Desert Labrador Retriever Rescue A Phoenix-based Rescue Group

Our Dogs

Contact your Home Visit Coordinator to arrange a meeting with any of our wonderful labs!

PLEASE NOTE: You must complete an adoption application and pass a home visit before we can discuss any questions you have about our available dogs. We will not return phone messages nor answer e-mails about specific available labs on the website unless you have been approved to adopt.

More adoptable dogs can be seen by visiting our Courtesy Referral Pets for Adoption.

Fitz

Fitz is an affectionate 5 year old purebred English yellow male with a medium build and a huge heart. He is housebroken and uses the doggy door. Fitz is well behaved in the house and has the run of the house with his foster brother and sisters.  He will counter surf if food is left where he can reach it and does enjoy getting in the trash if available.  He needs leash training because he gets excited when he sees other animals and people outside of the house.  Fitz's favorite game is chase and he loves to swim, but his most favorite thing is to be with his people. He would be best as an only dog and older children to play with.  If you want a lab who is happy and always near by then Fitz is the dog for you!

 

Omar

Omar2( nicknamed Tugboat or Tuggy by his foster parents) is a delightful low activity boy with the sweetest, most mellow disposition ever imaginable. There is not another dog that he does not love and he adores all humans including children. He does a mean flop'n'roll to get his belly rubbed and will lean into you to absorb as much contact and attention as he can get. He is completely housebroken and trustworthy in the house. He is not much of a barker - just a single "ruff" to let us know if he wants to come back in the house or if he thinks we might forget him at dog dinner time.
Tuggy was found to have significant health issues after coming to DLRR. He was diagnosed with Lymphoma and has been undergoing chemotherapy for the last 6 months. He is now in full remission. He lives life in the moment and enjoys everyday. He enjoys a short and gentle stroll - he has an old knee injury that slows him down. So limited steps and no stairs are necessary.
Tuggy is a very special dog and will only be adopted to the right special family. We want him to enjoy as much time as possible and so he will need a home where somebody is with him most of the time. If you are retired or work from home, that would be a great match. He would be a great companion to another older dog that perhaps has lost their buddy recently.

 

Lou

My name is Lou and I am an 8 year old male who really is just a gentle giant. Although I am quite big, I want nothing more than to sit by your side and be your best friend. I love to follow you around the house where ever you go and I especially love car rides. I enjoy long walks as well but I'm not the best on the leash. With more practice though, I'm sure I'd be a great walking companion too! My favorite thing in the world is getting my tummy rubbed or my neck scratched. After a couple of minutes of that, I am all yours! As a dog, you can't really get better than me; I love kids, cats, other dogs and just being one of the family members. Call my foster to schedule a meeting.

 

Harley

Harley is a sweet, 6 year old, purebred, yellow lab.  Harley is housebroken and great loose in the house. Harley's previous owner reported that she is very afraid during storms. We have not had any storms since her intake so we have not had opportunity to see her react.  When Harley was younger she suffered ruptured cruciate ligaments in both rear legs which were not treated/repaired. As a result she has severe degenerative arthritis in both legs . She has to take medication to help with the pain.   When first coming to her foster home Harley had trouble walking at all and could not get comfortable when laying down. After her injuries Harley had gained alot of weight causing the problem to be worse. After being in her foster home she has lost the weight she needed and is able to go on walks now. She is on a strict perscription diet through the veterinarian that she will have to stay on. Harley gets along well with dogs, cats and  children.  Harley will only be able to go to a home where her medical, physical and diet needs can and will be taken care of.

 

Gunny

Hi! My name is Gunny I am a young (almost 2) chocolate lab on the small side, a super cutie and a very good boy who has Separation Anxiety.  In my case it is easy to understand why.  See I was the apple of my Human Dad's eye, his right hand man (dog so to speak). We were the best of buddies, going everywhere together. I always rode shotgun sitting so tall and proud. He got me when I was a baby and we loved each other. so much and then.......well, my dad passed away suddenly in February.  My heart is truly broken!  and yes I get anxious when I am away from people I love. Thank goodness for his best friend who took me in and called the nice people Desert Lab Rescue. He knew that they could find me a home with another best buddy, somewhere with people that would love me just as strongly and deeply as I love., and also be patient and kind to me.
I am doing great with my Foster family.  I LOVE kids, and I like to play, both with other dogs and with people.  I do not have accidents and I am crate trained.  I will need another dog to play with and a family willing to do what it takes to get me settled.  Foster Mom says that dogs with Separation Anxiety can be the best (2 of her dogs struggle with it) cause we attach so deeply, are so willing to please and easy to train.  We are super people orientated. Even with the SA, Foster Mom says I am one of the best behaved young Labrador Retrievers she has had. 
 

 

Blue

Hi my name is Blue. I am a little guy but don't let that fool you, you know what they say, big things come in small packages. I know how to sit, I will shake your hand and if you have a treat, I can even speak. I need to learn how to walk on a leash, I love
to run and heard people say I have a lot of spirit. DLRR rescued me from the pound so I am still getting to know everyone. If you are looking for a guy that has a zest for life, loves to give kisses and are willing to do some training, I am the kid for you!

 

Margie

My name is Margie and I am a very special Labbie.  I came to DLRR from the shelter here in Tucson.  As you can see from my picture, I am blind in one eye, but that does not slow me down one little bit!!  I am a 18 month old, female black lab.  I am a quick study.  I have learned that jumping on my people is not allowed and I sit for my food every morning and night.  I love playing with other dogs and love being around people.  The more I am around my foster family, my Labbie manners improve by leaps and bounds.  I am just waiting for my forever family to come and get me.

 

Peyton

Peyton is a Male, Chocolate, 8 year old, housebroken, uses the doggie door well, gets along well with other dogs, unsure about cats.  Very well mannered, takes commands well.  Does well in the house unsupervised.  Not necessary to be with another dog.  Tall, lean, energetic.  Loves to play fetch with tennis ball in pool and out. Will stop when asked.  Loves walks, endless energy to go, but will lie down in the house when you do and be a couch potato.  You would never guess this dog is 8.  Loves his marrow bone treats. Very smart.  Will not go into the pool without your permission.  Owner said he didn't ride well in car and had to take medication; however, he rode well with us on the dog bed with his head in between lying down.  Will try another car ride to see if there is a difference.  Happy to see other dogs on walks and all people, especially kids.  Would make a great hiking trail partner.  Great all around loving, sweet dog with no issues.
 
4/30 - Update - Peyton does have car anxiety.  He whines and turns in circles trying to crawl into your lap.  We've been working on short trips around the block with treats for when he lies down quietly and following it up with pool time when we get back.  He is slowly making progress.  Very intelligent, well trained dog.  High strung like a hunting dog with that type of energy and focus.

 

Marley

Marley11 is a 6 year old white lab who is a little over 100 pounds.  His scars portray a hard, unkind life but his quiet gentle nature begs love and kindness, showing no animosity toward humans or other dogs.  We understand that cats are acceptable in his world as well.  So far we know that he can use a doggie door, sleep quietly in his kennel at night, and today is matching our lab as a great “fireplace” dog with a medium to low energy level.  This may change as he settles in.  If ever a gentle soul needs, and desires to give, love and kindness, it is Marley 11. 

 

Niko

Niko is a 6.5 year old Yellow Male Lab and weighs 82#.  He is an owner turn in.  He is good with other dog as long as they do not get in his face and growl.  His favorite thing is to be with pople of all ages.  He enjoys swimming, retrieving and going for walks.  He is house trained, uses the doggy door and is ok left alone in the house.  If Niko sounds like he would fit in your home, call his foster.

 

Macey

 Macey came to us from the Yavapai Humane Society.  She was an owner turn in and this is what her evaluation was from YHS.    Macey sat nicely at the gate on kennel approach.  Easy leashing and walked nicely out the door. In the yard, dog interacted nicely with the handler, seeking out contact with lean in and tail wagging. Enjoyed all over handling and dominance hug.  Dog was in typical excitable Labrador state to afford full eye contact.  Food test was unremarkable, allowing food bowl intrusion with no issue. Child test made dog a little subdued, going into a sit and looking up into handler's eyes. Body remained soft throughout testing. Dog responds quickly to breaking outside focus and leash corrections. Walks with slight pull, but self-corrects at the end of the lead. All in all dog possesses all the nice Labrador Retriever qualities. Very nice tempered dog. Needs some focus and obedience and but personality is very amicable.

 

Dogs Awaiting a Foster Home...

Chata

Chata is sensitve and gentle girl!  For Chata, life has been hard - hanging belly from overbreeding and ears all hardened up by untreated hematomas, ear infections or both.   She takes treats oh so gently and is calm and gentle meeting new people and kids. When noiser folks or kids are around she tended to want to shy away behind a safe pair of legs.  Chata is looking for new home that will respect that she has had a difficult past and not push her. Chata will need to be loved for Chata - she does not do well with other dogs or animals in the home.  She has been to meet and greets with many other dogs around and does well with her personal space  in place. Chata must be a one and only and she will be a truly loving and gentle companion.  Sweet Chata will make some lucky family very happy - and she deserves a chance at a wonderful life filled with love!

 

TJ

TJ is a gorgeous male lab with a beautiful, almost white coat.  TJ is a special boy who loves people especially kids. He gives the best kisses to show how much he wants to be with you. He is a very respectful boy-walking by your side (no pulling); sitting and giving his paw  ...  he takes over the room with his personality.  His second outing after being released from the pound-was at Pet Planet-he was very interested in all the smells & toys & dogs & people-but was well behaved. He bonded quickly with the volunteers that brought him to the event-this handsome yellow lab wants a pack of his own-to show his love & personality every day.  Our vet think that he's about 7 years old, DLRR Volunteers think that he is younger.
He isn't in a foster home at this time, so we don't know much about him.  We do know that he is a loving affectionate companion.
This handsome boy is looking for his forever family - if you think that might be you, please call today!