Duchess

I am so happy in my new home. I go for lots of walks around the neighborhood, and I have been getting to know all the neighborhood dogs. My parents take me to day care once a week, and the people at day care say that I never stop playing. When I'm not out for a walk or at day care, my favorite thing to do is cuddle on the couch with my parents. I tend to think that I'm a lap dog, but my parents complain that I take up the whole couch (As long as I'm comfortable, I don't care). When I first ca me to my home, I was even afraid to jump on the couch -- now that's all I do. I just finished obedience class -- I wish I could just play, but my parents make me do things like sit and stay. I received a diploma, which my parents keep on display. On my walks, everyone tells me that I am such a loving dog. It's probably because I go up to everyone and lean on them. I just love to be loved. My parents give me lots of hugs and kisses, and they say I am the best thing that has happened to them. Life is good.

Rex

It was one year ago today that we picked up Rex from his foster family. Boy has this year gone by quickly. He was in last month for his yearly check up and weighed in at 84.4 lbs and the veterinarian said he was a very muscular, healthy dog. Rex loves to give kisses to anyone willing to accept them. He still enjoys his daily walks and loves going to the farm where he can do lots of running. He is a very happy, loyal dog and loves to go for rides in the van.
We want to thank MLRR for the great experience we have had and the wonderful dog that Rex has been.

Cheyenne (Formerly Buffy)

Hello everyone. I know it has taken me awhile to get in touch with MLRR, but I've had a pretty busy 6 months in my forever home. Twelve days after I arrived, my big sister Missy (also from MLRR) was put to sleep. She was very sick with liver cancer when I came home. We had a good twelve days together, though. I learned a lot from her: how to sit nicely in the car, how to dig in visitor's pockets for treats, and how to use my innocent face for oh so many things. I have a yard that I spend most of day running around in. I tend to run right through the plants and tall grasses after the squirrels. So far, they have stayed just out my reach. One day, though…..
Running is what I seem to do a lot of. Whether I chase squirrels and birds or fetch my ball, I just keep on running. My energy level is unbelievable. My mom says she wishes she could bottle it to sell. She'd make a fortune. Come the evening, I like to cuddle on the couch next to my mom. Sometimes I make it hard for her to get comfortable, but she doesn't seem to care. I have two lessons to go in my training sessions. I was a little too sidetracked to do group training, so I have the teacher all to myself, now. It's working. I like her. She is the lady who takes care of me at daycare. She says that I am learning fast and am improving. Well, I better go now. It's starting to snow and I love that stuff. Did you know that you can eat it?

Poplar (Formerly Pepper)

Poplar has adapted to his new family quite nicely and we have to him. Poplar is about 50 pounds and healthy. This past fall we spent a couple days a week visiting the local dog park. This is really a great time for the dogs and the owners. Now that it gets dark early and the weather has gotten so cold our visits are only on the weekends.

Murray (Formerly Smokey)

Thank you so much MLRR! You really did a great job of matching us up. Me, my mom and my step-dad couldn't enjoy Murray (fka Smokey) more! He is such a pleasure to have around and he can't get enough of our attention and kisses. Since we got him in September he has put on some much needed weight and is now very healthy. We just passed our beginner obedience class in December. The trainer couldn't believe that I had only had him for two months because he was doing so well! He is on a lucky routine of playing catch at lunch time and running with me in the evening. A tired lab is always a good lab! We are planning on moving to Wilmington, NC in the next few months and I'm sure Murray will love it there. Looking forward to many more happy, healthy years ahead with him! Thanks again!
Sincerely,
-Shelly S

Maddie

Things are going great with Maddie. She has been such a welcome addition to our family. Even our little bird Stoney is starting to get used to having her around the house (though he still finds her a little too big to have as a little sister - LOL!) Maddie fits us and our life style completely. She's a perfect mellow city dog. She's so sweet and well-behaved and she loves every person she meets. Even though she has a problem with her spine and limps because of this, this hasn't been a major problem. We're happy to report that she has learned to live a good dog life with her impairment. We have been able to take her on long walks and she loves to play fetch in the field next to our apartment. With all of this activity, her spinal problem seems to have lessened a bit and she has gotten so much stronger. We're also happy to tell you that she has even overcome her defensive aggression towards other dogs. We took her took her to the Montrose Beach Dog Park yesterday, something we wouldn't have thought we'd been able to do just a couple of months ago, and she had a ball running around and meeting other people and dogs. She's still a dog who doesn't let other dogs push her around (we say she's a dog that truly has street smarts,) but she has learned to play with and enjoy being around 95% of the other dogs she meets.
Thank you for matching us with Maddie. We're so happy to have such a wonderful dog in our family.
-Amy Q and Dan M

Zack (Formerly Patriot)

Zack, formerly Patriot, is doing great. He settled in very quickly and became part of the family in no time at all. He is very comfortable in the house and loves to chase the deer out of his yard (he takes us along on these chases on the other end of the leash so he doesn't get too close). We all enjoy taking long walks together, though he can't understand why we need to bundle up in winter. He definitely has four paw drive! He has developed a habit of sitting on his haunches when he requires attention. We also found that he has a hidden talent as he surgically removes feet from all his squeaky toys. He is goofy and lovable and we feel very fortunate that he came into our lives.
(He was also VERY good with Santa!)
-Alice & Bob W.

Reuben (Formerly Tyler)

Hello, Everything is going wonderful with Tyler (we have named him Reuben). He has been an absolute joy! We cannot imagine what it was like before he was a member of our family! He loves going for runs and walks in the park, he is becoming an avid Frisbee retriever and can even catch the Frisbee in mid-air! Reuben really wants to please – he is extremely well mannered and is very good with kids! In fact, he loves being around children!
Thank you so much to Midwest Lab Rescue!
I have attached a recent pic (close up) of Reuben and his favorite duckie!
Sincerely,
-Jennifer and JJ H.

Milo (Formerly Norwood)

Things are going great with Milo (I changed his name, he seems to like it alot better than Norwood ) .. he loves city life, going to the dog park, and snuggling on the coach .. he gets along great with other dogs, even took him back to Michigan with me during the holidays .. we just got back and he loved playing with his "cousins" (my brother has a black lab, yellow lab, and chocolate lab), and he was a very good boy in the car .. he was a challenge at first because he figured out ways to get out of two cages, (Houdini ? :), but he now has taken to crate training. His favorite activity is to chase neighborhood squirrels, and he jumps higher and runs faster than any dog at the dog park :) I attatched the picture of him I took for my Christmas card this year ... I am very happy with him, he is a very, very good dog, and I am glad I contact MLRR.
-Andrew P

Bode (Formerly Chance)

Dear MLRR,
It has been just over a year since I was adopted. Since I was very mischievous and destructive when I was adopted I first had to prove to my dad that I was a success story. You name it I destroyed it: chairs, window sills, carpets, dining room tables/chairs and even my doggie bed a couple times (I certainly didn't think that one all the way through!!!). I think I was anxious because I had been bounced around so much. Once I realized I was here to stay with my dad & that he refused to give up on me, I gained trust, became calmer and improved dramatically. It's now hard to believe I'm the same dog that used to be so naughty!
I hang out with my dog cousin across the street when our parents are at work. I spend my days rotating going on walks, chewing bones and of course watching squirrels from my window perch. My dad is trying to encourage me to make friends with a cat...but I'm not too sure about that yet!!!
Thank you MLRR and my foster family for never giving up on me and helping me find my forever home!!!
Happy Holidays,
Bode

Cody (Formerly Reno)

Hi, just wanted to let you know how great Cody is doing. He is a great dog, he still loves to run with me and he always wants to try and catch the el train when it goes by but his biggest news is how well he has adjusted well to his family doubling in size. He loves my husband and snuggles up with him on the couch to watch sports or hang out. And here he is with the new baby and they get along great! He is very good with her and she loves him! She pets him and sometimes grabs his tail when they are laying on the floor together. He will even bring her one of his toys when she is playing on the floor by him. We know he cannot wait until she can get around more and then he can follow her around and beg her for biscuits too!
Happy Holidays!

Ruby (Formerly Noel)

It's amazing that it has been almost a year! Ruby is doing wonderfully-- we are grateful for her everyday. Everyone at the dog park comments on her sweet disposition and extremely shiny coat. (People are always wondering what we feed her-- I think she's just naturally shiny though) she enjoys playing with Theo especially...
She has gotten pretty big-- not huge. I think she weighs about 70-75 lbs. at this point, but she hasn't had to go to the vet (knock on wood) so I haven't weighed her in a while. I remember when I first met her and she was playing with ice chips. She still LOVES ice(cubes) and likes to hold a toy in her mouth while she sort of soccer-kicks a tennis ball. she LOVED swimming in Lake Michigan at my parents' house over the summer. What else... she is definitely more submissive than dominant and is still a little overwhelmed if we go to the dog park and there is a lot of action. she does warm up after 10 minutes or so, but overall likes to play/wrestle with one or two other dogs rather than a whole pack. I would really love to hear about and/or see pictures of atticus if you have any
As I said, we are SO thankful for Ruby. She is truly a member of the family and we love her so much.
I hope you have a great holiday -- keep in touch!
best,
-Jennifer

Brady

No longer do the girls come running into the house shouting "Mom! Dad! we're home!" It's always "BRAAAAAAAAAAADYYYYYYYYY!" He has a broken leg, been in a cast for 5 weeks, only one more to go. He loves to play vertical fetch, but that has been curtailed with his leg.
Brady is sometimes enticed upstairs by the girls and their friends, and then about 20 minutes later I hear four legged running footsteps down the stairs, and in walks a newly made over dog with necklaces and scarves around his neck. Occasionally, he has also been known to wear a blanket tied around his middle that makes him look like SuperDog. He is such a great dog.
The girls tell me just about every day that life would not be the same without him. He is our mellow man.

Roxy

This past spring our 13 year old yellow lab died of bone cancer. She was our baby and when she died I was convinced that our family would need a long period of time without a dog to mourn her loss. However, I began to look on the internet at rescue organizations and found that the thought of adopting an adult dog felt right. No other dog could take the place of our former dog but our house felt lonely without a dog. When I saw Roxy’s picture on the MLRR website, I knew I had to find out more about her.
When we adopted her in June, she had just had ACL surgery in early May, so she had some special needs. I am happy to say that her knee has healed nicely and she is able to lead an active life – she’s a very athletic dog. However, her greatest asset is her disposition. She is a wonderful companion. She patiently accepts the loads of kisses bestowed on her daily. She’s always up for a car ride, walk, jog, or swim. At the same time, she is content to slumber the day away in my office while I work.
Thank you so much, MLRR, for rescuing her, giving her another chance, and allowing her to enrich our lives.

Chief (Formerly Bronson)

Chief (formerly Bronson) is fantastic! He’s a character to say the least. As a couple with no children, he’s definitely our “little one”. We’ve had him for 5 months now and it feels like so much longer. He’s a fixture in our house and has become a part of the family. Completely. He’s even referred to as the “granddog”.
With the multiple different faces that he has, it’s undeniable that Chief is a force to be reckoned with when there is attention to be given. He’s a very loving dog. Chief follows you all around and will even follow you into the bathroom and lay down in there if you don’t shut the door on him to keep him out. He just wants to be with you because he loves you. He’ll go off on his own too, he’s not needy. But he’s a fantastic companion. Definitely “man’s best friend” (as well as my wife’s). We have a low window in the front of the house he sits and looks out of much of the day. Squirrels he pays little attention to.
Neighborhood people and neighborhood dogs he’s fine with. Not a peep.
But rabbits…that’s a whole different story.
He’s generally a quiet dog so when he opens up and barks, you pay attention (especially with the woof that he’s got). He lays around all day and like most dogs, loves to lay in the sun. So much so that as the sun moves across the room, he moves across the room so that he stays in the sun. He plays great with other dogs and we can’t say enough good about him.
Thank you MLRR!
Sincerely,
Aaron and Jennifer D.

Gracie (Formerly Nalla)

Gracie (previously Nalla) wanted to wish everyone at MLRR a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
She continues to do very well and is just a happy girl! She made quite an amusing story on Thanksgiving, when we took her over to my parents for dinner. As we’re beginning to eat in the dining room, I glance up to see her with an entire turkey drumstick in her mouth that she had taken off the small breakfast nook table where my mom had placed all the dark meat. When I made a loud gasp, she dropped that leg immediately and scooted away. It was pretty hysterical to see her tip-toeing away, quiet as a mouse, into the family room with a big ol’ turkey leg all up in her mouth! My parents thought it was a riot. I told her turkey-stealing is not very polite.

Duke (Formerly Fred)

Enclosed is a picture of Duke (was Fred) That we adopted from MLRR in January 2006.
To bad he isn't fitting in well! HA HA :)
He is the sweetest big guy ever!
Thanks again!
-Betsy G.

Cassie

Hi, We adopted Cassie almost a year ago. As far as any one knows she is a puppy mill mama and was brought to a kill shelter once she couldn't produce adequately. Midwest Lab Rescue saved her and a number of other wonderful dogs.
We are forever grateful to have Cassie in our lives. Over the last year she's learned to be less afraid, especially of men, she can beg with the best of them and has even learned to catch mice and participated in a pack 'spraying' by a former, now deceased, neighborhood skunk (no one said skunks would be safe in our yard!). She loves to wake us up at 5AM with wonderful doggy kisses and when told to go to bed lies down on my face to show she can obey, but only in her own way!
We truly would like to help and are so grateful for the opportunity to share our lives with such a glorious and wonderful soul, our little Cassie.
-Jan

Jack (Formerly Jaguar)

Jack (aka Jaguar) has been an amazing addition to our life. We have had to make some adjustments to our lifestyle in the past two months, but both Katie and I, as well as Jack, have settled into a really great routine. He is a wonderful boy and we both can't get enough of him. He has tons of energy and needs reassurance that we are not going to leave him, but we feel that he is starting to settle in to his new home. Katie and I are cognizant of his feelings and make an effort to make sure that he is comfortable and happy.
Jack is a blessing in our lives and has made us closer as a couple. When we first found your website, I saw Jaguar and knew that he was our boy. I filled out the application and sure enough we had a call from Jennifer saying she was sitting for a dog named Jag that might be a good fit. I knew in my heart that he was the one, but wanted to be patient. When we met him, we both fell in love with his gentle disposition and kind eyes.
Thanks for all you do. We really appreciate the newest addition to our family. We like to think he is as happy as we are. If you ever need a referral or a donation, please let us know. Thank you very much,
-Paul and Katie E.

Quigley (Formerly Angel)

Thanks for your concern regarding Quigley (formerly known as Angel). Quiggers tested negative for heartworm on October 31st and we could not be any happier with these results. Quigley has become so much a part of our family, and we do not know how we could live without her. She is so well mannered around everyone she meets, especially with our grandchildren. She is wonderful around her new lab sister Nutmeg.
We feel we were truly blessed the day she came into our lives. Please enjoy the picture we have enclosed, you can see how happy she is in her forever home.
Many thanks,
-Jim, Cheryl & Quigley S.

Regis

I hope you enjoy the photo of Regis in his German Shepard Halloween costume, but the story behind this is just as good if not better. Regis had been going to obedience training at Lincolnwood German Shepard training for 3 years; he was there more for the socialization than the obedience since he has issues with other dogs. This year we had decided it would be a good time to move up to the novice class, the advanced beginner was too boring and we were a little tired of all the misbehaved new dogs. Well by moving to the novice this eliminated a lot of the non German Shepard dogs, so Regis and 2 other dogs were the only non Shepards in a class of 15 or so. There were a couple of exercises were we would leave our dogs and walk around the ring coming back to them, well there were some people that couldn't identify their own dog because they looked so similar. I told everyone that it was easy for me since I had the black one; it as always a good laugh.
As fall was approaching the club announced their Halloween party and invited everyone to dress up their dogs for the costume contest and there would be prizes awarded for the best one. So, my warped sense of humor went into overdrive and we went about obtaining and modifying a child's lederhosen costume, getting an Alps hat, making a shepard's crook and getting a lamb.
Finally the day came for the Halloween party, so after class we went about getting Regis dressed and parading him in front of the judges, which was the audience and mostly German Shepard people. I was a little worried that they wouldn't get the joke or that they would take offense to it, but to our suprise and relief they all enjoyed it. In fact Regis got 1st place for the costume. He was so proud of his costume that he walked around with it for quite some time.
The next 2 years we dressed him up as a beggar with a cup and a sign stating willing to work for food, talk about stereotyping a breed, and a skunk. He finished in the top 3 each of those years.
So I hope you enjoyed the story as much as the picture and when you found out that this costume was worn at a German Shepard club Halloween party and not just some at home thing it just adds to the humor of it all.
-Doug Sally and Regis

Archie

Hi Midwest Lab Rescue, It's been a long time since I've updated you on Archie. I am sending you a picture of him - age 7. He's still beautiful and sweet and funny. My daughter says he's borining because he never does anything bad. I say he's a well behaved dog and one of the sweetest I've ever had. His 16 year old dog sister Erin passed away and we all miss her terribly. My son suprised me on Mother's day with a 4 month old chocolate lab who we named Guinness. Guinness is adorable but a real handful and Archie takes his playfulness in stride but cracks occasionally when he's had enough.
Hopefully Guinness will grow up to be a terrific dog like Erin and Archie. Thanks again for letting me adopt Archie - he's the best!
-Peggy

Madison

Madison (formerly Precious, Cass and Hannah. Yes,she's had a lot of names!) has adjusted beautifully since we adopted her 8 months ago. From Day One, she has bonded with us and gives us tons of affection. She thinks she's a petite lap dog and frequently tries to climb up into our laps. At 80 pounds, it's a little cumbersome, but we love it.
Maddie loves to chase birds and squirrels in the park and is great with other dogs. She's still not sure what to make of Lake Michigan. I guess not all Labs love water. Maddie has a great big bark, so she sounds like a good watchdog. But she's really just a big softie.
Just before we learned about Madison's availability, we had put a deposit down on a yellow Lab puppy. After meeting Maddie, we sacrificed the deposit and took her home. On her first night with us, she was quietly snoozing while we watched TV and we immediately knew that she was a much better fit for us than any puppy!
Thank you to Midwest Lab Rescue for such a sweet and lovable girl!
-Paul and Mitch

Payton (Formerly Tanner)

Payton is doing great! He's really adjusted to his new home well! He's been busy playing with the other dogs in the neighborhood and loves chasing around the squirrels and rabbits in the neighborhood. Thank you soo much for the blessing I've been given with him. He's been such a wonderful addition to my life!
I've a pic for you. Found out he's got a little bit of dysplasia but I'm doing everything I can to help that out. He's only 2 so it should be pretty easy to help him out. Thank you so much for him. He's really been a blessing for me! I assure you that he will get all the treatment he needs to stay healthy and happy!

Bennet

My mom and I thought you might like to know how Barrett has been doing lately. As I am sure you could have guessed, everyone he meets immediately falls in love with him. We recently enrolled him in Doggie Day Care and the owners have already told us that he is one of the new favorites! Also, we have a next door neighbor who has Down Syndrome, and Barrett is so good with him. It really makes his day being able to play with such a calm dog.
He is getting plenty of exercise from Day Care, daily walks, and we also have a neighborhood boy come and visit him while my mom and I are at work. We think he has even dropped a few pounds! He is the biggest sweetheart and we feel so blessed to have found him through Midwest Lab.
I have attached a picture to show he is fitting in very nicely with our family!
Thank you again for all of your hard work in helping amazing dogs like Barrett find homes.
Sincerely,
-Rita and Marilyn

Sadie

Wil and I just wanted to say thank you for bringing Sadie into our lives. From the moment we looked into those big brown eyes, we knew she was the dog for us.
Her calm demeanor and good disposition has made her a favorite with all our family members, including our six month old granddaughter. Attached is a photo from her graduation. She truly is a wonderful dog, and we are so grateful you chose us for her.
With our sincere gratitude,
-Wil, Andrea and Sadie

Miya and Bailey (Formerly Brigid and Brooke)

Miya and Bailey are great. I can't even believe how big they are already. Can you believe they are each 62lbs already?! Here is a picture. You tell they are sisters (sitting and laying in the same position)
-Lynn

Gulliver

Gulliver is doing just great. He is on several supplements to help with his joints and his hips, but nothing slows him down!! He shows no signs of being in pain, and appears to be a normal active dog. He has been to the vet for several follow-ups on his hip replacement and the vet has been quite pleased with the healing of the hip.
We recently completed a couple dog training sessions and Gulliver now has his received his Canine Good Citizenship Award. He passed all his training tests with flying colors!! No sweat!! His canine brother Lafferty is about to be certified for therapy dog work and who knows, Gulliver may be next!!!
Gulliver has acclimated to our family well. He is just one of the kids, and I mean that literally!!! Wherever the kids are playing is where you will find Gulliver!! He likes to be in the middle of all the excitement, unlike his canine brother Lafferty, who prefers to seek out the quiet spots in the house. The kids love that they now have a dog that will really "PLAY" with them!!
Thanks again soooo much for allowing us to adopt Gulliver!!
Sincerely,
-Amy A. and Family

Gracie (Formerly Nalla)

My husband and I have now had Gracie for about 2 months. Gracie is doing very well and we just love her! I think she knows she was meant to be more of "my" dog because while she likes my husband, she follows me everywhere and is so happy when I get home. She just has such a sweet temperament - although she was simply fascinated with our cat when we first brought her home, she never showed any signs of aggression. After trying for awhile to make friends, and just getting swatted at, she now mainly ignores the cat. Every once in awhile she'll go up to seemingly check just to make sure the cat hasn't changed her mind and now likes her. She even lets the cat pretty much bully her and doesn't even bat an eye when the cat swats at her, bites her tail, or takes food out of her bowl!
She does great with her crate, never whining, just goes in when she knows it is time. She adjusted to our routine pretty quickly and has adapted well. She is in beginner obedience training, and is much better at sitting, not charging at doors, and waiting. She is also much better on a leash. She loves to go running with me. We're still working on "down" and "stay," but all in all, I think she's done pretty well. She also goes to daycare at her training facility once a week, and plays with the other dogs, and LOVES to go to our local dog park where she can run all around.
The vet loves her, and we can do pretty much anything to her. After about two weeks of having her, she developed some awful ear infections and we had to take her to the emergency vet. She quickly got used to all the ear washing and medication, and now her ears are much better. My parents also love her.
She provides us with a great deal of love and laughter, and thank you so much for bringing us together; she is just the dog we were looking for!
-Erika and Nick O.

Tucker (Formerly Thor)

Just wanted to send an update on Tucker.
He is thriving. Adjusted to being an "inside" dog very easily. Smart and playful. Still gets easily distracted by any number of vermin found in the city of chicago... birds, squirrels, etc... but that's just his personality! He loves going to doggie park and playing with other dogs. He is a chaser... loves to run and chase anything that will endulge him. Although not afraid of the water, he would much rather splash and lap in the wading pool, than actually swim!
All is otherwise well. He is doing very well and is loved by many!
-Jason K.