Kaufman Rossin in the Community: Labrador Retriever Rescue

Sue Laslett of Kaufman Rossin talks about her involvement with a nonprofit organization.

What organization are you involved in and what is its objective?

I’m involved in Labrador Retriever Rescue of Florida, which has been rescuing Labrador Retrievers and lab mixes statewide since 2000, both from shelters and individual surrenders.  The nonprofit Rescue is dedicated to placing Labrador Retrievers in loving, forever homes.  To date there have been 7,721 dogs rescued and adopted through this amazing group.  The astounding thing is that all of their work is done through a dedicated volunteer network.

What is your role with the organization?

My role in Labrador Rescue is as a foster mom. Once we earmark a dog to come into the program, the rescue reaches out to all the fosterers to see who is available to take the new dog.   I am currently fostering my eighth dog.  Labrador Rescue provides veterinary care, spaying/neutering, monthly heartworm and flea preventatives, and more for the labs in our adoption program.  I provide only food, love and care.  Often the dogs are in terrible condition when we get them; it’s so great to watch them recover both physically and mentally.   It’s been an incredibly rewarding experience.

Why did you decide to get involved in this organization?

Many years back, I found a stray lab in my neighborhood and after running ads, etc., with no response,  I contacted Labrador Retriever Rescue, and the volunteers took him into their program and placed him in a wonderful home.  That was my first involvement with the organization.  Then a few days before Christmas in 2012, I received an email from another rescue group looking for a foster for a Labrador in Miami who had been hit by a car and needed some special care.  It was the holidays, so I agreed to keep him through New Year’s, but of course “Henry” stole my heart, and I kept him until he was placed.  I’ve had a foster pretty much full time since then.  It’s addictive.

How has Kaufman Rossin contributed to your success with this organization?

Kaufman Rossin’s willingness to spotlight my charity will be a great help for the organization financially, and it will support Labrador Rescue in continuing to help labs throughout Florida. In addition, two Kaufman Rossin employees have adopted dogs through the rescue and one is currently fostering through our organization.

What is your advice for others who are thinking about getting involved in the community? 

If you’re a dog lover, and you have the time and facilities to help one of these dogs, you won’t regret it.