LLL has special meaning to all of us involved, but for those who seek help for their Labrador Retrievers when things seem impossible for them to handle financially, Labrador Life Line can mean the difference between keeping a beloved family member and making it a rescue statistic. Enter, Luke...the Lucky Labrador. Another one of LLL's successes, due to your support.

Luke's family applied to LLL when he came down with a right rear cruciate ligament tear. Luke is a 5 year old purebred lab and has been with his family from puppyhood. Luke was up to date on vaccinations, heartworm negative, and neutered. Luke's family recently had to relocate to a new state and new job, and had depleted the family's savings.

Luke's family applied, very hesitantly, to LLL funding because their feelings that Luke was their responsibility. They had been to a clinic and knew that for Luke to get the treatment he needed, all funds would have to be paid upfront, as this clinic did not have a payment plan option. Luke's family was devastated, as I'm sure we all would be, faced with this kind of financial dilemma, and as part of their application to LLL for funding for Luke, made sure that the only way they would consider funding for Luke is if they would be able to make arrangements to pay back LLL when they were on their feet again.

Thanks to all of you and your donations to our fundraisers, auctions, cyberspace shows, and love for all labbys, whether it be yours or not. Luke's surgery has been scheduled for this week. We can all give ourselves a big pat on the back for helping this family, Luke, and all those labbys we haven't met yet.

Because of LLL's supporters, Luke the Lucky chocolate Labby will romp and play with his family for years to come.