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• NEARR dogs are mostly Labradors and/or Lab mixes. Although we are willing to help any retriever/retriever mixes, there are other excellent, established rescues who specialize in Chessies and Goldens. We rarely see the other retrievers breeds at NEARR.
• NEARR dogs are a sporting breed dog and require:
  • Regular, heart pounding exercise.
  • Positive reinforcement training.
  • Exercise - both their brain and their body.
  • Having a job.
• Retrievers have a high pain tolerance and drive to chase things, which makes invisible fences a difficult fit in most cases.
• They like to retrieve things, so a large fenced in area is ideal.
• They are not hypoallergenic. If you have lots of allergies, retrievers are not the breed for you.
• Labradors shed twice a year.
• Labradors are puppies, in spirit, for a very long time.
• Labradors are messy.
• More reasons not to get a lab
• NEARR dogs are typically owner surrenders. The top 5 reasons they are given up are:
1. It's too hard to deal with retrievers and small kids at the same time.
2. They are 80 pounds of leash pulling, counter surfing, jumping up craziness and I'm tired of it!
3. They require more attention/exercise than I imagined.
4. My life has changed and they are no longer convenient.
5. I'm too busy.

Dogs are given to NEARR because NEARR's main goal is to find forever homes that understand the needs of rescued retrievers. We do not send dogs home until the entire board of directors is satisfied that a home can provide what a particular dog needs.

What are Their Needs?

• Full fledged running, 1/2 hour per day minimum
• Time with their family -- belly rubs, scratching, just hanging out time every day
• Leadership -- clear rules
• Mental stimulation
• Praise
• Mid-day walks/bathroom breaks

What Does it Mean to Rescue a Dog?

The greatest gift you can give to a dog and to yourself is to rescue a dog. You give him or her the gift of life, love, and stability. They understand this and give back more love and loyalty then you can imagine. Because they have been elsewhere, they don't take you for granted.

By going through a foster-based rescue, you get a dog who has been tested in a variety of situations and with whom there is is some knowledge of their daily temperament.

What Doesn't it Mean to Rescue a Dog?

• It does not mean a cheap dog.
• It does not mean a fully trained dog.
• It does not mean easy access to a dog.