With over 300 volunteers and rescue software that helps them manage intake, adoption and foster applications, Labrador Retriever Rescue of Florida (LRRoF) — the largest and arguably most successful breed-specific rescue in Florida — adopts out approximately 500 Labradors each year. The group was started in 2000 with two women who came together from the dog show circuit and decided to join forces to find homes for Labs needing to be rescued. The original 8-10 volunteers consisted mainly of other dog show participants and former adopters. In the beginning, they tried to stick to rescuing mainly purebred Labs — with only 20 adoptions in their first year. Only the Rockledge, Ocala, Wellington, Ft. Myers and Tampa areas were covered, and finances were very tight. The advent of Petfinders.com a few years later allowed the rescue to go through an explosive growth. Geographic districts were formed, administration expanded, and Meet & Greet events began. With more exposure came more donations, so they were able accept dogs that needed to be sterilized, treated for heartworm disease, or otherwise required care for various other ailments and issues. Social media continues to play a large role in expansion and placing Labs in loving homes; LRRoF.org.
