LODESTAR Dog Ranch

We at the LODESTAR Dog Ranch are slowly fading into the twilight. After seven years and hundreds of Labs in new, loving homes, it's time.

We wouldn't leave if we felt we were abandoning our favorite canine creatures on this earth.

In a couple of weeks we will be announcing a new website and introducing you to new friends who love Labs as much as we do and will help you find a Lab for your home, or a home for your Lab.

Keep Lodestarlabs.com on your favorites list. We will still be around with Lab and life related materials.


LODESTAR Dog Ranch will continue to devote more personal efforts to helping Labs who need some type of FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE , through Cooper's Fund, to live a quality Lab life.

Tom Payne
Jean Payne
Founders
LODESTAR Dog Ranch
Not familiar with the breed? Check out this video: The Labrador

You don't have to breed your Lab to witness the "Miracle of Birth," do it the easy way. Have the family gather around the monitor and watch: Momma and the really new ones




LUCKY'S LABS


Lucky, our big yellow, mellow guy, showed us that an older Lab mix
could be a great friend and super hiking partner.
We miss him every day though it's been 9 years.
Everything the LODESTAR Dog Ranch has done is because of this guy.
Here are some Labs Lucky would like you to consider to be your new best friend.




THE FOLLOWING LABS ARE AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION

This service does not have a fee, but any donations by the old owner and/or the new owner to COOPER'S FUND at the LODESTAR Dog Ranch, a non profit 501(c)(3) organization, are greatly appreciated so we can continue the services for dogs and owners.

 Here are two Labs we currently have up for adoption Los Crucus/ElPaso area who were saved from death row last week. They are sweet, loving, playful not hyper at all, spayed, microchipped and vaccinated. They're either mother & daughter or sisters. Lacey is 1 yr old yellow and Cocoa may be 2-3 yrs old chocolate. If you are interested, please contact 915-920-0958 or they can apply directly via our website at www.grrep.org







This dude named Max is at the Socorro shelter, only an hour south of Albuquerque. He's a bit older, but he'll still be a great dog and he's already wise and lazy! No puppy craziness! This guy is NEUTERED so there is no adoption fee for him, just pay $12 bucks to get him out and you get the $12 back once you show that he has had a rabies shot. Please rescue Max! For information contact: socorroanimalshelter@gmail.com or call 575-838-3103


"Rio is an incredible 3 year old, unaltered, male, purebred, yellow/white Lab. He is fully trained and he will heel, sit, shake, and coming when called ... which is pretty incredible considering he was just christened Rio a few days ago. He is very affectionate and talks when you rub his sides and scratch behind his ears. Rio will be a wonderful, mellow companion to someone who is looking for that perfect lab. He does not do well with other male dogs and as yet we do not know how he does with females. He does not appear to have issues with the female pointer boarded next to him. Rio can bounce pretty high so I think we need at least a 5' fence". For information please contact: Rio or call 505/362-0331

Sammy is a yellow, Lab that was dumped at the Hobbs shelter by her owner to "find a better home" She is now in the Albuquerque area at a foster home.

Sammy's foster mom has this to say:

"Sammy is a female, 6 year old, yellow lab, house trained, great with older children and women...a little leary of men but will warm up to them in time. She needs some work on the leash and she is a little aggressive with other dogs, but can get along with them, it really depends on the dog she encounters. She doesn't chew, she isn't destructive...she's not into chew toys or chasing a ball. she doesnt get up on the beds or furniture and she knows to sit and she takes treats gently most times. She loves being with her family and sleeps on her bed every night next to our bed. She will get into the trash if she's left alone long enough and she has been known to steal food from the counter once in a great while, but she hasn't done either in a long time. She's protective of her family, and will bark and nip if she feels someone is being hurt. We love that quality about her because even though we doubt she would actually hurt anyone she most certainly would make them think twice with all the barking and growling and will put herself between us and them. She doesnt lick or jump up on you...but she leaps straight up in the air when she's happy to see you. She loves being hugged and pet and talked to and she loves the attention the older kids give her. Since we brought her home she has attached herself mostly to me, and will follow me everywhere...even in the bathroom. She doesn't make a big deal about needing to go out to potty so you will need to pay attention to her signal which is as subtle as walking to the door. If she leaves the side of the person she's attached herself to without being called, she probably has to go out. She had a couple accidents when she first came to us, but we learned to read her signals and there have been no accidents since. Her one quirk is that she will sit on her tail then chase it. I think she waits until it starts to tingle and then the chase is on. She has been a wonderful addition to our family and it breaks our heart to let her go...We just hope her next family will love her as much as we do." Sammy is a wonderful girl. For more information please contact: Sammy or call 505/362-0331

Nana is a 2 year old black lab. She is sweet and loves other dogs. Bettie[STILL AVAILABLE] and Eddie[ADOPTED] are her two 8 month old pups they are lab crosses. All dogs are fixed and would love to find a family to call their own. They can go together or alone. The pups have been in rescue for most of their lives please give these guys a chance! (Pup on the far left was adopted) They have been in a shelter enviroment for around 8 months now and would really love to find a home they are not doing well being penned even though its a large area it is taking its toll on them.

Nana and the pups are outside of Los Lunas with the Rio Grande Rescue. All 3 are upd on shots and are de wormed. All can jump a 4' fence but are doing fine in a 6' enclosure. Nana is very sweet and around 60 pounds. Eddie is bigger than his mama at 8 months old, lab in appearance with a bit of white on his chest. Bettie is slightly smaller than mama. All of the dogs are in a barn and fenced yard and it is not known if they are good with cats or housetrained. They have no formal training. For more information please contact: Bettie or call 505/362-0331



TIME RUNNING SHORT IN ROSWELL
Albie is 3 year altered male and Whitten Is a 1 year old male. Both guys are athletic and could use a 6 foot fence for safety. Whitten is good with children and Albie is good with other dogs. Roswell Humane does no have any additional information on these two, but what's important to know is the Roswell Humane is "full," That is not good news for the dogs they are full with. For information please contact The Roswell Humane Society Kennels: Tel: (575) 622-8950


Albie and Whitten's are looking for transport From Roswell to Albuquerque, we will board in Albuquerque. Their time is up on the 13th.




Yeller is about 2 years old male yellow lab very sweet!!! No other info available. He is also available in Roswell. For information please contact The Roswell Humane Society Kennels: Tel: (575) 622-8950




LABS LOVE TO PARTY
Harley[ADOPTION PENDING] is a wonderful 1 1/2 year old female yellow lab who is almost white in appearance. She is a very energetic young girl. Harley is a smaller lab at around 50 pounds. She knows how to sit, lay down and is doing better at eating with everyone. She is okay with cats. Harley is a very good with other dogs. Harley is very trainable and overall a wonderful girl. This little girl comes all the way from Ohio and is currently being fostered in Clovis. Transport to Albuquerque is available. Please contact: Harley or call 505/362-0331.


Zane[AVAILABLE-PICTURED] & Zeb[ADOPTED] are two 7-8 month old, english looking, block head, black, big Lab, brothers ... very friendly, and sweet, handsome and young Lab busy. They were turned in to the Los Lunas animal shelter by their owner. All we know at this point is that they can sit and Zeb can even shake. They are really bonded together and at 8 months they can be seperated, but if one is good isn't two better? For more information on Zane and Zeb please contact: Zane and Zeb or call 505/362-0331
These guys need a yard to romp in and a family to curl up with, not to be stuck in boarding!




Jessy [ADOPTION PENDING]is a solid dark chocolate, 5-6 year old. AKC registered Lab, who is just, in the words of the kids today "awesome." She loves other animals, good with kids, house broken, etc. Her foster mom would like for her to be trained to be a therapy dog, but I think as long as she finds a great home she will let her go. For more information on Jessy please contact Clovis Pet Rescue~Humane Society @ 575-693-3856. Jessy can be transported to the Albuquerque area.





Maisey is one year old, yellow, female from Clovis (now in Albuquerque area). She is small, Lab mix and was abandoned at a rental house by her former owners. Maisey is a sweet little girl who is a bit timid at first, but very affectionate. She is a wonderful mama to her 4 brand new pups, 3 boys and one girl.(One of the male pups has since died. Maisey is a small labby looking girl who needs to put on some weight after nurturing her four little ones. Please contact: Maisey or call 505/362-0331




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Buck is a fabulous, laid back, 1-2 year old, un neutered male yellow Lab mix. He is a big guy, rides well in the car, is pretty mellow with other male dogs - his ruff goes up, but that is about it. He is a real people-toucher, he wants to be by us all the time. He does know how to sit and loves to roll over for tummy rubs. Buck is just overall a good 'ole boy who wants to be with his people! He is learning to walk on a leash. Buck is currently in a foster situation. For information please contact: Buck or call 505/362-0331



Words from Mocha's rescurer:

Mocha is a 2-year old, chocolate, female Lab, 52 pounds, She's every bit a young Lab. She is a healthy, energetic...smart..Alpha female. Mocha sits, walks nicely on a leash once her initial energy boost is satisfied...not sure how much training she had...think she ran her previous 25-acres pretty much UN-supervised...I think, now that I see her in action, she's best being an only dog or a dog with a larger male. Mocha is affectionate with people.For information on Mocha call;(505) 665-0198 w or (505) 412-9096 c



LABS LOVE KIDS
Sara is a 8 month old black lab mix female. Sara is leash trained. She is a very sweet, bouncy girl who has lots and lots of energy and is very active. Sara is very sweet and just waiting for the right home. Currently she is in the Alamogordo area. She can be transported to Albuquerque. For more information on Sara please contact: Sara or call 505/362-0331





Zooey is a beautiful, yellow, adult Lab girl. She is spayed, and according to her owners she is a very good dog. She can jump so you'll need a taller fence to keep her safe. Owners are devastated, she is a wonderful girl, She always stays withing a couple of houses but they live in too busy a neighborhood for her to be running around.For more information on adopting this wonderful young lab please contact Rio Rancho Animal Control @ 891-5075.

ZOOEY NEEDS HELP SOON. IF YOU HAVE A 6 FOOT FENCE AND ROOM FOR ONE MORE LAB TO COMPLETE YOUR PACK THIS WOULD BE A GOOD TIME TO CONSIDER ZOOEY.BECAUSE OF HER ABILTY TO EXIT 5 FOOT FENCES SHE WAS RETURNED TO THE RIO RANCH SHELTER AND DOGS WHO ARE RETURNED ARE PLACED ON THE SHORT LIST. Zooey or call 505/362-0331



Max is a beautiful, highly intelligent 1 1/2 year old neutered male lab. This great dog has really had a lot of rough breaks. He was rescued from Albuquerque Animal Control mere hours before being euthanized. Max had been adopted twice, and returned twice because he is able to jump 5' fences with ease. He was adopted to a wonderful situation in Los Lunas where he had acres to run. Unfortunately, Max likes to wrestle with the goats a bit too much. He plays rough with them, not intending to hurt them but also not quite realizing they are not dogs! Max is microchipped, up to date on his shots, knows basic training, and is house trained. He has a fondness for cats that is not always reciprocated by the cats! Max has been in 4 homes in the last 2 months. He is a very loving, loyal boy who just needs to find his forever home. He is still at his temporary home is Los Lunas and needs to be placed as soon as possible. For information contact Max or call 505/362-0331

MAX UPDATE 1/5
This boy is out of time next week at his fosters, he has really had way to much transition and honestly is just a fabulous lab looking for the right home, which he deserves. Max, like most of us has his pros and cons, and his are both the same thing--He loves his people. His attempts to escape have only happend when he was left alone for an extended period. It would seem his best home would be with folks who are around most of the time so Max can get in his required amount of being petted.

In Memoriam
 
Dedicated to those who have run out ahead of us
We share the earth with our animals, but it is in our hearts where they live, and from the heart they cannot die.
Tom Payne


Cody was a true gentleman of a dog. Playful (loved to steal socks and let you know he had) respectful, gentle and kind. He was also a singer.....howled to all of his "animal sound" toys and taught the other dogs to join in. He once had surgery and the vet told us he came out of the anesthesia singing.........such a sweetheart. Everyone lucky enough to meet Cody loved him and admired his soul. He touched each person's heart with his indescribable specialness. He was our teacher and "coach". Cody, you are free now. Bless your soul with peace and love from afar.

Sleep well good boy,
Libby and Wyck









Jack is a 2 year old neutered black male Lab who is current and up to date on his shots. He is described as just beautiful and a very good boy who knows basic commands and is good with other dogs. He will be in Albuquerque and in a boarding situation as of 12/31/09. For information contact Jack or call 505/362-0331

1/1/10 UPDATE ON JACK:
"....I cannot say enough good things about this boy. He rode for 3 hours in the car lying down or sitting, is very mellow, is absolutely beautiful, was introduced to the fosters unaltered male with a minimum amount of fanfare - they were off exploring the yard together in minutes, is crate trained, is neutered, and is absolutely sweet and wonderful."

1/9/10 UPDATE ON JACK
Jack can scale a 5 foot fence so let's try for a 6 plus fence.

1/14/10 UPDATE ON JACK
"Jack is definitely a people dog. It is easy to see he wants to be good friends with his humans. We feel there is most likely a family who can love Jack the way he deserves. Jack also seems to be looking for a playmate, perhaps because he misses his buddy the German Shepherd. He loved playing with our neighbor's dog, and I think he wishes he could play with the cat. But, the cat is too small of a playmate for him.Jack is teachable, full of energy, and in need of human loving."
LABS LOVE TO TRAVEL



Gizmo is a beautiful smaller sized yellow Lab mix. He is approximately one year old, and not yet neutered. Rio Rancho Animal Shelter says he is a good dog. Gizmo has been there since Nov 29, but they cannot guarantee how much longer they can keep him ... which translates to he is in danger. He was found as a stray. Shelter staff says he is very friendly and an overall sweet boy. How about giving Gizmo a chance to call your home his forever home?

The Giz is now in foster care. For more information please contact: Gizmo or call 505/362-0331
1-9-19 GIZMO UPDATE
Gizmo is coming out of his shell in boarding and is having a ton of fun playing with his foster's female dogs.


LAB LOOKING FOR A REHAB FACILITY

Babe is a 7-8 year old chocolate, neutered, male, Lab mix whose family decided they did not have time for him, so into the shelter he went. (Lab lovers take a deep breath.) In the Albuquerque Shelter, Babe passed all of the temperament test with flying colors. That's the good news, bad news--they discovered Babe is heartworm positive, meaning he will need to go through heartworm treatment and then for the next 6-8 weeks he will need to be kept in a low activity environment. LODESTAR Dog Ranch will cover the medical expenses. (Thanks to those folks who have contributed to COOPER's FUND.) What we need is someone who lives in a "not nuts" situation that would be willing to give Babe the rest he needs to be all he can be. For more information on Babe call (hm) 281-0330 (wk) M-Th 844-8283.

12/25/09 UPDATE: Enchantmutts rescue are going to see Babe through his rehab. Here's the latest:

"Babe is here and doing well. Pick up Christmas eve was easy. Picked him up about 11;00 and he spent most all day til about 5:00 in the car (not counting walks). He was every bit a gentleman. He's a very very nicely behaved boy. He is lab in personality but there is something else in there somewhere, I'm sure. He's eager to please, obedient and, thank heaven, calm. He is definately coughing badly from the heartworm. He is also wider than he is long! Needs to lose a few pounds. He does look a little like Babe Ruth so maybe the name fits him. He doesn't seem to respond to it though so don't know if kennel gave him his name or not. Anyway, he is a good boy. I think keeping him quiet for his treatment shouldn't be too much of a struggle. If treatment goes OK and he survives it, we will put him in rescue with Enchantmutts so he can go to our adoption clinics in the spring.

1/4/10 BABE UPDATE: Babe underwent his first treatment today. He's sore and tired but still the same sweetheart

2/1/10 BABE UPDATE: Babe is scheduled for the second heartworm treatment Monday the 8th of feb. He will check in on the 8th, stay overnight and I will pick him up Tuesday night. He is now svelte and gorgeous. No longer coughing and he is feeling really good and playful. Loving those tennis balls and taking them to bed with him. Will be a might harder to keep him down for the count this time around!! : ))

HEARTWORM TREATMENT 'TAINT CHEEP. LODESTAR DOG RANCH IS COVERING BABE'S TREATMENT AND WE COULD USE SOME CASH TO BACKFILL COOPER'S FUND. THANKS IN ADVANCE.

COOPER'S FUND
c/o LODESTAR Dog Ranch
17 Anne Ct.
Tijeras, NM 87059


HOW ABOUT A HOME FILLED WITH WIGGLY, SQUIGGY PUPPIES?

Momma, a chocolate, Lab mix met up with a travelin man while on the road in the Artesia area. She is now "with puppies" and without a home. Anyone willing to take on this act of love would give comfort to Momma and her pups for 8 weeks and then adopt out whatever pups you don't choose to keep. (Dog nanny gets first choice). For more information on what this foster mom project entails, please call 575-513-0294 in Artesia, NM


LABS LOVE TO LEARN




Max is an approximately 1 year old, medium sized (19"at the shoulder and 45 pounds) flat coat retriever mix also saved from euthanasia at the Clovis shelter. He is currently in a caring foster home in the Albuquerque area. This is what Max's foster Mom has to say about him. "He is a very happy boy, nice disposition and I think very smart. He cowers a lot but I think that will disappear once he knows no one is going to hurt him. He is getting a little better here. He is not a dominate dog even unneutered. He loves other dogs, is fine with cats and I think loves people too. He does not seem to be afraid of too much that I have found. He seems to be real smart, knows his name now and how to sit. He will come most of the time I call him but he is not consistent. Being an unneutered male, that is understandable. I would like him to have some weight on him before he goes to a new home, but if anyone wants to visit him here they sure can." Max will be neutered and up to date on his shots prior to being placed in his forever home. For information, please email: Max or call: 505-362-0331.
MAX UPDATE 1/5/10 " What an absolutely beautiful, loving, eager to please boy. Max will be neutered this week... He loves to play, is learning to be well mannered, gets along fairly well with other dogs, and again is absolutely beautiful. Max is a medium sized dog, probably will top out around 50 pounds. We'd love to find a home for him soon, he deserves more time than he is able to receive in the busy fosters house."
MAX UPDATE 1/30/10 Max is still available and in foster, he is a fabulous, energetic boy that is just too much for the foster's 6 year old lab who lost her mother a few weeks ago. I think the foster's Lab needs a bit of time to adjust to life without her mama.




We are always on the lookout for fosters for dogs from Clovis. For information, please email: Clovis foster or call: 505-362-0331.



"Happiness to a dog is what lies on the other side of a door." Charleton Ogburn Jr.


Jocko's rescuer/foster has this to say about our boy:

"Jocko is with me now....he has turned out to be a stellar dog. He is neutered and totally dog-appropriate with every dog he meets. Good with all people and children. The only problem w/him is that he is large and strong and would knock a smaller child down in his exuberance. So older kids and/or adults would be the best match for him. He has one or two quirks. They are; bolting behavior;l and he has had no formal training. His bolting behavior ratchets down after he's been in a "new place" for a few days. He does sit, come when called, and once he's been run a bit, walks nicely on a leash. He is one of the gentlest dogs I have met. He would do best with another dog as company. He is starved for love and attention but is not greedy or pushy about getting his head scratched. He does cry a little when left in the crate if he thinks something is going on with out him, but not a barker or a whiner. He's good with his bowl and respects others bowls." For information on Jocko call;(505) 665-0198 w or (505) 412-9096 c





KNOW WHERE YOUR FRIEND IS, SHE MAY NOT KNOW WHERE YOU ARE.


Bella is a Lab mix with a very sweet demeanor. She is has been nursing 5 puppies, but they are currently being weened. The general consensus is that she's around a year old. She has never barked or snapped at any one. She is a stray so she has no shots and needs to be fixed. Bella loves attention and likes kids. She's a little scrawny looking because she's a tired mother feeding 5 babies. She has a few cuts and scrapes, but overall she's a beautiful dog in need of a loving home. Any one interested should contact 575-637-4703 in the Las Cruces/El Paso area..







LETTER TO LODESTAR FROM A NON-LAB: Hi, my name is Roxie. I am a sweet, very loving Rott that loves to give hugs and kisses. I was abandoned by my previous owner so I am not sure how old I am (besides a woman never tells her age). I do have bad hips but not sure what from. I need a good home and someone that will love me and take care of me for the rest of my years... Please consider me as your next family addition!!! Please contact my friend at SHERRYSMITH@clearchannel.com
Love,
Roxie the Rott



LIFE'S LESSONS YOU DON'T HAVE TO LEARN YOURSELF

In this section we will be including stories from an unpublished manuscript by Tom Payne entitled, "The Second Mouse Gets The Cheese." Many of his "lessons' have been taught to him by his dogs. For previous Lessons click SECOND MOUSE

OH YOU POOR BABY...

. Imagine you arrive home about an hour later than usual. You drop your coat on the floor and yourself on the couch. With a concerned look, your politically correct spouse/partner/significant other/companion, observes your glazed appearance and says, "We have to talk. These last couple of months you have been especially uncommunicative with me and the kids. You've been argumentative with the neighbors. You do little else but stare at the TV, and half of the time it's not even on! And you're drinking more than you ever have. What's wrong?"

"I'll tell you what's wrong. My boss won't get off my back; customers are constantly complaining; policies keep changing; rumors about reorganizing are running wild; and all my coworkers have bad attitudes. It's a jungle out there that's why I'm the way I am."

Your s/p/so/c responds, "Oh, you poor baby, have a glass of wine and relax."

"Thank you," you say with a slump and sigh.

Now let's change the scene a bit. You go home at night about an hour later than usual. And drop your coat on the floor and yourself on the couch. Your s/p/so/c comes over to you and says, "We have to talk. These last couple of months you have been especially uncommunicative with me and the kids. You've been argumentative with the neighbors. You do little else but stare at the TV, and half of the time it's not even on! And you're drinking more than you ever have. What's wrong?"

"This time you respond, "I'll tell you what's wrong. My boss won't get off my back; customers are constantly complaining; policies keep changing; rumors about reorganizing are running wild; and all my coworkers have bad attitudes. So I'm choosing to be this loser you see slumped over on the couch. Could you get me another drink please?"

If you do get another drink, it's a good bet that for telling the truth you'll have to get that drink yourself!

Lesson #30 When you make others responsible you get sympathy, when you make yourself responsible you get control.


Please don't dismiss any Labs that have a few miles on them. Older Labs make great companions for you and mentors for your younger dogs. Our Lucky was 7 years old when we got him, and he lived until 14. Those were 7 of the best dog years we've ever enjoyed.

In Praise of Older Dogs
"A dog is one of the remaining reasons why some people can be persuaded to go for a walk." ~ O.A. Battista
FOR GIVE-AWAY AND SALE

We, at LODESTAR Dog Ranch, have some odds and ends fencing which can be used as a way to reinforce your fencing, top or bottom, if you have yourself an escape artist Lab. This fencing (all or some) is yours for the taking. We also have three gates (two 8 foot and one 4 foot) which we will make available to anyone needing them. For the gates we are asking for a donation to COOPER'S FUND. For information please email: Info on Fencing.





Fiona is a sweet, playful 5 year old black lab/pitbull mix. She originally was found running the streets of Taylor Ranch with no owner to be found. She was barely 10 lbs and just a puppy. She was brought in to Second Chance Rescue. They thought her owner must be looking for her, no one ever came looking for this little angel. they took her in, had her vaccinated, spayed and after about 6 months found her a home. Unfortunately within a years' time the adoptive family could no longer keep her due to circumstances beyond their control. Though Fiona came back to Second Chance a bit depressed and wondering what she had done wrong she has now returned to the bubbly girl she once was. She is GREAT in the house and is wonderful company. She is housetrained and crate-trained. She loves to go on walks. She would probably do best as an only dog. She is deserving of a place to call home. If, after reading this, you think she might be the one for you, you're probably right. Please call 238-5565 or 463-5885 or email Second Chance Rescue
"Labradors [are] lousy watchdogs. They usually bark when there is a stranger about, but it is an expression of unmitigated joy at the chance to meet somebody new, not a warning. -- Norman Strung
Nickel is a 13 year old, purebred, male, black Lab. The need for the owner to move out of state and the uncertainty of housing make placing her buddy of 10 years one of the owner's better options. Nickel is both big-boned and a tad overweight at about 100 pounds, otherwise a healthy senior. He is a neutered house dog who would make a good companion for a person(s) looking for a fellow coach potato. For information on Nickel please call 713-689-4266 . (Nickel is in Albuquerque.)

Yes, Nickel is an old dog. Yes, you will probably be with him when he dies. The question is to avoid the anxiety of separation, should the owner put him down now when he might have a year or so of your love left? Tough question.
LABS LOVE TO EAT
Ten Commandments for Responsible Pet Ownership

1.) My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you will be very painful.

2) Give me time to understand what you want of me.

3) Place your trust in me-it's crucial for my well being.

4) Don't be angry with me for long, and don't lock me up for punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment. I HAVE ONLY YOU.

5) Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I understand your voice when you are speaking to me.

6) Be aware that however you treat me , I'll never forget it.

7) Before you hit me remember that I have teeth that could easily crush the bones in your hand, but I choose not to bite you.

8) Before you scold me for bring lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I've been out in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old and weak.

9) Take care of me when I get old. You too will grow old.

10) Go with me on difficult journeys. Never say, "I can't bear to watch it," or "Let it happen in my absence." Everything is easier for me if you are there. Remember, I love you.

Laura Michaels
"One reason a dog can be such a comfort when you're feeling blue is that he doesn't try to find out why." - Anonymous

UNDER MY WINGS ANIMAL TRANSPORT--VOLUNTEER PROJECT

It's not that we have too many dogs, they are just in the wrong place. Under My Wings located in Morarity, NM has arranged for the transport of thousnads of unwanted New Mexico dogs from an unsafe place to safe places in Colorado. This orgnization is a one, senior citizen, run operation. Saving dogs one at at time is very benfical, but by the thousands is extrordinary. She can use your help of all kinds. Each trip to Denver requires a driver, volunteers to help overnight/load dogs and carries about a $200 cost. Any financial help (or maybe you can even sponsor a trip) would be appreciated. For information on how you can help, please call: 505-832-6834
"If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went." - Unknown
DOG WHEELCHAIR

We have a wheelchair designed for a female, 50-60 pounder (See picture). If you can use it, with the stipulation that it be returned to LODESTAR Dog Ranch when it is no longer needed, let us know at Lodestar Dog Ranch.




"A really companionable and indispensable dog is an accident of nature. You can't get it by breeding for it, and you can't buy it with money. It just happens along."- E B White, The Care and Training of a Dog


Jasper is a very large sweet guy. He was found laying in the middle of a busy street after his little buddy was hit and killed by a car. He does love small dogs, but does well with big ones too. He is a very good boy, but he does have to be watched when he is outside playing because he can be a fence jumper. Jasper is house trained and neutered.He is in Clovis, NM. Contact: Clovis Animal Welfare League Rescue/Adoption Coordinator 575-693-3856 Jasper

8/24/09 UPDATE on Jasper"We still do have him. I think he is suffering from the Big Black dog syndrome, he is a great dog we just need to have the right family see his picture and fall in love with his sweet face."

12/18/09 UPDATE on Jasper Jasper is really a great boy. He was found in the middle of a busy street after his chi buddy got killed. He is very good with crate training. He is neutered and has all his shots. He is working on house breaking. He does good with other dogs. He can jump a 6' fence that is cinder blocks, but he doesn't go over the chain link. He really doesn't try to go anywhere once he has bond with you he doesn't try to get out. He is really a wonderful dog to take out walking because he doesn't pull or act up. I almost think he would be a wonderful service dog. He would do best in a home with another dog, he does better with female than males. He really is an easy dog for me to deal with. I just want to find him a forever home that he so deserves.
LABS LOVE TO HANG OUT

STILL HAVEN'T FOUND YOUR LAB?
If one of Lucky's Labs just doesn't seem "right" to complete your family there are always (unfortunately) a "variety" of Labs and Lab mixes between homes. Please check these sites below and follow the prompts:

HTTP://PETHARBOR.COM

HTTP://PETFINDER.COM

HTTP://ADOPT-A-PET.COM

LOCAL NEWSPAPERS

CRAIG'S LIST Click "community," then "pets."

Also check out:
VARIOUS SHELTERS/RESCUES

If you wish to make a BIG difference in the life, literally, of a dog, check out DOGS IN DANGER, and adopt one of their dogs in imminent danger of death.


Check out New Mexico's finest animal photographer JOYCE FAY

Heeling Hearts is a therapeutic and skills training program for incarcerated women. It is an animal welfare program for the dogs who are rescued, trained, and adopted. The program is a response to the unique needs of the women and a response to the high number of homeless dogs in Cibola County. HEELING HEARTS


LOOKING FOR A HOME FOR YOUR LAB?


 Check out the article in the Web site "Companion Animal Issues" Finding A New Home For A Companion Animal

Apology to Our Dog? When "I'm sorry" is not enough.

Good sources to post/place your Lab are:

LOCAL NEWSPAPERS

CRAIG'S LIST click on post to classified, then"community," then "pets."

VARIOUS SHELTERS/RESCUES

If you wish to post your Lab or Lab mix on this site, visit the following link, and follow the instructions.
TOM'S MINI BOOK REVIEWS


Best book I've read--maybe ever.

The Art of Racing In The Rain
Author: Garth Stein
Harper

Garth Stein writes with the equivalent of a Lab's "soft mouth." His soft, well crafted words and his insights into the love of a dog for his people are maybe something we would just like to be true, but after reading this marvelous book, I'm a believer. It will be hard to look at your dog the same way after reading The Art Of Racing In The Rain.

Two men and their dogs books:

Merle's Door
Lessons from a Freethinking Dog
Author: Ted Kerasote
Harcort Inc.

Rescuing Sprite
A Dog Lover's Story of Joy and Anguish
Author: Mark R. Levin
Pocket Books

Both of these books are about the life and, inevetably the death, of beloved dogs. Both are 4 handkerchief books. Both are about men who really love their dogs. This is where the similarity ends. Ted Keraste, when the end was inevitable, showed he loved himself more than he loved Merle. Mark Levin, on the other hand, put Sprite first when, in a dog lover's life, it was most difficult to do.
"Dogs are our link to paradise. They don't know evil or jealousy or discontent. To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring--it was peace." - Milan Kundera
DRIVERS WANTED

If you would like to play a part in the rescue of dogs in New Mexico, consider volunteering to drive dogs from point A to point B within New Mexico. Sometimes it's not that there are too many dogs, often they are just in the wrong place. To add your name to the driver list, please call 505-660-2822. If you prefer to drive to Colorado (the Denver area), call 505-832-6834.
A Great Read - Check this out!!!

Special info for those of you looking to get a better insight on why your Lab does what your Lab does: We here at the LODESTAR Dog Ranch use, and would recommend, animal behaviorist, Cameron Murphy. Cameron can be reached @ cowboycam@msn.com or trainer Mike Allsbrook @ 505-264-2514.



To obtain further information on any dog listed above or to make a tax-deductible, Lab-helping donation to Cooper's Fund : contact:

Tom Payne
Lodestar Dog Ranch
17 Anne Court
Tijeras, NM 87059

Thanks from every one of the hands here at the LODESTAR Dog Ranch
Jean, Tom, Cody, Dooley, Mugs, Bud, Lincoln, Smokey and Mori









E-mail:Lodestar Dog Ranch








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