Yet another year has passed and I wonder as I sit here where it went. They say as you get older time flies. I look at my son and he is now taller than his father. When did that happen. We are looking at the driving thing soon. OMG! I an not wrapped tight enough for that. Dogs are easier!

Being a 501c3 for a full year brought many new challenges. Mostly paperwork and the need for more file space. This old dog certainly experienced a learning curve. All up hill.

We definitely met some new angels this year and many have become part of our ever expanding network. At the end of 2009 (Dec) we had our first Pilot N Paws delivery by plane. This year we met some great pilots and learned the ins and outs of transporting dogs via private planes. One pilot even adopted a pup. We hope to expand our PNP network so the animals have less stress and less mileage and quicker trips .

2010 focused on staying closer to home and addressing problems of dogs here in our own backyards. What with the economy and foreclosures. We made sure that any food donations got to our local families and shelters first, if they were doing okay we reached out to surrounding area shelters.

Education became a priority. We started to stress to people how to help themselves in times of need. To find some excellent trainers instead of dumping dogs at shelters that are already overcrowded. We did a lot of directing to food banks, to organizations that help with funding and medical for those who were hard hit by the economy. Nothing touches me more and gets our support than a phone call that starts with we want to KEEP our dog but we need help. These people we will fight for.

We went on the hunt for good foster homes and spent a lot of time screening and teaching what was expected and some of the issues that may crop up upon making the commitment of fostering.

Helping and supporting other Lab Rescues that we have worked with before continued. Here I would like to give kudos to Lab Rescue of the Potomac as they are an diligent and caring organization to work beside. I always feel honored for the trust they bestow on us as a fellow rescue.

2010 brought in another top notch rescuer that has been a total pleasure to work with. It's so nice to have a tried and true partner that works with us .

Working with assistance organizations continued to grow and we now get increasing calls for dogs that can help in disability and companion situations.

We were supported and received beginner grants this year to help in our continuing efforts of housing (remodeling of existing barn to dog friendly housing) through the Greg Biffle Foundation. Also another grant for continued care and all it entails (medical, training or behavioral issues) from the Pedigree Adoption Drive Foundation. A humble thanks to these benefactors for supporting our efforts.

We have finally received recognition with the high schools in our area that require community service hours as part of graduation requirements. Met some great , caring young adults who are not afraid of doing poop patrol and laundry.

We helped institute and support spay neuter programs to stop the unending influx of dogs from other states. We are addressing this issue stiffly, as this rescue wants to be part of the solution, not the answer to a problem we didn't create. Constant importation only enables more of the same. Yes I whole heartedly admit that a pregnant dog on a cold filthy shelter floor gets my attention. More than likely always will.

Our year came to a close with such a mom, and of course me being the sucker I am had a new joy and adventure . Amy was a courageous petite 42.6lb lab that was so pregnant that when we first saw a top view picture all it showed was her belly. Oh she was too close for comfort. How close? she had her pups in our van on the way . My husband of course was right by her side while I drove. For all that helped her get here safely we owe you thanks. What a great way to end a year.

As for all the people who continue to help us, be it our vets, pilots, transporters, volunteers, colleagues, adopters, old friends and new ,we would like to say "THANK YOU" for we couldn't do it without all of you supporting us here at our little zoo.

And a special thanks to and for Brenda a god given gift who for years has kept our fans up to date by maintaining our website.

Sincere and Thankful Tail Wags
Merri
1/30/2011