Brookline Labrador Retriever Rescue
Helping Labs Find Their Fur-Ever Homes
Preparing for you new Lab
Once you have been approved to adopt from us the fun really starts! If the right Lab for you hasn't made his
way to our adoption list just yet, you have a little waiting to do - but keep looking at our list, the right dog is
out there for you, but it might take him a little time to realize that you're looking for him.

If you are eagerly awaiting your scheduled introduction you might find yourself with a little extra nervous
energy to burn. For that we have several suggestions:

Find a vet in your area, if you don’t already have one. Talk to people you know with dogs to get
recommendations. Check our Resource pages for links to vet listings.
Look for a dog obedience program. While some adoptions require obedience training, we strongly
encourage adopters to attend at least one formal obedience class with their new dog – as much
for you as for her! Check our Resource pages for information on types of training and accrediting
organizations.
If you know your way around a kitchen, bake a few treats for your new friend! Nothing says LUV like
home-baked doggie treats. Check out our collection of recipes here.
A new leash and collar might be in order, maybe even a few toys, but don’t rush out and spend lots
of money for items that you may not need for your new dog. Depending on his situation, he might
come with his own suitcase of items or even his own crate! Check with your volunteer for guidance.
Decide what areas the dog will have access to and what areas he won't and make sure everyone
in the house is clear on what the rules are. If you don't want the dog to sleep on the sofa, make
sure everyone knows it!
A change in environment is stressful enough without a change in diet as well. If you know that you’
re going to be feeding a particular brand of food, transition the dog to the new food S-L-O-W-L-Y.
Your dog should be coming with a small supply of his own food to make that transition easier. Don’
t invest in a large quantity of the new food, until you have determined that the dog can tolerate it.
Pick up items around the house that might be of particular interest to a new dog – your new leather
briefcase for example. Better not to tempt the new dog with an expensive “snack”. Keep items you
don’t want chewed picked up until you can assess the “chewiness” of your new friend.
Enjoy thinking about all the fun you’re about to have with your new family member!

What to expect the first three weeks (and beyond)
Adoption FAQ page
Back to Adopting from Brookline
You can view and print our flyer on the adoption process here