Black Labrador Retriever Dogs Available for Adoption

Libby the Dog
Powder Pals Program Training Progress Report
As of March 12, 2026:

Libby’s history goes back to 2021 when it was reported that she was living on her own in the west edge of Baker City. She partly hunted for food, including observations of her mousing in hay fields next to homes. And partly took in food that people put out for her. Her owner was unknown. She would not let anyone approach her. I received a request to capture her and did so via a large animal trap. Once trapped she was calm to handle. After taking her in, a neighbor who witnessed her daily activities requested to adopt her. He had 3 labrador retrievers and Libby, formerly called Lucy, became number 4. He had fenced yard and a fence 1 acre property so she had a place to exercise. Her person, Bill, was a kind man and she learned to trust him.
Bill passed away Sept 28, 2025 and his family asked New Hope to take Libby into our rescue system. We did, immediately. First into a boarding kennel. Then into Powder Pals Training Program. The following is a description of Libby by a trainer:
She is a very kind dog who has an easy-going manner about her. She is nervous around strangers and hesitant to engage. Day by day her exposure to lots of people leads her to engage with people more. Once she builds trust with you she becomes your friend and is very sweet to be around. So, we are socializing her as part of her training. In my daily contacts she sees me approaching, smiles and walks toward me to greet me and be petted. She takes her time feeling comfortable with new people. She is clearly frightened of some strangers, likely for good reason.
She also shows a huge like of being in a fenced yard. She would prefer to be there all day. And a strong dislike of going through a door into a strange house. She lived with a person recently and stayed in the yard all day. And then came in at night via a sliding door. Not the person door. I feel this reflects her past from pre-2021. I speculate she had a bad experience in a house and may have been removed forcefully. This could have led to her existing loose and wild, on her own before I trapped her in 2021. She adjusted to going in and out of her building at the prison
successfully. This will require patience in working with her to establish this routine when adopted. In the interim a quality doghouse is in order for when she is outside.
She was a loved dog when adopted in 2021. Having said that it appears she did not receive much obedience training. Being in our prison dog program she now knows SIT, COME, LOOK, TOUCH, KENNEL (into stand-up kennel or dog crate), LET’S GO (start walking), HEEL (walk beside you), EASY, BE KIND, GO POTTY, NO PULL and LOAD UP. She is very good about going potty outside only.
Libby especially loves to go on walks and walks good on a leash. She can pull a little at first but once she realizes she cannot pull on the leash she drops into a nice leash walk routine She also enjoys fast pace walking and jogging. She is in good health and strong athletic abilities. She enjoys racing with or around you.
She enjoys playing with or just hanging out with low energy dogs. She shows no signs of aggression towards dogs or people unless either are aggressive. She will avoid strange people or aggressive dogs.
She especially enjoys engaging with her person and playing chase or keep away together. She is an affectionate dog and seeks to engage with her person daily.
She is not very treat motivated, taking only 1-2 types of treats. Positive training is done by praise and being petted, or spoon of soft food.
She enjoys playing in the grass, rolling around, and receiving belly scratches.
She eats well. When she goes to her forever home it may take days for her to start eating again. Some hand feeding. She is attracted to quality soft dog food, which is mixed with dry kibble. 2-2.5 cups of kibble per day with a 3rd a can of soft food.
She is healthy and current on all shots. She is spayed. We estimate she is 6 years old. Mixed black lab. Unsure on microchip?
In summary, Libby is an exceptionally sweet dog to be around as her friend. She truely enjoys her human company and hanging out with you. She is not the high energy dog who pulls and jumps on you. She is quiet by nature. She is shy to new strangers and new routines. She loves fenced yards and dislikes strange houses
and doors until she gains trust in them. She also enjoys her walks and getting exercise daily. Once she knows you she will play with much energy to share with you. And she enjoys kind dogs to be with and play. She is a dog who is wary of strangers and takes time to warm up to them. She will be loyal to you, her human partner. If consider this special dog if she sounds like a fit for you. She is ready for her special forever home.

The black Labrador Retriever is a popular and versatile breed known for its friendly nature, intelligence, and loyalty. They are agile, keen swimmers with a strong work ethic, making them excellent hunting and service dogs. Their glossy black coat is low maintenance and sheds minimally, while their friendly temperament makes them great family pets. Black Labs are known for their outgoing personalities and eagerness to please, making them loving companions in various roles and settings.

We are a non-profit charitable organization designed to benefit animals in Eastern Oregon. Our goal is to improve the lives...