After 473 days in a shelter, Jesse finally found freedom. But freedom was only the beginning.
Now in foster care, Jesse is learning to trust at his own pace. His progress is slow—and that’s okay. His foster family is giving him exactly what he needs: patience, space and all the time in the world.
Marilynn came to LAF incredibly pregnant and, just 34 hours later, welcomed nine beautiful puppies into the world.
She was an amazing mama. She raised her babies, watched every one of them find their forever homes—and now Marilynn is still waiting in boarding.
This petite, athletic girl is sweet, affectionate, dog friendly and happiest by her person's side. After taking care of everyone else, she deserves the chance to leave boarding behind and be part of a family again.
All nine of her babies found homes. Now it’s Mama’s turn.
Meet Rudy, a tall, handsome, approximately 2-year-old Labradoodle who is quickly proving that being a very good boy might actually be his full-time job.
At around 70 pounds, Rudy is sweet, gentle and a little shy at first—but once he’s comfortable, he becomes his foster mom’s quiet shadow. He’s great with dogs and kids, walks nicely on leash, rides well in the car, appears potty trained and does well in a crate.
He’s calm, affectionate, food motivated and happiest just being near his person.
Basically, Rudy wants to eat your snacks, follow you around the house and then take a nap wherever you happen to be. ❤️
From a confiscation case and months in a shelter to foster care, backyard zoomies, and her own family—Tara is home. ❤️
Her new family had applied with LAF back in February and patiently waited for the right dog. When Tara came along, we wondered if she might be the one.
She was.
Today, Tara meets neighbors on her walks, greets new friends with a wagging tail, and does zoomies in her backyard. This is the ending we hoped for when we said yes to her.
Pulls for Pups started with an adoption application!
Six years ago, the manager of SoCal Powerlifting applied to adopt from LAF. His landlord wouldn't allow a dog, so the adoption couldn't happen—but his experience with our volunteers and adoption counselor stayed with him.
Later, when the gym wanted to hold a fundraiser, Labradors and Friends immediately came to mind.
And Pulls for Pups was born!
Today, this annual deadlift competition brings together some seriously strong people lifting some seriously heavy weight—all for the dogs!
100% of the event proceeds benefit LAF, and we bring along some adoptable dogs to provide a little four-legged encouragement between lifts.
Six years later, they're still pulling for our pups. ❤️
📍 SoCal Powerlifting — Irvine
📅 Saturday, October 3
⏰ 10 AM–2 PM
Strong lifts. Big hearts. Happy pups. ❤️
Want to Host an Event for LAF?
Pulls for Pups started with one connection—and six years later, it’s still helping save dogs.
Have an idea for a fundraiser, adoption event, or community partnership?
Sometimes it means giving a frightened dog all the time he needs to learn to trust. Sometimes it means continuing to search for a home after all nine of her puppies have found theirs.
And sometimes it means answering the call three years later and saying, of course she's still ours.
This week, Lucy reminded us what that promise means.
Jesse reminded us that healing can't be rushed.
Marilynn reminded us that some dogs are still waiting.
And Tara reminded us why we keep going.
Because when we say yes to a dog, we mean it.
One dog. One promise. For as long as they need us.
