There's a lot to learn when you have a new pet. Our sister brand, The Wildest, is here to support you—with new pet checklists, virtual training, and expert guides. Sign up for free.
I found a new home! Plenty of my friends are looking for one too. Check out other pets at this shelter, or start a new search.
Find a pet to adopt
My basic info
Breed
Labrador Retriever
Color
Tan/Yellow/Fawn
Age
Adult
Size
Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg) (when grown)
Weight
–
Sex
Male
Pet ID
–
My details
Good with kids
Purebred
Shots current
Spayed / Neutered
Housetrained
My story
Share
Here's what the humans have to say about me:
Bruce: 10 year old, neutered male yellow lab, 60 pounds
Hi, I’m Bruce, and I am told I am a sunny boy! That is probably because I am in a wonderful place, getting lots of love, and playing ball as much as I want with my foster siblings. But mostly I like hanging out with my foster mom and dad, who give me lots of love and attention. This is all new to me!
A month ago I was living in a garage, all by myself. I don’t know why, but my family didn’t seem to want me around. I never got a walk, or was allowed in the house, so I would cry, and cry. It was really cold in there, and I was hungry a lot. My skin got really itchy, and it turned black! I'm not sure how that happened, because I am yellow.
The one day someone from Lab Rescue came to see me. Before I knew what was happening, I was outta there, and off to a wonderful foster family’s house. I feel like I have been reborn (or re-whelped?)! But I can’t stay here forever, and I would really like to have a forever family. Are you the family for me?
Background on Bruce:
We knew something was wrong when we got a call from Bruce’s owner looking for a place to drop him off that very day. We suspect that the owners were anxious to drop him off that day because their neighbors had called Animal Control multiple times. A second clue was the picture he sent of Bruce, with a towel over his head. Those were just 2 signs that something was very wrong for Bruce. We were afraid he would be dumped at a shelter or worse, so we got someone out to meet him immediately.
The GGLRR Rep who met Bruce instantly saw what a sweet, loving boy he is. He was friendly from the first hello and so happy to go for a walk. It was obvious, upon seeing him that he was not in good health. He had a serious skin condition where he was losing fur and the skin was grey/black underneath. He was also very thin although the owners said he ate a lot of food. Something was clearly wrong. He was moving well though, and gently bouncing up and down when he saw the leash. The GGLRR Rep found out that because both owners worked and had a young baby, Bruce was locked in the garage all day and night. The owners said if they had him out in the yard he would whine to come in. He just likes to be with people! He wasn't getting walks anymore because in his eagerness to go outside, he would pull on the leash a bit too much for the wife. (The GGLRR Rep noticed after half a block, he walked just fine on the leash.). The neighbors would see Bruce's leg come under the garage door with open sores and would hear him cry in the garage day and night. San Francisco Animal Control called GGLRR to ask them if they were taking Bruce in, as they had placed five notices with the owner, who finally called back stating he was donating Bruce to GGLRR. The owner told Animal Control it was very hard to give Bruce up as he loved him! We are very thankful for the caring people who took the time to turn in Bruce's owner as Bruce is now with an experienced, loving foster family. Bruce is getting the vet care he needs and lots of TLC, and his skin ailment is improving. He does have some arthritis, probably from spending so much time on the cold garage floor, and we are treating that too.
Bruce is house trained, and sleeps on a dog bed in his foster’s room next to his foster siblings. He loves attention, and gives the daintiest kisses! He shows a little anxiety only when he’s eating, which is not uncommon for dogs who have been starved. And he likes to “talk” to you when his water bowl is empty or he has to potty.
Is there a place in your home and your heart for this sunny boy?
The kind of family we would like for Bruce is one where he would get the love, attention and leadership that he has lacked for so many years. While Bruce gets along well with other dogs, he is much more interested in hanging out with the humans. He is a little possessive of his food, and that’s easier to handle if he’s an only dog. A family with children over the age of 10, where the children understand that they can’t play rough with him, or let him overdo with the ball, would be best. Bruce would also be perfectly happy in a home with a retired person or couple, who are home enough for him to hang out with them.
Lab Rescue will ensure that Bruce has his shots prior to being adopted. Bruce is located in Saratoga.
If you have the time and room in your heart for Bruce, and would like him to be a part of your family, please contact Rescue Rep Debbi at 408-354-1676.
(Please keep in mind we are all volunteers, most of us work full time and we all have personal lives. I do call everyone back within 2-3 days so please be patient and I will be back in touch with you. When the dogs are in foster homes then it may take longer as we need to touch base with the fosters for updates on the dogs. We work very hard to make the right matches for the dogs and for the new owners. We get 3-5 dogs per week and we do not have a facility that we keep the dogs housed in. They are scattered all over the Bay Area.)
