IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN ANY DOG ON OUR SITE PLEASE SUBMIT AN ONLINE APPLICATION FORM , PLEASE DO NOT CALL US, WE ARE A SMALL VOLUNTEER RUN ORGANISATION AND ARE NOT ABLE TO GET TO THE PHONE ALL THE TIME, SOMEONE WILL BE IN TOUCH WITH YOU ONCE YOUR APPLICATION IS RECEIVED.
The test of a true dog lover - of our commitment and loyalty, comes when life is difficult - to unselfishly do what is right for our dog in every circumstance. Anyone can do the right thing when its easy to do, It takes true character and unconditional love to do the right thing when its difficult.
We have a soft spot in our hearts for those graying muzzles and as such, Special emphasis is given to helping senior labs in need , as resources and space allow younger labs or senior dogs of other breed types may also be accepted into our programme from time to time.
In a Country where millions of companion animals are killed every year because of the lack of enough good, caring homes, Labs, pit-bull's ( video shown with kind permission of author - warning, graphic) and their mixes are arguably the most euthanized breed types in shelters, and senior dogs are in the highest risk category. We believe that age should not be a factor in deciding whether a dog is adoptable or not, and senior dogs are in fact a superior choice for many families looking to bring a K9 companion into their lives.
Unfortunately, we all need money, and here at QC Lab and senior dog rescue we are no different, we receive no government funding and rely solely on donations.. At any time we have approximately 15 dogs under our direct care. When a dog enters into our programme, he/she initially goes to our Vet for health examination and medical care, this includes, but is not limited to: Spay/Neuter, Rabies and Parvo/distemper shots, bordatella, microchip, Heartworm test, dental, worming, - any other health issues that are identified will be addressed i.e. Heartworm positive dogs receive treatment, tumours are removed and biopsied. For the duration of their stay with us whilst waiting for their forever home, dogs are kept current on HW preventative, receive medication as needed, are fed on premium food, get any supplements relevant to their particular needs i.e. for arthritis, and enjoy healthy treats.
As you can imagine, monthly food bills for that many hungry labs can run into $100’s and the average cost of vet care per individual dog to get him/her up to what we consider ‘adoptable health’ is around $500, - in reality, some cost much, much more.
Taking in a senior – or any age dog for that matter - from a shelter without knowing its medical history can be a risk, sometimes when we bring in an apparently healthy dog, our vet, upon examination will identify a potentially serious or chronic problem which will require extensive – and expensive – ongoing medical treatment. Sometimes this may render the dog ‘unadoptable’ or ‘very hard to place’ - we do not consider this a reason to euthanize a dog if we can provide him/her with a good quality of life, and those dogs will stay under our permanent care – we as a rescue believe in full commitment for life and effectively become their Forever family. Donations towards these dogs on-going care are especially appreciated.
Our Dream is to help many more seniors than we are able to at present, we can only achieve this with help from you, we know we can’t do it all on our own – no-one can, but if we all do a little something to help then surely the dogs will be the winners, homeless pets are a community problem and it is up to the community to help make a difference, so don’t be shy, if the thought of too many good dogs dying in shelters everyday makes you sad, mad or feeling bad, then maybe you can help in someway, the obvious ways are adopting, fostering or donating money or needed items, - not able to do any of those? Don’t despair , there are many other ways to help homeless dogs – to know you have enriched the life of an otherwise desperate dog in someway, however small, is immensely satisfying – but be warned - some people would say it can be addictive.!!
Big dogs , particularly black ones are the hardest dogs to place into adoptive homes, but many large breeds fit easier into a home than smaller breeds who can be 'busy' and demanding. Labs are known for their loving, eager to please and versatile natures. Prone to unending enthusiasm for love, life and food, most labs can become model citizens both inside and outside the home when given enough love and exercise and taught proper manners. This is truly a phenomenal all round breed. Please check out the available dogs page for dogs currently needing homes
