Meet the Hearts Behind LRSA
Our Dedicated Team
Sharon
Founder
Eastern Cape
Ricki
Founder
Western Cape
Ruth
Founder/Behaviourist
Gauteng
Jane
Founder
Gauteng
Ashli
Operations Manager
Gauteng
Madri
Volunteer
Western Cape
Tamryn
Kennel Owner
Gauteng
Zodwa
Kennel Assistant
Gauteng
Marli
Volunteer
Gauteng
Julie
Volunteer
Gauteng
Kelly
Foster Mom
Western Cape
Anne
Volunteer
KwaZulu Natal (South Coast)
Our Story
How We Began: A Journey of Love
It all started with a shared love for Labradors—the loyal, loving companions who bring so much joy to families across South Africa. But for many, life’s unexpected challenges meant their beloved Labs could no longer stay with them. Some faced financial hardships, others had to emigrate, and many simply didn’t anticipate the boundless energy of an untrained Labrador puppy.
In 2009, amidst this growing need, Sharon Stadler took action. While serving as the Club Secretary of the Labrador Retriever Kennel Club (LRKC), she began rescuing and rehoming Labradors who needed a second chance. What started as a small initiative within the club quickly grew, as more and more Labs found themselves in search of new homes. By 2013, it became clear that Labrador Rescue had outgrown its origins—it needed to stand on its own. And so, Labrador Rescue South Africa (LRSA) was born.
From day one, LRSA was built on compassion and community. Run entirely by dedicated volunteers, our mission was simple but vital: to be the bridge between families who could no longer care for their Labradors and those with open hearts and homes ready to welcome them. Our team, spread across the country—from Johannesburg to Cape Town, Durban to Bloemfontein—has spent years ensuring that every Labrador entrusted to us finds a loving, carefully matched forever home.
In the early years, we found homes for around 300 dogs annually. But as economic struggles, housing restrictions, and emigration increased, so did the number of Labs needing our help. Today, we rehome between 600 and 1,000 Labradors every year—making us one of South Africa’s largest breed-specific rescue organisations.
With no central shelter, we work tirelessly to match Labs directly to their new homes, minimising the stress of transition. But when immediate placement isn’t possible, we rely on kennels and the kindness of foster families. Our goal is not just to find any home but the right home—one where the dog will thrive and be loved unconditionally.
Over the years, our work has extended beyond simple rehoming. We’ve taken in abandoned, neglected, and retired service dogs, offering them rehabilitation, training, and a fresh start at life. We’ve matched older Labs with elderly companions in need of comfort, provided free behavioural advice to struggling owners, and even collaborated with SA Guide Dogs to find placements for Labradors no longer suited for service work.
Our dream is to do even more—to establish dedicated rehabilitation spaces, expand our senior dog sponsorship program, and work with retirement and rehabilitation centers to bring the healing presence of Labradors to those in need.
Through it all, Labrador Rescue South Africa has been driven by a dedicated team of volunteers who give their time, energy, and resources to help Labradors in need. While certain operational roles receive compensation to ensure the organisation runs effectively, every other aspect of our rescue work is fueled by the generosity of volunteers.
We don’t receive government funding, and every sterilisation, vaccination, and kennel stay is covered through donations and sponsorships from our community of Labrador lovers.
This is a labor of love, a testament to the power of compassion, and a promise that no Labrador should ever feel unwanted or abandoned.
Thank you for being part of our journey.
Every adoption, every donation, every share on social media helps us continue our mission.
Together, we can change lives—one Labrador at a time.
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