Here's a Christmas gift for those who seem to have everything or for someone who is unable to own their own labrador. This really is a gift of love: sponsoring a long term foster.

Giving a one off sponsorship helps to support one of our long term foster labs. Long term fosters are dogs that have additional needs, some physical and others behavioural, that make them difficult to be adopted. It means that they live wonderful lives with foster families, who absolutely love the bones of them, knowing that the veterinary costs are taken care of. All funds raised for our long term fosters goes into their 'pot' to contribute to their additional needs.

 We currently have 11 long term foster labs and 2 shared care:

Aggie, 2 years old with brattitude, born with a narrow valve from her heart to her lungs. She had successfully surgery last year and enjoys a full and active life but does need ongoing ECG's.

Buddy, 6 years old with the body of a 12 year old, Buddy has severe dysplasia. He is currently having hydrotherapy, massage and laser treatment to help with his joints.

Callie, who was unwanted and unloved at 10 years old, who now enjoys all the love and attention she deserves.

Coco, a sparkly eyed chocolate oldie who lives out her twilight years in the South West.

The oldies Ellie and Bailey, who came to us in a rather a sad state along with Kasie. Sadly Kasie crossed the bridge after only a couple of weeks but she went knowing love, care and attention. 

Jack, another oldie who had a lot of anxiety issues when he first came in. He's just started having hydrotherapy and it's having really positive effects on him. Hopefully this will be ongoing and any sponsorship for jack will go towards this.

Jake is 6 and has Addison's as well as diabetes. There are regular monthly vet bills for Jake and recently Jake has needed out of hours vet attention, resulting in larger than normal bills.

Milly is around 13 years old and, although she is fit and active for her age, she has been suffering with gastric irritation resulting in a special diet, additional medication and vet visits. Milly doesn't currently have a sponsor.

Milo, a gorgeous chunk of chocolate, has dysplasia and was a young hoolilab when he first came to us. Although he has largely left this phase behind, he still steals tea towels at every given chance!

Tyson is a lab cross GSD who has behavioural issues when it comes to other dogs. We arranged for an assessment to be done by a behaviourist and with her advice and guidance, Tyson is doing well. 

Max is the newest long term foster. When he first came to us he was in need of TLC. He's had this in bucket fuls and has slowly been building up exercise and losing weight. He has needed pain relief to get him through the past few weeks but the significant weight loss means he only needs it periodically.

Rocky & Jake are the first ones to become 'shared care adoption'. These older boys were adopted in the normal way and their owner paid an adoption fee and agreed to cover routine vet bills such as boosters, worm and flea treatment. Any vet bills relating to their old age health are covered by LiN. 

Without sponsorship, we are unable to help some of the most vulnerable labs that desperately need us. Please think of our long term fosters when you are making your Christmas present list.