Central California Labrador Retriever Rescue [CCLRR] was started by Jackie Gilson in 1998.  Jackie and her husband were avid Lab lovers although Bill had never owned a dog until they were married.  Jackie, a fouth generation Californian with a family history of farming always had dogs and loved Labs.  Soon Bill was a dedicated Lab lover and hunter.  He went on to win hunting titles such as Jr Hunter, Sr Hunter, Master Hunter as well as the prestigious Grand Master Hunter while at the same time winning the NAHRA Grand Master.  Bill's hunting companion, Moose, went to work with him everyday at his real estate office.

Jackie, who was also in real estate, raising a family and taking care of dogs happened to go with her friend to the local animal shelter. She couldn't believe all the Labs that were in kennels and awaiting a dire fate. That was the beginning of the idea to start a rescue.  Jackie says "Ginger Campbell who ran Golden Gate Lab Rescue was my mentor and inspiration and taught me so much."  Jackie and her family always had Labs underfoot. At 92 Jackie gave up her last Lab, Penny. "She is with a wonderful family playing with her “sisters” on the beach in Carmel.. I‘m living in a retirement home and those with dogs ask me for advice….what do I know about Poodles."

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One day, in the early stages of CCLRR, Jackie met Roxanne Barkofsky. They were having a casual conversation and Jackie mentioned she wished she could find a picture with three Labs and a yellow ribbon. Roxanne quickly said she could do that!  At the time Jackie had no idea she was an artist.