a part of you will never forget them. But your very next foster dog immediately comes into your home and promptly gives you a much larger piece of it's heart!! This allows you to always have more than enough love to share with the next fosters that come into your home, truly needing that love that you provide for them :). ~

Yes, it is hard to give up your foster dogs, especially after you have them for a while! But, you get to be part of their life forever after, should you desire to be. You as a foster have the right to call the new forever home to inquire how the dog is doing and/or to visit the dog. Almost all of us that foster for LOLIN have continued contact with the forever guardians and the former LOLIN dogs. Please go to www.lolin.org and click on the Left sided link "Fostering" to learn more. LOLIN and the Labs NEED YOU!

The new families are always proud to show us how wonderful their "babies" are doing, plus they never hesitate to call us if they need anything either. You see, fostering is very rewarding!!!!

The more volunteers that want to foster, the more dogs we can save out of these horrible kill shelters. If you have questions about how you can be a part of making a difference, please email us at foster@lolin.org . We still have many dogs on our waiting list to be rescued. With more foster home families, the waiting list could be eliminated.
Visit our website to learn more about what it takes to be a Foster Care Provider.

About Labrador Retrievers

History:

The exact origin and ancestry of the Labrador Retriever is uncertain but during the 1800s they were employed by boats men in Newfoundland to retrieve full fish nets from icy waters. They were introduced to Great Britain where they were employed as gundogs and retrievers. Due to a heavy dog tax, the breed died out in Newfoundland but was continued in Great Britain. They were first recognized the by the American Kennel Club in 1917. The Labrador Retriever was valued for its working qualities and ability to do well in harsh conditions. The dog was hardy and energetic. It was often seen playing with children after a day of hard work pulling fishing nets in icy waters. The dog's temperament was very friendly.

Average Weight:

Male weights range from 65-85 pounds. Female weights range from 55-70 pounds.

Average Height:

Male height ranges from 22 1/2 to 24 1/2 inches high at the shoulder. Female height ranges from 21 1/2 to 23 1/2 inches at the shoulder.

Color And Coat:

The AKC only recognizes 3 colors of Labs: Black, Chocolate, and Yellow (Fox Red to an almost White are still considered Yellows. Do not be fooled by the “new colors” such as silver, they are NOT AKC recognized and are just a diluted chocolate or yellow. So, please do not pay more for them, you cannot even register them as that color.) The coat should be short, straight and very dense, giving a fairly hard feeling to the hand. They shed moderately during the year and require weekly (or daily) brushing to keep their coat in good condition. Their coat has a natural oil which serves as a water repellent. Excessive bathing can lead to skin problems in this breed.

Average Life Span:

12-14 years

Typical Health Problems:

Labrador Retrievers are generally healthy. However, the more frequent health problems found in the breed are Hip and Elbow Dysplasia, Cataracts, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, and Epilepsy. This breed should be spayed or neutered as soon as possible to avoid several types of Cancer. In addition to the over population problem of Labradors and Labrador mixes, un-neutered males can become male dog aggressive and hard to manage. They are predisposed to some cancers. Un-spayed females can become moody/difficult and predisposed to uterine problems and cancers. The main key to successful Labrador ownership is positive obedience training and socialization.

Physical Traits:

One of the most distinctive traits of Labradors is their coat. The Labrador Retriever has a double coat that helps the dog to repel water and allows making a good hunting companion. The tail should have a rounded appearance that has been described as the "otter" tail. The Show/Bench Lab, or as some refer to it, the English Labrador Retriever is stockier, and shorter, often with a very boxy head. The Field (bred) Lab, is sometimes referred to as American Lab, is generally thinner and taller making the Lab easier for hunting.

Behavioral Traits:

The Lab is a work dog by origin. They are not currently used as they once were for fishing, however, they can still be working dogs for:

Police Drug Sniffing Dogs

Arson Detection Dogs

Agriculture Sniffing Dogs

Seeing Eye Dogs

Assistance Dogs

Therapy Dogs

These dogs learn quickly if they have a consistent, structured environment. This breed is very people oriented and is happiest when included in the daily household activities or “work”. This is an active, energetic breed that requires an active owner. Boredom and loneliness can lead to behavior problems. The Labrador is a breed that should have formal POSITIVE obedience training ONLY, due to its active nature.

As a family companion dog they can participate with their owners in a wide variety of activities: obedience, agility, fly-ball, tracking and hunting. A well trained and socialized Labrador Retriever will be gentle with children and the elderly. The ideal Labrador Retriever is even-tempered, outgoing, affectionate and friendly. The Labrador Retriever personality and activity levels vary from dog to dog. Genetics, POSITIVE training, socializing, and the care they receive are a large part of what determines each dog’s personality

Love of Labs, IN
LOLIN, INC
a 501c3 not for profit public charity