Archives: Success Stories

Cleopatra (formerly Dakota and now known as Cleo, her highness, the Queen, etc.) has been a joy from day one. When I took her home at the end of September, I had just learned that my foster Myla was in stage 3 kidney failure. I worried about taking care of both of their needs, and worked hard to make sure Myla didn’t feel replaced and Cleo felt welcome. After a bit of posturing, the two became buddies. Cleo seemed to understand that Myla was delicate and treated her with great gentleness, even when Myla was not gentle with her. Cleo was and has always been easy, so long as she gets sufficient attention. Like her Labby brethren, she loves affection and attention almost as much as she loves to eat.

Last December, Myla started failing very quickly. Before the vet arrived to put Myla to sleep, Myla was shaking very badly and wouldn’t take any food or medicine. I felt helpless until Cleo saved the day. She crawled into bed and rested her head on Myla. Within seconds, Myla stopped shaking and relaxed. I honestly don’t know what I would have done without her. The next morning, when I was feeling sad over Myla’s loss, Cleo was by my bed wagging her tail, reminding me that she was very much alive and that she wanted her life to be a happy one. Again, she gave me just what was needed at just the right time. I got up, took her out and she chased the tennis ball with gusto.

Cleo is my greatest companion. She is velcro and always happy. She took to hiking quickly and has proved to be a great companion for me on the trails. She is smart and loves to learn. Cleo completed the first 2 levels of obedience training easily and passed her Canine Good Citizen test last winter. This week, she will be starting a new class called brain games for extra mental stimulation. I’m told she will learn to read cue cards, choose colors, and identify toys by name.

Cleo came into my life when I needed her most and enriches it every day. I can’t believe how lucky I am that she is my constant, loyal companion. She is everything I wanted in a dog and everything I didn’t know I wanted too. I could go on and on praising this dog, but I know I don’t have to explain since you all likely feel the same way about your precious pups. Thank you, Brookline, and special thanks to Lisa B. for fostering her and Deb H. for springing her and otherwise being so helpful.

Pepper was rescued by Brookline after spending 7 years on a farm. The day she was rescued she was covered in cow stink, and physically and emotionally drained. Brookline placed her in a caring foster home. She was examined by a vet, vaccinated and eventually spayed.

While in foster care, Pepper learned what it was like to be a real dog. Some of her favorite activities were playing fetch, running free with the resident dogs, napping in the sun with her foster fur sister, and taking long walks in the Wissahickon. Pepper was recently adopted into a loving family and she is thriving. Pepper is one of the lucky ones.

Meg and John Place followed Pepper’s online blog and applied to adopt her. Meg summed up Pepper’s transition to her new life saying, “She loves long walks, the comforts of a warm bed, and she adores our grandkids. Puppy mill moms just need time and patience, and they need to know they are safe.”

Over the course of our Farm-to-Family Campaign, Brookline will be sharing many more success stories of our farm girl rescues. But there are so many dogs that still need our help. Your monthly donation of just $10.00 will help us rescue, foster and adopt even more dogs into loving, forever homes.

Thank you.

To learn more about Pepper’s journey (and see our other dogs), check out the foster blog.

Meet Ruthie. Ruthie was a farm pup that no one wanted. She was rescued by Brookline and fostered by Theresa Flanagan, one of Brookline’s best fosters! Ruthie came to us in December 2020 after two of our dogs crossed the Rainbow Bridge.

Our Bear was 12 and Snowy was 17 and a permanent Brookline foster. While Snowy was with us for only a year, we were devastated to lose two very special dogs. Then, Ruthie came along at the perfect time.

Well, the story doesn’t quite end here. You see, it wasn’t long after being matched with Ruthie that I spotted another five-month-old, purebred, yellow Lab on Craigslist in Altoona. Feeling terrible for this pup, we were going to acquire her and contact Brookline, since we had just been blessed with Ruthie. But once I saw her, I realized that fate really does have a way of intervening in life. Here I was with one farm dog no one wanted, and another unwanted dog, the exact same age, needing a good home.

Fast forward and Ruthie and Stella have become the very best of friends. It’s been quite the adventure as we’ve raised these two young dogs together. They are so happy and healthy and active and funny together. They follow each other and, of course, shadow our entire family.

We celebrate all the holidays with new collars, and they are spoiled beyond belief with monthly Barkbox deliveries. These two want for nothing. They sleep in a king size bed, curled up next to me near an electric blanket during colder nights. They have left the permanent cold winters of Pennsylvania and now explore all the private sniffspots we can find in North Carolina. They love car rides and the occasional drive-through window, but our vet says that they need to watch their figures.

They say you don’t find a dog, but that a dog finds you. Clearly this was the case with Ruthie and Stella. Fate stepped in and this wonderful friendship was just meant to be. All’s well that ends well.

Once upon a time on a quiet Amish farm, lived a yellow Labrador named Freda. She spent most of her life in a kennel within a barn, bringing numerous litters of puppies into the world. The farmer saw her merely as a means to an end, unaware of her weight, favorite toy, or the softness of her fur. Bored and isolated, Freda gnawed on the metal bars of her kennel, wearing down all her top teeth to the same height, leaving her with just one true canine tooth on her bottom jaw.

One summer day, a volunteer from Brookline Lab Rescue arrived to offer Freda a new life. At 8.5 years old, Freda’s journey to her new home marked the beginning of a transformation. Her breeding days officially ended in August 2022 when she was spayed. In September, Freda was adopted by her foster family, including Crinkles, another former breeder mama, and Trixie, a black Labrador who had been adopted from farm life in December 2009. The three dogs quickly formed a bond, finding solace and companionship in one another.

Despite her calm demeanor, Freda carried the scars of her past. She was fearful of men and sudden movements. Yet, with each passing day, she began to heal. Her new family showered her with love and patience, giving her the space and time she needed to feel safe. As the months turned into years, Freda blossomed. Her eyes, once clouded with uncertainty, now sparkled with contentment. She learned to trust again, finding joy in simple pleasures—long walks with her fur siblings, basking in the sun, and snuggling close to her new family.

Two years have passed since Freda’s rescue. July 12th marked this special anniversary, a testament to her resilience and the power of love and kindness. Freda’s story is one of transformation and hope, a reminder that even the most broken souls can find healing and happiness.

In her new home, Freda is not just a dog; she is a beloved family member. Her journey from a life of confinement to one of freedom and love is a heartwarming tale of second chances and the enduring spirit of a yellow Labrador who, against all odds, found her way home.

As we celebrate the anniversary of Wesson’s Gotcha day and adoption day this month, I wanted to share with you some pictures of this sweet boy.  It’s been a great year with him – full of lots of furry friends, adventures, and great sniffs.  He is such a happy guy and is a great companion for Bella.  He truly completes our family, and I really can’t imagine our family without him.  I will forever be grateful to you both for the gift of Wesson

Pearl is one of the lucky ones. As a two-year old farm dog, she was unable to have puppies. This saved her from living even more years confined and isolated as a breeder dog. In the years before her rescue, Pearl’s life consisted of an outside pen and a crate that was kept inside a barn.

When rescued by Brookline, Pearl had severe and painful ear infections. One side of her head was scarred from incessantly digging at her ear. She also had a hematoma in her right ear, which caused it to be narrower and more disfigured on the inside. Farm girls rarely, if ever, get medical care. Her rescue ride was a day that would forever change her life. But rescuing breeder dogs can only be realized when a foster home is willing to take them in. Lesley and Jason graciously opened their home to Pearl.

In foster care, the goal of Brookline Labrador Retriever Rescue is to provide farm dogs with kindness and care. All veterinary costs are covered while being fostered. Once ready for adoption, it’s time to find them the perfect forever home. An important step in the Farm-to-Family process as adoptions open up space in our foster homes so that more dogs can be rescued. To date, Lesley and Jason have fostered a total of 16 dogs; 8 of those were farm dogs.

As we successfully expand our network of foster homes, we also recognize that more dogs being fostered will mean additional medical costs. Our Farm-to-Family Campaign is raising funds to directly support the care of these amazing dogs.

Having never lived inside a warm home, breeder dogs appreciate what it means to be rescued. At first, our farm girls can be timid and a bit anxious. After a life of isolation, everything is new to them. While it can take time for them to warm up to you and their new surroundings, when they finally do, it is well worth the wait.

At the time of her final adoption, Pearl was less anxious but still somewhat timid of new people and places. To ease Pearl’s transition, Lesley and Jason drove 4 hours on Thanksgiving Day to take Pearl to her forever home. Pearl’s new family turned out to be the perfect match for her! They were extremely patient and willing to give her all the time she needed to settle in.

After about a year, Lesley and Jason received a note from Pearl’s new family saying that Pearl finally climbed the stairs! This was an important milestone for Pearl. For a year the family refused to leave her downstairs by herself and took turns sleeping on the couch by her side. In a recent text, her adoptive mom celebrated Pearl’s successful journey from the farm to their family, “The difference between her now and then is like night and day. We’re so grateful you all let us adopt her.”

Those who foster and adopt farm girls know their history and, as such, are extremely patient with them. Given time, love and a safe space, these dogs will eventually settle in and learn to trust. In the end, the investment of time is well worth the love you will receive in return. This is the story of Pearl.

This was the day of Molly’s rescue ride. Rescue rides are celebrated times for both the dogs that are saved and the Brookline volunteers who save them. On this day, many lives are forever changed. For the farm dog that is rescued, it is a new beginning: a journey of kindness, care and a loving home awaits. For the Brookline volunteer, their life, too, is forever made better from this journey. In talking with those who pull dogs from the farm, they can recall the joy they felt with each dog they saved.

For 8 years of her life, Molly was a breeder dog and kept outside on a farm. At the end of this rescue ride, Molly was placed in a warm home with a caring foster family. She saw a vet, got her required vaccinations, and received treatment and medication to relieve a painful ear infection. Later, after being spayed, she remained in foster care to heal. She went to local parks, enjoyed car rides, and loved meeting new people.

In foster care, each Brookline dog is assigned a blog where potential adopters can learn about a dog’s history and read its progress. Melissa and Don followed Molly’s online blog. When she became available for adoption, they were thrilled to be chosen as Molly’s forever home. They fell in love with her and knew she was going to be perfect for them. Melissa and Don were both retired, and Molly joined them to enjoy her own retirement from the farm.

It didn’t take long for Molly to settle in at her forever home. She welcomed the warm beds and the comfy blankets. The excitement of regular, healthy meals even brought on an adorable dance each time she was fed. When introduced to family and friends, Molly loved everyone, including a furry neighbor named Daisy who became her BFF. Even the Fed X driver loved Molly. He would bring treats when delivering packages and she would sit by the front door waiting to greet him.

As is often the case with farm dogs, Molly never barked, never went on furniture, and never played with toys. At first, Molly was even hesitant to go outdoors for fear of never being allowed back inside. For the first few months in their home, Melissa and Don walked outside and stayed with her until Molly was sure she could safely come and go.

Soon after adopting Molly, Don had some serious health issues. He is doing better, now, but Melissa believes that it was Molly that helped heal Don. The timing of Molly’s adoption gave them a wonderful purpose and brought them great comfort and joy.

After four wonderful years with Melissa and Don, on December 28th Molly crossed the Rainbow Bridge. In a recent e-mail to Brookline, Melissa wrote about Molly and this loss. “It hasn’t been that long ago and it’s still hard for me to talk about her. Molly was one of the lucky labs rescued from the farm, but we were the lucky ones to have had her to love. Her time with us was short but it’s comforting to know that we were able to spoil her with love. Thank God for the Brookline volunteers that rescue these labs from the farm.”

There is a saying that reminds us that we don’t rescue a dog but that the dog rescues us. After 8 years in isolation, Molly just wanted to be with her people. Melissa and Don took her everywhere, but Molly’s favorite thing of all was coming back home: home to a safe, warm place with beds and blankets, and where she finally knew what it was like to love and be loved. It was a short life off the farm, but it was one lived to the fullest, and one that brought so much joy to those who knew her.

On that celebrated day of Molly’s rescue ride, Molly’s journey to a new life had just begun. What she didn’t know at the time was just how many lives she would touch, and how very much she would be missed. Godspeed dear Molly!

Brookline rescues breeder dogs of all ages. The sooner their rescue ride, the more time they will have in a loving home. Your commitment of as little as $10.00 a month will allow Brookline to rescue dogs, like Molly, from the harsh conditions of breeder farms, provide them with kindness and care, and adopt them into warm, loving homes.

Cuddles had a rough start to life. She lived in Lancaster on a farm and had puppies for 6 1/2 years. When she could no longer have puppies, the farmer decided he didn’t want her anymore. Fortunately, Brookline rescued her. On the farm, she most likely lived outside in a cage resulting in a lack of hind end strength. She had untreated sores on her legs from licking due to boredom. Once rescued, she was given the medical care she needed and fostered by a great family who taught her what it was like to live inside a home.

Cuddles was then adopted by us and lived the life she was so deserving of. She was the kindest, gentlest, most loving dog ever! She simply wanted to be with her people and chill and cuddle living up to her name. Because she was so gentle, we felt she would make a great therapy dog. We were right. Cuddles passed her certification test on the first try! She visited nursing homes and an elementary school and local library to help kids get comfortable reading. She loved going on these visits and brought smiles to so many people.

Cuddles looked forward to her walks and loved going to the beach. Unlike your typical lab, however, she didn’t like to swim. She would go in the water but would rather be a lifeguard and watch the comings and goings of the people and other dogs!

She lived with her sister Onyx who was also a Brookline rescue. Unfortunately, we had to say goodbye to both Cuddles and Onyx over the last few years but their memories are still in our hearts.

Brookline always says that the farm dogs are the best dogs. I agree. Cuddles is why I became a Brookline volunteer and why we adopted two other Brookline rescues, Mya and Maggie, who also bring us much joy.

Thank you, Brookline, for rescuing Cuddles and giving her a second chance at life. The farm dogs so deserve this!

We are the fortunate family that was selected to be the forever home for Maverick. Formerly known as Lincoln, Maverick was one of the Super Seven as we like to refer to them. Sadly, he and his sweet siblings spent the first few months of their young lives in a small outdoor pen on a farm where they had to compete for the necessities of food and water. Their living conditions were cramped, unsanitary and isolating.

Ultimately, the farmer was unable to sell these puppies and Brookline stepped in and rescued them all. After much-needed baths and veterinarian check-ups, the puppies went their separate ways to their Brookline foster homes.

Brookline fosters are dedicated volunteers that help acclimate dogs to a loving home. Many of the dogs come from farms as described above, some from crowded shelters and others are surrendered by owners due to various hardships. During the foster period, medical needs are covered. When the dogs transition to their forever homes, the adoptive families can rest assured that the dogs have been given the medical care they needed.

Having been approved to adopt, as we were waiting to be matched with a dog, the volunteer that worked with us encouraged us to attend a few Brookline events. We met many foster families, and we were so touched by the time and effort these families invest in the training and care of the dogs.

Maverick is smart, playful, affectionate and funny. Every morning the kids are delighted to see his wagging tail and receive his wet kisses. He loves to play fetch and he is getting more confident in the water. Now, as Maverick is about to approach his first birthday, he wants to bark a very “yappy birthday” to his six siblings. He hopes to one day play with them again.

There are so many ways to help dogs like Maverick. You could adopt a former farm dog, volunteer with Brookline, open your home through fostering, or make a monetary donation to help with costly veterinarian expenses. We are so grateful that our volunteer and Maverick’s foster family entrusted our family to adopt him last fall. Please consider getting involved. Thank you to everyone at Brookline who played a role in his rescue.

Not all farm dogs are girls. Buddy, a chocolate Lab, and Duke, a yellow Lab, are a bonded pair of 10-year-old boys left behind on an abandoned farm when their owner died, and the property went into foreclosure. For more than two months, Buddy and Duke were outside and alone. Through the kindness of a neighbor, they were fed and survived.

Buddy and Duke were not only hungry for food, but they craved human interaction – whimpering and whining whenever the neighbor would leave. Fortunately, Brookline was contacted and these farm boys were rescued.

Close to a dozen Brookline volunteers mobilized to arrange safe transport, veterinary care and housing for these two sweet dogs. We often say that to rescue takes a village. This is just one example of how Brookline pulls together to save farm dogs and find them a safe place to spend their remaining years.

Most often, dogs that are rescued by Brookline are placed directly with an approved foster. However, at the time of their rescue, Brookline didn’t know enough about Buddy and Duke to match them directly to a foster home. As a result, their journey from Farm to Family took a slight detour.

The boys made a stopover at the Bedminster Canine Kamp (BCK) in Pipersville, where they remained under the care of Brookline, and the wonderful team at BCK.

Recently matched and adopted into a loving home, Buddy and Duke will now live out the rest of their lives, together, enjoying cool pup cups, warm dog beds, and all the human contact they deserve. Good luck boys!

Puddles was pulled from the breeding farm by Brookline with her mate Tanner. When Puddles arrived at Deb’s for foster care, she was missing most of her fur except for a small strip on her back and some on her head. She also tested positive for whip and round worms, anaplasma, and had horribly infected ears. Deb said she resembled a baby hippo more than a dog.

Over time, her fur grew back, and she began to feel safe. She learned that no one would hurt her, and she also learned what it felt like to be loved. Puddles also became a big snuggler and just wanted to be with her people. In foster care with Deb, she began to trust the resident dogs and even started to initiate play. Most of all, Puddles learned how to be a dog.

My mom met Puddles at an event that Brookline attended. She called me that same night and said, “Heather I think I met your next dog today.” I was skeptical but agreed to meet her. The rest as they say is history. We bonded immediately and I knew as soon as I laid eyes on her she was going to be my girl. She fits my life perfectly!

I get to take her to work with me each day as I run a business with my mom. She gets to hang out with my mom’s labs Dover and Ransom. They are fast becoming best buddies. Puddy loves to play fetch in the yard and tug with Ransom. She enjoys long naps and afternoon snacks. Swimming is a work in progress. Most of all, she loves cuddles and to be petted by everyone. Her tag line is, “When you need cuddles just call Puddles!” She has taken to our routine with ease and comfort.

Puddy is already learning basic commands (the benefit of having a mom who is also a dog trainer) and she gets to go to “dog school” twice a week when I teach. Thanks to Deb, my Puds had a great start to her new life and now she will continue her journey with me. While I have only had her 3 weeks and we still have lots of work to do my “Pudapotomus” already has my heart, and she truly is in her forever home with me!!

Cowyn is quite a handful…but in a heartwarming way.   We adopted him Memorial Day Weekend ’24 and for the last year plus he has been so great to have at the house.   We previously had Marley who we adopted in October ’98 but had to say goodbye to her in February ’24.    After that loss there was a void in our house and Cowyn has more than filled in.    He’s quite the shadow to us around the house.   Rarely can walk around with him a few steps behind us.   He has also gotten along extremely well with our two cats (Carly and Ziggy).  

One area that Marley wanted no part on was fetching or toys for the most part.   No problem there with Cowyn.   He will play fetch all day until my arm gives out.   In the house he will bring a ball or toy for us to toss around until he wanders off to chew on it for a bit.   And he has a full bin of toys that he will dig through to find the right one for that specific time.

Going in we knew he had a gastro issue.   Deb (foster mom) had him on Biome food and we have stayed the course it with no issues.    That food seems to work out great.

Cowyn is still “anxious” around other dogs…especially when he sees one walking nearby in the neighborhood.    We try all the tricks (treats, etc) and he has gotten a little better but still a work in progress.   But when around several people and dogs (such as when he is at Town & Country Kennel) he does fine per the reports we get.   He’s one of their favorites over there (so they tell me).

Thanks again to the Brookline team…especially to Sue and Deb…for honoring us with Marley in the past and Cowyn now!

Brian & Joan Helgesen

Seems like Katrina has been in my home and heart forever. We are such a good fit. But it’s been just two months that this beauty has been my best friend and constant companion. Being matched with Katrina came about after our Brookline home visit volunteer, Nancy, had worked tirelessly, even while on vacation, to make this happen. We are both so grateful.

It was on May 22nd when two Brookline volunteers, Valerie and Mark, who live near me, kindly drove to the introduction near Morgantown. Katrina and Barbara, her wonderful Foster Mom, were waiting there to greet us. “Love at first sight” is a phrase overused, but this was truly a prime example of it.

Barbara did such a great job of preparing this beautiful former breeder dog to live off the farm and in a loving home. In foster care, Katrina had been free from the farm for just 24 hours when Barbara reported that she was doing great. Barbara said it best when she said, “Katrina is finally free to be a dog!” Although at first a little scared, she quickly adapted to the good life. Initially, Katrina was afraid of Barbara’s husband but that got better with time. Breeder dogs can often be a bit shy around men. Foster Mom, Barbara, also treated Katrina to a spa day where she spent 2.5 hours getting pampered.

Getting in and out of the car was, at first, a challenge but Katrina quickly got the hang of it. Farm dogs can also be somewhat hesitant when it comes to doorways, but she trusted Barbara and learned that there was nothing to fear. She was also introduced to toys and, to this day, Katrina loves carrying things in her mouth. She is so gentle when she does.

When I first saw Katrina in person, I realized that the photos on the Brookline Foster Blog simply didn’t do her justice. As a six-year-old, with a velvety silver coat, Katrina truly is a beauty, no doubt. But it wasn’t just her looks, it was her calm, affectionate temperament that shone through, making it both love at first sight and a match made in heaven. In fact, Katrina’s personality is so mellow that she is now training as a therapy dog and will bring much joy to our local nursing home residents. Thank you to everyone at Brookline for rescuing Katrina from the farm and bringing us together.

Updated December 2025:

Former farm girl, Katrina, now officially has her K-Pets registration and participated on Friday, Nov. 21, at the “Welcome Vietnam Veterans” event hosted by Hospice of Central PA in Hershey, PA.

There were more than 250 attendees, and Katrina (the once shy girl who hid in a corner of her wonderful Foster Mom’s kitchen) has blossomed with loving kindness and was confident in greeting more than 200 people as they came through the doors!

The smiles were off the charts, as Vietnam era Veterans and their spouses gave her silky silver fur a pat and exclaimed, “Oh, she is so soft! and look at her eyes”!!��

Thank you to Barb, who fostered her and will always her “other Mom,” and to all who had a role in helping Katrina find her best life today. We will be continuing our visits to Artis Memory Care in Camp Hill; and we are now officially welcome to visit at Carolyn’s House, the Residence provided by Hospice of Central PA, in Harrisburg.

There seems to be a lot of residual love �� stored in farm girls after their “retirement.” I’m sharing our story to open the conversation for others who may be considering this service for their Lab. I truly believe that Katrina was born to do this, thrives on it!  And there may be many others with the same potential. If any BLRR adoptive parents would like to learn more about the characteristics and requirements of starting on the journey for their Lab to become a working therapy dog, I would be happy to have them reach out to me via email.

We will stay young as long as the smiles we receive keep coming!!!
Judy and Katrina