I had lived in the Denver metro area since the early 90's and am very familiar with the shelters and rescues in the area. Years ago I had put in an application with Safe Harbor, and my application was approved to meet dogs. I ended up finding my dog at a local shelter before finding one through Safe Harbor. However, I have continued to receive their monthly email, and have always considered them when thinking about adopting. At the time when I was looking, the people who volunteered for Safe Harbor were friendly, warm, engaging people. Unfortunately, this has changed, and Safe Harbor has also now changed my perspectives on rescues at this point. After moving to Utah a few years ago, I have become familiar with shelters and rescues here. Last week, my dog and I had arranged a meet and greet with a dog in a shelter twice. They played together in the yard at the shelter, and we took them both on a walk at the park next to the shelter. I went home to think about adopting him, and when I returned to the shelter's webpage, he was gone. Safe Harbor pulled him from the shelter. I contacted Safe Harbor, and let them know my dog and I had met this dog several times and asked if he was available. I filled out their application. When I finally received a response, it was very rude, stating that yellow labs are popular and they have several people that have wanted one that are already approved adopters. So Safe Harbor takes dogs from no-kill shelters to fulfill someone's wish? In addition, they did not even offer to help me look for another dog within their organization. I contacted Safe Harbor multiple times and they refused to respond. I had no idea that Safe Harbor is more of a dog matching agency, and is not in rescue for the right reasons. Taking dogs from a no-kill shelter where a dog will be adopted is very different than what a true rescue does. Safe Harbor may want to rethink their mission statement. "To rescue, provide a high level of compassionate care and successfully rehome stray, abandoned or surrendered Labrador Retrievers giving priority to those in Colorado." read more

Safe Harbor is a 100% volunteer organization in Denver dedicated to re-homing labs and lab mixes of all ages (puppy - seniors). Their adoption coordinators make a huge effort to insure a perfect match between adoptable dogs and their families. The Lab is the most popular breed of dog in the country - so it seems odd that there are so many that are unwanted or abandoned. SHLR does a great job of finding these wonderful animals lasting and forever homes. http://www.safeharborlabrescue.org read more

Safe Harbor Lab Rescue - Animal Shelters Near Me - Golden, Colorado

After several months of deliberating about having a dog in our lives again we reached out to Safe Harbor. We made this decision to go with a rescue knowing not all dogs get the advantage of good homes from the start. We filled out the forms as required, they called all of our references and things appeared to be heading in the right direction. That was until we started inquiring about the available dogs. Dog #1 - We had expressed to them that we were extremely interested and they said they would get back to me later in the week. When they finally got back to me they said the dog had already gone out to another home. Dog #2 - Again we stated that we were excited about adopting. They said they thought the dog would be a good fit and would get back with us. After almost a week they called me out of the blue and said that we could get together with the dog later that day. Problem was we were in Santa Fe on vacation and wouldn't be back until the next day. They said they couldn't hold dogs so we missed out on that opportunity. Dog #3 - We were told there was another dog that they felt would be great for us. We told them that we could adopt him and a time for us to see the dog was set up. I talked with the foster parent where they asked a bunch of questions and we accommodated a meet time that was best for them. Saturday rolled around where we were supposed to meet and we got a phone call telling us that they thought the dog would do better with another dog in the family. Maybe that information should have been forwarded to us. As stated, the decision to have dog in our lives was a big one and every time we got excited about a dog, we were let down each and every time. We finally gave up the adoption process and got a great Chocolate Lab puppy from a breeder. She has been a gem and it was meant to be. I guess I should have read the reviews prior to contacting Safe Harbor Lab Rescue as they appear to be consistent with this treatment of prospective parents. I applaud all rescue clinics for their work. I just wish they would realize that the people helping them in adopting parents are valuable assets as well. read more

My wife and I have adopted dogs from Safe Harbor twice in last ten years. While the dogs we ended up with have been rehabilitated by us, and have become wonderful pets, I have issues with Safe Harbor's practices. Safe Harbor LIES. The bios of their adoptable dogs (as well as their published success stories) are as fictional as the comic page in the newspaper. I think they would have more credibility if they ceased fabricating their stories. If they know nothing of a dog's history, they should say they don't know. read more

My experience with Safe Harbor has been phenonmenal. I fostered a few dogs prior to my adoption, and they were the sweetest pups. The senior I did adopt is my very best friend. The folks at Safe Harbor helped me through this process, as I had lost another dog and my heart was torn. They were so patient with me. Safe Harbor's number one priority is the dog, as it should be. Many of the dogs have been through so much, so they want to home them to the appropriate family. I have met the nicest people through Safe Harbor, and the sweetest dogs. When the time comes to get another, I know where I will turn. read more

This is definitely a BUYER BEWARE situation. I won't even go in to all of the details of my situation but suffice it to say I was an IDIOT for not asking for a copy of the contract prior to driving to the outskirts of Denver to adopt a dog (Labrador Retriever) from Safe Harbor Lab Rescue. It wasn't until my kids and I met and played with the dog at the foster family's home that we were presented with the contract to sign. The dog we adopted was a stray, I paid a non-refundable $300.00 adoption fee (and NO, for anyone who might be wondering, it cannot be converted into a donation if you return the dog). Our dog went through training with a professional trainer ($300+), and was loved and well-cared for for over three months before we ended up turning him back in to SHLR for biting issues (he bit a dog and both of my little girls). The return was recommended by our trainer and by Sherri at SHLR because it was too risky to have a dog with biting issues remain placed with a family with children. If total loss of the dog (meaning the attachment created) and a substantial amount of money for the dog, supplies, and training wasn't enough, the negative attitude of SHLR (particularly Sherri) towards the HUMAN component of this experience was truly disappointing. When I signed the contract at the foster family's home we called Sherri to question why SHLR was requiring me to submit my phone number and address to them every time I moved during the lifetime of the dog. Her response to me was that it was for protection of the dog. I replied that the entire contract seemed to give me a RIGHT to the dog but NOT ownership. Her response to me? "Well then maybe this dog isn't the right one for you." ADOPTERS: Despite paying for the dog and dedicating yourself to the dog, understand this: YOU DO NOT OWN THE DOG. SHLR (albeit passively) OWNS THE DOG. READ THE CONTRACT SO THAT YOU UNDERSTAND WHY I'M SAYING THIS. Adopting a dog, especially when children are involved, is a very exciting notion. Nearly all children want a puppy once in their life and most parents want to give them that experience. But let me tell you this: There is ZERO protection for the adoptive parent in SHLR's Adoption Agreement (I've posted photos of the contract so that you can see for yourself). This doesn't seem all that important when you're swooning over a puppy and the foster family and the agency are telling you they have observed zero behavioral issues with the dog. HOWEVER, if you DO have to return the dog for behavioral problems, it is a very sad situation - especially if you're dealing with an organization that is run like a cold business with zero empathy for the adoptive "parent". My suggestion to people looking to adopt a dog would be to seek out a reputable trainer who can help them identify an appropriate dog vs going to an agency with a very narrow purpose/intent. In my opinion, SHLR is strictly focused on dog placement for the dog's well-being and is not committed to working with families to truly find a good forever dog fit. Another piece of advice for those folks who have never owned a Labrador before: Labs have VERY VERY VERY HIGH ENERGY, especially puppies. Don't let the foster family or anyone else tell you otherwise. If you are a busy person and cannot run the Lab AT LEAST twice a day RAIN, SNOW, OR SHINE, avoid this breed. read more

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They helped us identify and meet a great 3 y.o. lab, who is now at home with us. They give you the dog's background-story, training, to the extent known. Their volunteers are so caring and want these pups to get into good homes. There is a bit of a wait while they check references-it is worth it! read more

Wonderful experience. The application process is thorough ( as it should be) and the process was efficient. I support everything this organization does. My family feels extremely blessed to have the privilege of two amazing labs we adopted. They were very well cared for and they have adapted beautifully in our home. A life changing experience! read more

I adopted Jordo from SHLR back in January, and am thrilled to have worked with such a great group of people! I can truly say this team is the most dedicated, professional, and caring group I've ever been involved with. Many of their dogs come from kill shelters and are transported in from out of state to try and get them out of harm's way. My particular lab was a stray, and he's the most affectionate, loving, and gentle dog I've ever owned! Great around people, kids, and other dogs alike. I didn't find any issues with the contract language as another reviewer pointed out and although my dog didn't have any major issues, SHLR does offer a lot of assistance post adoption if needed. I've had at least 3 SHLR people follow up with me after Jordo's adoption to make sure everything was going smoothly. Please consider this group if you are looking for a new member of your family. They really do go the extra mile to match you with the right dog and have a wonderful support system in place to make it the best experience possible! read more

Safe Harbor Lab Rescue - Snow day at Cranmer Park!! He loves his walks!! - Animal Shelters Near Me - Golden, Colorado