From Shelter to Soulmate
The Brookline Labrador Retriever Rescue From Shelter to Soulmate program is dedicated to rescuing Labrador Retrievers from high-kill shelters, providing them with necessary medical care, and nurturing them in foster homes until they are ready for adoption into permanent, loving families. We rely on the generosity of our donors to provide these dogs with the care they desperately need. Without your support, many of these Labs will not get a second chance. Our ultimate goal is to give these deserving dogs a second chance at life and happiness.
In August 2025, a gentle soul named Bailey found her way to Brookline Lab Rescue after being surrendered to a shelter. At 125 pounds and facing a host of health challenges — from skin issues to cataracts to arthritis — Bailey needed more than medical care, she needed patience, compassion, and a soft place to land. Thankfully, she found all of that with her incredible foster parents.
Under their care, Bailey began her journey towards becoming a healthier dog. Through a steady treatment plan, plenty of vet and dermatologist appointments, and multiple walks per day, Bailey showed steady improvement.
From the moment that Brookline first shared Bailey’s story, our family felt an instant connection with her. The bond only deepened as we followed her journey on Instagram at @bodacious_bailey_daily. We cheered her on from afar, we laughed at her antics, such a “bouldering” during walks, and eagerly awaited every new Instagram post for an update.
When our family began the adoption process with Brookline, we didn’t hesitate to express our interest in Bailey with the volunteers. Little did we realize how many months we would wait and how strong our love of her would grow.
On December 2, 2025, Bailey was officially ready to start accepting applications for her forever home and we could not have put in our application fast enough. We are endlessly grateful to have been chosen as the family lucky enough to give her a forever home.
Bailey was brought home on December 11th and has settled in quicker than we could have hoped for. She quickly claimed her favorite spot on the couch, embraced her new routine, and welcomed us as her people. We continued the thoughtful care her foster parents began with the short walks, the spa-like ear cleanings, the medicated baths. Bailey accepted it all with her signature calm sweetness.
Her health journey isn’t over yet. We’re still working through ear infections and allergies, partnering closely with her vets and dermatologist to give her every chance at comfort and healing. Through it all, Bailey has been a champ, patient, gentle, and endlessly loving.
She delights in the simple joys: walks, breakfast and dinner, belly rubs, and above all… the couch. In her early days with us, she slept on her dog bed, but once she discovered the couch, it became her throne. With her weight loss, she’s even begun climbing up on her own, though she still prefers to rest her chin on the couch cushion to request a little lift — a gesture we’re always happy to oblige.
On walks, she continues her trademark “bouldering” whenever she disagrees with the route or senses someone nearby who might want to say hello. It’s part of her charm — Bailey lives life on her terms, knows what she wants, and she isn’t shy about telling us.
Every day with Bailey brings joy, laughter, and a fullness of heart. She has woven herself into our lives with quiet certainty, and we are honored to walk beside her as she continues her journey toward health and happiness. Bailey is home. And our hearts are fuller because of her.
