Your Donations at Work
Toby’s Tale: Love, Healing and a Forever Home
Toby, a beautiful silver Lab, came to DLRR in March 2025 after being found as a stray. It was clear that he was suffering from serious skin issues and hair loss, so DLRR arranged for him to undergo a series of tests with a dermatology specialist. In addition to his skin problems, Toby also had a urinary tract infection and hookworms, all of which contributed to his discomfort. Despite all of that, he remained a gentle and loving dog who was friendly to everyone he met.
After many tests, medications, special baths, and treatments, along with the love and care of his foster parents, Toby found his people. He was adopted by wonderful long-time supporters of DLRR who have adopted several dogs from us in the past. We received an update and a photo showing just how far he has come. His fur and skin look amazing, and he looks like a completely different dog compared to the shy and itchy little guy who came to DLRR over six months ago. Here’s to a happy, happy life for Toby and his family!
Thanks to your generous support, Toby got the second chance he so deeply deserved. DLRR—and all the Labs you help—are truly grateful for your continued compassion.
Once Left Behind, Now Cherished Forever: Aspen’s Story
Aspen, a 5-year-old Lab mix, was found abandoned on a hiking trail in central Arizona, weak and emaciated. A rescue volunteer brought him to the Pinal Shelter, where his sweet and gentle nature quickly shone through, despite his shyness. At intake, Aspen weighed just 55 pounds and was diagnosed with heartworm disease, a life-threatening condition.
Thanks to generous donations, Aspen received the critical treatment he needed. In May 2025, he was given two injections to treat the heartworms, and his foster family helped him through a calm and quiet recovery. Within a month, Aspen regained his strength and was ready for adoption. He was renamed Yogi by his new family, and today, he’s healthy, energetic, and brings endless joy to their home.
Your support helps make life-saving treatments and second chances possible for dogs like Yogi, giving them the care they need to thrive in their forever homes.
Aspen’s Medical Costs: $1,350
A Puppy Raising Puppies: Hope’s Journey
Hope, a 10-month-old Lab mix, was surrendered to DLRR along with her nine five-week-old puppies. At just eight months old, Hope had become pregnant by an unaltered dog in the household. She had not received proper care, lacked vaccinations, and wasn’t well socialized.
Thanks to your donations, Hope and her puppies received the care they desperately needed. DLRR kept the puppies with their mom until they were eight weeks old, ensuring they developed properly. Once ready, the puppies were vaccinated, altered, and microchipped before being adopted into loving homes.
Hope was spayed, given medical care, and placed in a foster home where she received crucial socialization. Today, she’s thriving in her forever home, living happily with two other Labs who love and cherish her.
Your support makes stories like Hope’s possible, helping rescue and rehabilitate dogs in need so they can have the second chance they deserve.
Hope’s Medical Costs: $1,600
From Wild Energy to Wonderful Life: Simba’s Journey
Simba, a two-year-old red fox Lab, was rescued by DLRR in poor condition—untrained, undisciplined, and constantly escaping his yard. His previous owner, overwhelmed by fines, surrendered him. Simba was affectionate but lacked impulse control, often jumping on people and getting easily distracted.
With the help of generous donations, DLRR’s trainer worked with Simba, using techniques like treadmill training to help him become calmer and more focused. After his training, Simba was ready for adoption.
However, after a year in his new home, Simba was returned due to challenges with the family’s young children and inconsistent training. DLRR provided Simba with a second round of specialized training, focusing on impulse control and reducing over-stimulation.
Today, Simba is thriving in his forever home with a family committed to his daily exercise and continued training. He’s bringing endless joy and laughter to their lives.
Your support makes it possible for dogs like Simba to receive the care, training, and love they need to find their perfect forever home.
Simba’s Training Costs: $4,200
Finding Forever: Penny’s Road to Healing and Happiness
Penny, an 18-month-old yellow Lab, arrived at DLRR with her two puppies after being surrendered by her owner who could no longer care for them. Despite Penny’s challenges, DLRR decided to foster-to-adopt all three dogs. Penny had a torn ligament in her back leg, and wasn’t leash-trained, so she needed medical care and specialized training.
Thanks to donations, Penny received necessary vet exams, medications for respiratory issues, and ultimately underwent Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) surgery for her injured leg. Penny eventually found her forever home with her DLRR foster family who fell in love with her. Now, Penny enjoys a happy, active life with her new family, playing fetch and living her best life.
Your support makes stories like Penny’s possible—helping dogs in need recover and find their forever homes.
Penny’s Medical Costs: $7,250
Thanks to your generous support, these labs got the second chance they so deeply deserved. DLRR—and all the Labs you help—are truly grateful for your continued compassion.