How a Chocolate Lab Saved My Life and Now Saves Others

Brown Dog Foundation
Changing lives. One PAW at a time.

By Carol A. Smock

You know with the stories: young, healthy pets adopted into happy homes, while the old, the ill and the problematic are often cast aside, left to live out the remainder of their lives in shelters or euthanized to make space for younger, healthier critters.

Thanks to a brown Labrador Retriever named Chocolate Chip, these often unwanted animals will now have a new place to turn. I recently started Brown Dog Foundation in memory of the chocolate-colored canine I credit with putting my life on a new path.

Chip had been dumped at a local animal control at just four years old when his guardians discovered that he had a mast cell tumor they couldn't afford to treat. Rather than euthanize him, the shelter worker called Labrador Retriever Rescue of East Tennessee who put out a call for an adoptive home-a call that shook me to the core. I had been searching for a chocolate lab to adopt and when I saw his picture, I emailed my best friend saying 'I just found my Chocolate Chip'.  It was a no-brainer-I just had to help him.  I had to give this poor guy a second chance at life.

Chip taught me to love unconditionally.  He taught me that there is nothing better than lying on the couch snuggled up under a blanket watching football, old movies or re-runs on a Saturday afternoon.  He taught me to take care of myself and my health.  He showed me the world through the eyes of a perfect creature.  I stopped working like a mad-woman and started working around him.  I started my own business so I could control my life.  Chip also saved my life many times.  I have fallen victim to the throws of deep depressions from time to time.  When I would reach my lowest point, I would look at him and realize there was something to live for. 

In 2000, the year I adopted him, Chip beat the cancer. Unfortunately, he was not able overcome stage four Lymphoma at age ten. He passed away on Mother's Day 2006, leaving me utterly devastated-but also determined to help people and their pets in similar situations.

Thus, the concept for Brown Dog Foundation was born. The nonprofit organization will provide grants to those who have adopted pets with pre-existing conditions and will also help those who are facing temporary financial hardships.  Our grants will provide care for pets with treatable illnesses and conditions. The grants will help subsidize the cost of veterinary care, diagnostic testing, treatment and medications. We hope to prevent the euthanasia of animals that could live happy, long and complete lives with proven treatments. No salvageable animal should have to die just because the checkbook falls a little short.

As Brown Dog is still in development, monetary donations are vital to building a solid base. Once we have reached our fundraising goal of $25,000, we will begin accepting grant applications (hopefully by May 2007). To donate to our cause or to become a volunteer, please visit www.BrownDogFoundation.org.