Tulsa's Lab Rescue group trys to recover from a recent burglary

A Tulsa group known for its giving is dealing with a thief who did some taking. Lab Rescue takes in Labrador retrievers and provides foster homes until they can be permanently adopted. Thieves broke

Monday, December 5th 2005, 5:19 pm

By: News On 6

A Tulsa group known for its giving is dealing with a thief who did some taking. Lab Rescue takes in Labrador retrievers and provides foster homes until they can be permanently adopted. Thieves broke into the group's storage shed and stole nearly $2,000 worth of merchandise.

News on 6 crime reporter Lori Fullbright says Governor, a 7-year-old lab, who is playful and energetic, is alive today only because Lab Rescue saved him from a shelter where he was going to be put to death. He's with a foster family right now, until someone adopts him. The group that pays for all his expenses in the meantime is Lab Rescue.

The non-profit group rescues 300 dogs a year, so when someone stole thousands of dollars worth of merchandise, it hurt.

Lab Rescue president Lori Madalone: "It hurts a lot, as you can imagine, only raising money through donations and the way we raise money is through merchandise. Our bills top $40,000 a year, so $2,000 could've paid for one vet bill to spay or neuter or surgical costs for a dog we bring into our group."

The stolen items are t-shirts, hats and visors with the Lab Rescue logo on them. An event tent with the logo was also taken, along with cases of dog food and leashes and collars.

â€œIt's a big blow, especially to the volunteers. They're like, how could they do this, we're just in it for the animals, not for ourselves. And especially this time of year, when people are giving and most people are giving, so it hurts to have somebody take, cause it affects these dogs."

Labrador retrievers are known for being great service dogs and loving companions, so they are the true victims in this theft.

If you see any of the Lab Rescue merchandise for sale at flea markets or non-sanctioned events or if you know who broke into the group's storage unit, call Crimestoppers at 596-COPS.