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 early 2025, I made the decision that I was ready for my next dog. Anyone that has lost their loyal companion knows that time after loss. Wondering if you’re ready, if it’s fair to move on, I just knew I missed the excitement that would occur walking into your home and the moment your dog sees his best friend.
In April, Zeek was brought to my attention by Brookline. This big boy was looking for a new home that he could call his own and one where he could play ball. In the pictures I saw, I noticed a wrap around his tail and that’s when I learned of his past. Brookline had rescued him from a shelter, and he came with “happy tail”. After a few necessary surgeries and some exciting times at this foster home, Zeek was ready for adoption.
One promise I was asked to keep was to make sure there was time to keep Zeek’s favorite game in his life… playing ball. No one loves his ball more than Zeek. When I met his foster mom, I made sure to stop on the way to pick up a few balls. Pulling into the parking lot, I saw Zeek being a good boy, waiting patiently for me to arrive.
As soon as I opened the car door, he hopped up off the ground in enjoyment and you could tell there was an immediate bond. As we got in the car (thankfully a dealer loaner) he immediately dove under the seat cover to get closer to me. He stayed next to me, head on my shoulder, for the drive home.
Zeek immediately made himself at home. He went to a lot of the same spots as my past dogs. He found their old toys and gave them all their proper goodbye. Those toys were then replaced by his favorite toys, lots of balls. As of now, he has accumulated 60 plus balls and makes sure they are always nearby.
First came sleeping on the couch, his new bed. Then came cuddles, then came kisses. I’d have friends and neighbors come over to meet Zeek and the comment was always “he looks like he’s lived here forever”.
Zeek has the kindest soul. He will put a smile on anyone’s face as he shakes his 100lb body at every stranger that passes on our walks. He gives his time and comfort to random children in our neighborhood that want to see him and scream “It’s Zeek!” Just need to be careful, Zeek likes to give mouth kisses to all.
The house is complete again. It’s his house now, I just get to pay the bills and bring the food. There are balls everywhere, he never has to wonder if they’ll run out. He has friends on every block and a family in his own home again. From the shelter to becoming my soulmate, Zeek has found his forever home, and I have found my new best friend.
