In Memoriam

Remembering our beloved furry family members.

Please send your stories to adoptalab@cc-labrescue.org.

Luna

Image of black lab named Luna with yellow lab and black lab puppy

We are saddened to share the passing of CCLRR alum Luna on April 25, 2024. For the last 12 years, Luna was loved immensely by our family. During that time she was also a mentor to seven service dogs in training.

She loved exploring the hills above Napa with us. She was always ready to share her bed with a new dog or one of the cats. In her later years she became a younger sister to a senior golden retriever. In 2022 we left California for the east coast and Luna loved seeing snow for the first time and visiting the Atlantic Ocean.

Luna was sweet and gentle, but when it came to treats, she was a classic lab…gimme, gimme, more, more! She loved the water and was the best dock-diver you’ve ever seen. To help manage her high activity level when we adopted her, she began scent work, but soon became our first and recurring service dog in the training of puppies, which helped expend some of her limitless energy.

From the very beginning we referred to Luna as a Velcro dog, as she would never leave our side. As sad as we are, we are forever grateful for our years with this special girl.

Run free Luna, we love you!

Laurie Higuera

Fergus

We adopted Fergus on April 9, 2016. He passed away March 15, 2024.

He loved hunting squirrels, rats, other rodents. He loved cuddling on the couch. He enjoyed his walks at the park and visiting with his dog friends. He was loved by all who knew him.

We didn’t have nearly enough time with our sweet boy.

Ian and Elsie

Luke

Our dear Luke, 16 years, whom we adopted via Central California Lab Rescue at one year old, left us gracefully on February 5.

His vet, Sheena and Teresa, Shearwater Mobile Vet, here in Santa Cruz, CA, who cared for Luke in the latter years of his life, helped Luke pass with tenderness and love.

We were all blessed with Luke’s protection and love. His care for the entire family, the grandkids, the cats, friends and neighbors will be honored for years to come.

Lis Bensley and David Anderson

Duke

Today we said a sad goodbye to Duke (Chase). He was the sweetest and gentlest of dogs. 51/2 years wasn’t enough time. We miss him already, but know he is in a better place, free of pain. Glad we could give him so much love the last few years of his life. Run free buddy. 😢🐕

Jim and Eileen Borzone

Minnie

Our sweet Minnie passed over the Rainbow Bridge on December 30th 2023. She was with us for over 4 years. We didn't know her age, her teeth were mostly worn down, she didn't have any bad habits never barked, and was deaf as we are too. In the past year, she couldn't go on walks so she enjoyed laying in the kitchen waiting for food to drop on the floor when we cooked. She loved people and greeted everyone who came to the door. She loved meeting people when we took her on walks. Last year was hard on her so the pain medications helped a bit until the time came that nothing worked anymore. We had a beautiful soul for 4 years.

Betty and Jim Baker

Zoey

We said goodbye to our sweet girl Zoey on December 22. Zoey was 15 and we adopted her 10 years ago, our first foster failure. Zoey loved to spend time outside in her yard and enjoyed walks and time at the lake. She was patient with our fosters and was a good sister to her brothers. Zoey will forever be in our hearts.

Pam & Kyle Heising

Image of black lab named Zoey and yellow lab

Mallie

Mallie, 14 year old black female Labrador passed away Sunday Dec 17th. She was a CCLRR alumni adopted in 2012 when she was 4 years old. Her family is beyond bereft and heartbroken; she was their best friend and companion. Her family says: She had an amazing spirit. Loved and charmed everyone. For a time, my husband did some pro bono work and she was a therapy dog for babies of families seeking asylum. He always had Mallie at the ready when the families came to the office. 💕