More than a decade ago, Shannon Williams made a promise to a shelter dog who never made it out: the next time a dog desperately needed someone, she would step up.
That next dog was Blacky, a partially blind pit bull who became her first foster β and eventually, her forever family.
Eleven years later, Shannon is still keeping that promise through fostering, weekend walks, adoption events, and countless acts of kindness.
"Volunteering is good for my soul," Shannon says.
One heartbreaking goodbye became a lifetime of second chances.
You might think a sweet yellow Lab puppy would be adopted quickly. But for Canela, a bony lump on her head made her future uncertain.
The veterinarian believes it may be a birth defect, and two of her siblings had similar, smaller lumps. Still, Canela found herself on the euthanasia list at the San Jacinto shelter.
Then someone said yes. A foster stepped forward, and Canela got her second chance.
Now safe in a home with three large dogs, this shy little girl is learning that the world isn't such a scary place. She loves playing with her foster siblings, following her foster mom around the yard, and finding cozy spots to curl up.
She's also recovering from a doggie cold, so she's getting some extra TLC while she feels better.
Canela still needs patience, reassurance, and ideally a confident canine companion to help her blossom.
She may look a little different, but she's every bit as deserving of love.
Walter's Second Chance: From Doggie Jail to Foster Home
On September 11th, Walter, a middle-aged pug, found himself at the shelter after his owner was arrested. For more than a month, he remained on a personal property hold, waiting for the chance to go home.
But the days passed, and Walter grew increasingly withdrawn. He spent much of his time lying quietly in his kennel.
On October 22nd, Walter was finally made available for rescue. And when a foster offered to open their home, we knew exactly what to do!
Walter got his freedom ride!
What a difference a home makes! Walter has quickly made friends with his foster family's dogs and cat. He's house-trained, crate-trained, friendly with everyone he meets, and his foster absolutely adores him.
But Walter still needs a little help. He's being treated for an ear infection and needs a dental procedure estimated at $800.
Could you help us give Walter the healthy, happy new chapter he deserves?
Every donation, large or small, helps us provide the care he needs.
In 2019, Ben and his sibling Jerry came to Labradors and Friends frightened and unsure of the world. With time and love, Ben found his confidence β and eventually, a forever family who adored him.
We recently learned that our sweet Ben has crossed the Rainbow Bridge.
His family remembers his morning excitement, his determination to chase squirrels, and the famous "Benny tax" β multiple tummy rubs required from everyone who came through the door!
When we thanked his family for loving him, their response was simple:
"We were the lucky ones."
Rest peacefully, sweet Ben. You were one very loved boy.
Join us at Baran Mediterranean Restaurant & Bar in Anaheim for an evening of Bingo, prizes, basket raffles, great food, and plenty of fun β all while helping rescue dogs!
Come early at 5:00 PM for dinner. Baran is generously donating 15% of all food and drink purchases to Labradors and Friends.
$20 gets you 10 Bingo cards, with prizes for all winners!
Reservations are strongly encouraged β tables fill up fast!
Call Baran at (714) 340-0035 to reserve your table. Gather your friends and help us make this a great night for the dogs!
Holiday shopping just got a little sweeter! β€οΈ
Our See's Candies holiday fundraiser is officially underway!
Whether you're shopping for gifts, filling stockings, or treating yourself, every purchase through our special storefront helps support the rescue dogs in our care.
Shop through December 4, 2026!
Just click the flyer above to shop, share the sweetness, and help us give more dogs the second chances they deserve.
π¨ Paint Your Pet β On a Clock!
We've been waiting for this one!
Join Labradors and Friends for a fun afternoon of creativity, pets, and rescue!
Turn your favorite photo of your pet into a personalized clock you can proudly display at home or give as a gift.
Saturday, November 14, 2026
Two sessions: Noonβ2 PM or 2:30β4:30 PM
Where: El Farolito Mexican Restaurant, Placentia
Cost: $55 per person, with $30 benefiting Labradors and Friends!
We'll pre-sketch your pet before the workshop, so you can focus on bringing your masterpiece to life.
Ready to reserve your spot? Email a photo of your pet and your phone number to fundraisingLAF@gmail.com.
Come paint, have fun, and help rescue dogs get their second chances! β€οΈ
π LAST CHANCE FOR HOLIDAY ORDERS!
Our Pampered Chef fundraiser was scheduled to wrap up this week, but there's good news for anyone who hasn't had a chance to shop yet:
The party has been extended through November 15th π
That means more time to browse, find fall kitchen favoritesβand help our rescue dogs at the same time.
A portion of proceeds from purchases made through our fundraiser goes back to Labradors and Friends, helping us keep saying yes when dogs need us.
And after the week we've had, we can tell you those yeses matter. β€οΈ
More time to shop. More opportunities to help. More dogs getting their second chance.
Every Yes Changes a Life. Every Act of Love Leaves a Legacy. β€οΈ
Sometimes rescue begins with a promise.
For Shannon, one heartbreaking goodbye became more than a decade of showing up for dogs who needed someone to believe in them.
For Canela, it was a foster who saw beyond her differences and gave a frightened puppy a safe place to land.
For Walter, it was someone opening their home after weeks of uncertainty, giving him a chance to rediscover happiness.
And for Ben, it was a family who gave a once-frightened rescue dog years of love, laughter, Christmas mornings, and endless tummy rubs.
Four different stories. One beautiful reminder.
Rescue isn't just about saving a dog from a shelter.
It's about the volunteers who keep showing up. The fosters who open their doors. The adopters who commit for a lifetime. And the families who remind us that the love we give these dogs comes back to us in ways we never imagined.
Because being rescued is only the beginning. Being loved for a lifetime is the goal.
Thank you for being part of their stories β and for helping us write the next chapter for the dogs still waiting. β€οΈπΎ
Because friends don't let friends go homeless. π
Not every adoption begins at an event. Sometimes it begins with someone sharing a photo or telling a friend about a dog who needs a home. Take a moment to share one of our adoptable dogs today.
π‘ Open your heart and home to fostering.
Canela and Walter are safe today because someone said yes to fostering. Every foster home gives us the opportunity to save another life. Could you be someone's next second chance?
β€οΈ Celebrate the people behind the rescue.
Shannon's story reminds us that one person, showing up year after year, can change countless lives. Whether you volunteer, foster, donate, or simply spread the word, you are part of what makes rescue possible.
π£ Invite a friend to join us!
Our Bingo fundraiser is Wednesday, November 4, and our adoption event is Saturday, November 7. Bring a friend, share our events, and help us reach more people who love dogs as much as we do.
You may not be the person who adopts a waiting dog. But you could be the reason their forever family finds them. β€οΈ
ο»Ώ
Until next Sunday...
With gratitude,
The Volunteers of Labradors and Friends
Labradors and Friends Dog Rescue Group | 2307 Fenton Parkway #107-160 | San Diego, CA 92108 US
