I met Merri, the owner of CT Lab Rescue in February 2008 shorty after I lost my rescue of 15 1/2 years to cancer. Merri is a true dog lover and understood my pain. I helped her by fostering a 6 year old Lab that had been separated from her brother and the family no longer cared for them. This hulking 90lb Lab would body snuggle me in bed and helped warm my broken heart. My parents ended up adopting her. I adopted a puppy rescue from Merri in March of that year. Unfortunately he passed away 22 weeks later from congenital heart failure. I was devastated. I went to visit Merri and hang out with all the numerous dogs at her home. This one little black Lab mix pup had been left behind and wormed her way into my heart. Merri knew it was what I needed to be whole again. My little girl actually had kennel cough and it turned into pneumonia. Merri let me call her with all my concerns and gave me valuable feed back. She even picked up medicine at the vet for me when I was unable to get there. My little girl is 3yrs next month and an amazing dog. I rescued again from a girl who mistreated her dog. Merri welcomed my new rescue, a husky pup, with open arms. She also let me bother her via email or phone with questions. I actually think she and Caesar Milan could have a show together, Dog Whisper (ers). Merri is a straight up honest individual who will tell you like it is. i admire her for her honesty and loyalty to what is best for the dogs. Merri is a busy woman with several dogs of her own. If you are interested in rescuing, take the time to fill out the application before you meet with her because if you don't, you are wasting her time that is better spent caring for numerous dogs and pups. Filling out an application gives her the information to see if you are a dedicated owner. Do not make an appointment and show up late or not at all and forget to cancel. Again you are wasting her time. If you are a dedicated dog owner you will understand that filling out an application, being on time and following through is also indicative of how you will be when caring for your dog. I highly recommend CT Lab Rescue to find your life long canine companion. You can check out her web page and Facebook page for pictures and more information.
Review from Guidestar
I would wholeheartedly recommend CT Labrador Rescue, Inc as a top notch organization and non profit. Merri is an experienced professional who is respected by her colleagues and those who have adopted from her. Her heart and soul are invested in her charity and in the dogs.
I have adopted two wonderful dogs thru CT Labrador Rescue, Inc.
Over the years, Merri has become a dear friend and trusted advisor. She has the uncanny ability to place the right dog with the right person. She deeply cares about the dogs in her care and that continues once they are placed. She has always been available for advice and assistance no matter what problem arises.
Merri has worked very hard to build a wonderful reputation and develop her passion for rescue into a non profit organization with high standards. She has built a team of professional advisors and a network of colleagues in the rescue community. She is a very competent business woman who has not lost her heart of gold.
If you are looking to support a charity or find the perfect dog, please call CT Labrador Rescue, Inc. You will not be disappointed.
Review from Guidestar
I am the founder and a director of Ashland Animal Rescue Fund. We pull dogs off of death row and network them to reputable rescues. Merri's group came to the rescue of a pregnant lab sitting on death row in Eastern KY. She went into labor on the way to Merri and gave birth to 11 pups. CT Lab Rescue did a wonderful job taking care of this family and finding them great homes. Hats off to this fantastic group!
Review from Guidestar
Dog Training. Hello I am a dog trainer and ACO in Middlesex county. I would like to give this organization great praise for the dogs in their program. I personally have worked with their director Merri on may occasion.
She takes the rehab and re-homing of dogs passionately. She makes sure she personally brings the dog to obedience training to see the dogs potential for learning and discover if it has any issues that I as a trainer may notice that could cause an adoption from not being permanent.
This is highly beneficial to the potential adopter. She also stands behind her animals and if issues crop up after the placement she is willing to help defray the cost of more individualized sessions so the dog can be seen in it's home setting for a more thorough assessment.
I wish more rescues would incorporate some basic training in their programs. Merri has had many a success with this part of her rescue efforts. I as a trainer and an ACO feel that she is doing a great service to the dogs in her care.
Review from Guidestar