SSLR Forever Foster Program – In some cases, a Lab in our care may not be a suitable candidate for a traditional adoption due to medical, behavioral, or other special circumstances. When this occurs, the Board of Directors may approve the dog for our Forever Foster Program. This designation allows the dog to remain in a stable, loving foster home for the rest of his or her life, with continued support from SSLR and without the risk of losing its foster status or medical coverage.

The Forever Foster Program is one example of how your generous donations help us provide lifelong care and support for our Labradors with special needs.

Dogs may be considered for the Forever Foster Program for reasons such as:

Medical Conditions

Progressive chronic disease or other conditions that require costly or significant ongoing care.

Special Needs

Dogs who are difficult to adopt because they are blind, deaf, paralyzed or have specific lifelong illnesses.

Behavioral Needs

These are dogs who need extra time, structure, patience, and stability to succeed.

Meet Our Current Forever Fosters

Juniper

At around 4 years old, Juniper was accepted into SSLR's Forever Foster program because of her strict medical requirements.  Juniper lives an active and happy life in her foster home where her foster family takes great care of her medical needs.

Why is Juniper a Forever Foster?

  • Liver Care - Juniper has congenital small liver disease and a possible liver shunt. These require prescription food, ongoing medications, and strict dietary restrictions.
  • Allergies and Skin Care - In addition to liver insufficiency, Juniper has several allergies and recurring skin and ear infections that require ongoing vigilance.

Annual Care Estimate: $2400.00

Ben

Ben was accepted into SSLR’s Forever Foster Program because of his age and ongoing medical needs. At 11½ years old, he is comfortable and loved in his foster home, where his care can be managed with consistency, monitoring, and experience.

Why is Ben a Forever Foster?

  • Heart Care Ben has progressive congenital heart disease, including dilated cardiomyopathy and mitral valve disease. He requires ongoing medication and regular monitoring.
  • Gastrointestinal Care Ben has chronic gastrointestinal issues. His care includes prescription food, daily management, and continued internal medicine follow-up.
  • Connective Tissue Care Ben also has Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, a progressive connective tissue disorder that can affect his skin, joints, and musculoskeletal stability.

Annual Care Estimate: $2600.00

Malachi

Malachi was accepted into SSLR’s Forever Foster Program because of ongoing special needs. Despite his medical needs, Malachi still enjoys life. He loves going for walks, chasing lizards, and getting his back scratched. At nearly 12 years old, he is comfortable and loved in his long-term foster home, where he can continue receiving the specialized care he needs for the rest of his life.

Why is Malachi a Forever Foster?

  • Special Needs Malachi has megaesophagus, a condition that makes swallowing difficult and requires careful feeding. He does not currently need a Bailey chair, but his meals must be prepared in a soft form and fed to him slowly, one bite at a time. Because of this, his daily care requires extra time, attention, and consistency.
  • Heart Care Malachi also has age-related cardiac concerns, including atrial fibrillation and a mitral valve issue, which require continued veterinary monitoring.

Annual Care Estimate: $2000.00