Koa #2 Black Labrador Retriever Mix Male ~2-3 Years Old

Koa is a handsome approximately 2-3 year old, 62lb  Labrador Mix who is currently looking for a foster or foster to adopt through Brookline Labrador Retriever Rescue so he can learn what it’s like to live inside a loving home. Koa is Hawaiian for “warrior”. He survived being dumped in the country in Arkansas and spending a month in the pound.   When no one came forward to claim him, he was moved into foster care with Monticello 2nd Chance Fur Dog Rescue.  They reached out to Brookline for assistance in rehoming Koa since stray dogs are numerous and adoptive homes are hard to find.  Koa is waiting for his ride North. Please reach out to info@brooklinelabrescue for more information on our foster and foster to adopt programs, if you have a spot in your home for this loving boy.

April 9, 2026

Koa had a good week and was especially happy when I threw him the ball, no lie, about 50 times!!  LOL.  I need to invest in a ball launcher for this boy.  He did finally have enough tosses and relaxed on his bed.

Yesterday, we worked on catching treats.  You would think that if this big boy is a pro at catching balls, he’d have no problem catching a treat.

It took him a couple tries but he finally did get it.

This handsome guy is still waiting for his ride North!  If you’ve ever thought of fostering, please reach out to give Koa a shot at a finding his very own loving adopter!

April 2, 2026

“Dogs have a way of finding the people who need them and filling an emptiness we didn’t even know we had. Ball games are just the start.” – Thom JonesCalling all ball enthusiasts! Love dogs and balls? Well then, Koa is the boy for you!Koa is always running, jumping, and chasing after that perfect catch.

He’s also chasing his dreams of a forever home, one ball at a time and hoping to fetch his way into someone’s heart. Whether you or your kids have MLB dreams, Koa is very willing to help you train.  Did you know a well-thrown ball is the fastest way to a dog’s heart?This face says it all: I live for chasing balls.“Stop takin’ picturs and frow da BOLL” love Koa!

March 25, 2026

Despite all this he is a happy boy who loves balls.

He loves to fetch balls. He was made to chase balls. He dreams about catching and chasing balls. His love for the ball has been helpful in teaching him some good doggie manners.  He knows he needs to sit for a toss and is learning to do it for a treat too.

He is also learning that he needs to bring the ball back and drop it for another throw.

He is quick, smart, and energetic. After some play, he slows down he takes breaks and chills.

Koa also likes to play tug with friends, and doesn’t mind the occasional wrestling match.

He is a big guy with an even bigger heart!

March 20, 2026

This boy is an athlete.  Just look at how high he can jump for the ball.

Koa would love to find his special someone whose idea of fun is to spend time playing ball with their favorite furry best friend.  This guy just can’t get enough of it.

He’s even learned that sitting is what needs to happen before he gets a toss.

This guy could probably learn anything as long as there is a ball toss involved as his reward.

March 16, 2026

Koa got a new toy!

He really likes the squeaker!

I’m surprised that he hasn’t chewed through it to get at the ball.Koa was born ready to chase after the ball.  He just can’t get enough of it.

March 10, 2026

Koa is healing well after his neuter surgery.  He’s been spending more time in the house so we can work on his house training.  He really wants to be a lap dog and loves his snuggle time. It was hard for Koa when he didn’t have his ball time right after surgery since he loves that ball!

He was happy that I gave him a little ball time so we could practice “sit”.

I’m hoping that his new family loves to play ball too and has a strong arm!!  This boy is alway ready for a game of fetch.

March 6, 2026

Koa had a trip to the vet yesterday to get neutered.  He made the ride with his friend Howie who also had to get neutered. Koa had to bring his ball along for the ride.

He’s doing well after surgery but has to be on restricted activity for 7-10 days.  He’s not allowed to have his ball during this time so he is not a happy boy about that!  He LOVES his ball.

March 3, 2026

Koa is currently in foster care with a rescue in Arkansas. As they are in a rural area with limited opportunities to find an adopter, the AR rescue reached out to Brookline in hopes of helping to re-home him.Koa is athletic, food motivated and ball obsessed. He is good with other dogs and his current foster has many dogs of all shapes and sizes. He has never lived inside a home in close quarters with other dogs and is ball obsessed, so we are looking for a foster with no other dogs in the home. He has not been exposed to cats in his current foster home.

Koa is currently kenneled outside and keeps his run clean. The foster has been taking him inside occasionally to get him acclimated to living in a home but he will need further house training and basic manners and leash training.Koa is a sweet boy and loves attention and pets. He thinks he’s an extra large lap dog.

It’s rare to see his tail stop wagging especially when he is playing fetch and tug with his people.

Koa is heartworm negative and is on preventatives, he is neutered and UTD on vaccinations prior to transport.

Take a chance and foster, and you just might find the next love of your life!