What Makes Us Different

We Are Laurie and Joe Zalewski, owners of Laurie & Joe’s Labs

We are a family owned and operated home based breeder who exclusively breeds health tested and temperamentally proven Labrador Retrievers. We look forward to providing you with your next companion pet, service dog, therapy dog, school dog, other facility dog, hunting companion, or ESA.

While our dogs may come and go from our premises for training and showing purposes, they are still considering a valued member of our pack.

Rigorous & Thorough Testing

We adhere to the guidelines set forth for Pre Breeding health testing by The Labrador Retriever Parent Club. We have been awarded the prestigious AKC Bred with H.E.A.R.T Program Certificate for our compliance with the recommended health testing of the dogs in our breeding program.

We exceed these guidelines by having all the dogs in our program undergo a Breeding Soundness Exam by our vet ( which includes bloodwork) to ensure that each of our dogs is in top shape prior to being bred.

Why We Health Test Before Breeding

Our Health Testing Includes:

Vet Examination of Dam and Sire for appearance, absence of hereditary defects or temperamental flaws
Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) Certification of eyes, elbows and hips
Or Penn hip evaluation of hips
Complete Labrador Disease DNA panel

Any outside sires used must meet this same criteria.

Meet The Pack

The First 8 Weeks:

We offer an unique puppy curriculum which occurs during the all important first 8 weeks of a puppy’s life which includes an introduction to potty training and crate training. We provide the essential exposures which a puppy needs to experience so they know the world is safe, that humans are loving, and that other animals are kind.

Working puppies through a curriculum assists us in identifying puppies who will be best suited for each type of lifestyle: with kids (and ages of) or in an adult-only home, with someone who works from home or who can live with someone who is gone for an extended period of time.

At about 53 days, we perform puppy evaluations on all of the puppies. This is a tool to help you select your puppy. There is much written about choosing the perfect puppy. We believe there is no “bad puppy,” but there can be a bad match between owner and puppy which can contribute to unwanted puppy/dog behaviors.

Our Puppy Interest Form is a tool to help us collaborate with you on the choice of the best puppy for your needs. We ask that you be transparent about your household so we can make sure that you end up with a puppy who is appropriate for you. We also send home recommendations for each puppy based on the results of their puppy aptitude test in terms of continued exposures and training. Please remember that we have been with the puppies for 8 plus weeks and can provide a lot of insight as to the way each will do in various types of living situations.

Outstanding Pedigrees

Outstanding Pedigrees means that a purebred dog’s blood relative has received a title in an AKC event. It is thought by preservation breeders to be a sign of being well-bred or proven. A title can be earned in conformation (meaning correct body structure and movement) or ability (field trials, hunting, dock diving, etc). We cannot guarantee that any of our puppies will excel in AKC events; our primary focus is health and temperament.

In Addition to Being Family Pets,
Our Dogs Go On To Serve Other Purposes

Dual-Purpose Dogs & Sporting Dogs

While most of our puppies go into pet homes as companion animals, some of our puppies are acquired as dual purpose animals. These puppies can be trained as Sporting Partners, ESA, School Dogs, and other Facility Dogs. We can identify puppies who will excel in each area and can collaborate with you and your trainer in the puppy selection process.

Facility Dogs

We have placed puppies into other facilities (retirement homes) with their owner as their handler. We are able to identify these candidates by 8 weeks of age. Facility dogs must also have a trainer in place at the time of entering into our contract unless you have documentation that you have previously successfully trained a facility dog. .

School Dogs

We have placed our puppies into schools with their owner as their handler. We are able to identify these candidates by 8 weeks of age. School dogs must also have a trainer in place at the time of entering into our contract unless you have documentation that you have previously successfully trained a school dog..

Emotional Support Animals

We have placed emotional support animals into private homes and can identify these candidates by 8 weeks of age. If you are requesting an emotional support animal, you must have a trainer in place at the time of entering into our contract unless you have documentation that you have previously successfully trained an emotional support animal. .

Service Dogs

A service dog is trained for one single individual to mitigate a disability. Service dogs and their handlers are protected through the ADA and have full public access. Examples: Diabetic Alert, Seizure Response, Mobility Assist, Hearing Assist, Seeing Eye. We require you to work with a professional trainer unless you have documentation that you have successfully previously trained a service dog. .

Finn
Finn is doing great and we just adore him.

Barbara, NY

Gus
He is adjusting really well and making great progress with his training every day. We couldn’t be more in love with him!

Alexandra, NH

Arlo
Arlo is loving office life.

Rodney, Maine

Ruby
Ruby is doing great and feeling comfortable with us. She doesn’t mind the crate for sleeping. She loves to fetch and is playful. She loves the kids and being around people and showered with affection and gives the biggest cute puppy smiles. She is a friendly affectionate girl. Thanks for training her and getting her set up with early crate and potty training.

Ilona, Amherst, MA

Mochi
It was so nice to meet you today. I wanted to let you know that she is settling in great. It was such a pleasure to work with you and I appreciate all the extra work you have done with the puppies. it really shows the care and attention you give them.

Rebekah, Bennington, NH

Vinnie

Thank you so much. It was great to meet you and Joe. Vinnie did amazing on the way home.

Jennifer, CT

Cooper

We love him to pieces and are beyond grateful and thankful that we have him. And, to you for all love, work, and care that you put in to every puppy in each litter.

Annie and Scott, Merrimack, NH

Bowen

Bowen has learned to use the potty bells in less than a week and is sleeping through the night in his crate only getting up 1-2 times during the night to potty and then right back to sleep.

Ben, Manchester, NH

Cora

We went to the vet yesterday and Cora did great. Our vet was raving about how sweet she was and about her beautifully shaped head. Cora has settled in beautifully.

Joyce and Philip, New Canaan, CT

Ellie

Thank you so much, Laurie!
Ellie is already adjusting to her new home and Mila loves being a big sister.

Samantha, Alexandria, NH

Luna

Luna has transitioned seamlessly to her new home. She enjoys playing with our Jack Russell Terrier and has been doing great with her crate time and going outside to potty. Thank you for all the work you put into these puppies before they go home.

Kerry, Londonderry, NH

Nova

She is a great little retriever especially with her duck. We just love her!

Timothy and Zandra, Maine

Sheila

Chip did great overnight and only got up once to go potty.

Chip, Harrison, NH

Sally and Rick

Cora is settling in well. She slept well in her crate last night and only needed one potty break. We have gone on a lot of car rides and she has done great. She has also made a lot of progress in learning her name. Thank you so much for all the information you have given us and for the amazing puppy bag you sent home with us.

Cora, Kittery, Maine

Sarah and Ryan

No accidents inside or in the crate! He slept through the night beautifully, only woke up once.

Moose, Westfield, MA

Jackie and Duncan

She peed and pooped outside on her first day home! We love her!

Zelda, North Attleboro, MA

Benjamin

Benjamin is the sweetest and we love him so much. Thank you so much.

Annmarie, MA

Cider( Service Puppy Prospect)

Cider is doing great! He had a nail trim today and did so well.

Haylee, MA

Louie

Louie’s doing great, playing hard, and sleeping like a rock. We love him.

Heather, CT

Rocco

Future gun dog. He’s wonderful. Thanks Laurie.

James, MA

Tucker

Tucker has adjusted quickly to life in our home . He has taken to his crate very easily and has taken to going to the bathroom outside like a champ, and is an overall love bug. I want to thank you for all the hard work and dedication you put into this litter like you do all of your litters. You raised 11 wonderful puppies and we are grateful to have taken one of them home.

Athena, MA

Mila

We couldn’t be happier with our sweet Mila. She is adjusting so well to her new home. She enjoyed the car ride and loves playing in the snow. Our hearts are full. Thank you for everything.

Samantha, Alexandra, NH

Koda Yellow Dog

He’s such a great puppy; so smart and laid back. He’s such a lovely little boy. Laurie is so great with these puppies preparing them for their new homes. We were on the waiting list for a long time but it was absolutely worth the wait. This little guy is already adjusted to his new surroundings.

Jodie, NH

Cider

Cider( black collar) is settling in well. He has already pottied 3 times outside with no accidents and loves the snow. Thank you so much for this little bundle of joy.

Haylee, MA

Bella

Laurie’s crate training is great. Bella( formerly Fuschia collar) took to it right away and finds it a safe place. Did cry a bit and settled on her own. Found her awake in the dark without crying. 1 nighttime potty break so I guess I should be thankful. She adjusted very well and is a playful happy pup. Outdoor potty training is going well and she has seemed to have learned to respond to her name with commands of come and sit.

Phil, Framingham, MA

Penny

Penny is doing wonderfully. Thank you for everything.

Anna, Scarborough, ME

Tito

He really is so beautiful. Everyone always compliments him wherever we go; he is such a good puppy. We love him so much and you too, Laurie!

Amanda and Randy, Quincy, MA

Ember

She is doing great, and we love her so much!

Shannon, Epsom, NH

Cooper

Thank you for my handsome boy.

Diane, Concord

Eva

Thank you for taking care of Eva and getting her ready for our home.

Megan, Santa Rosa, CA

Nueske

We just wanted to let you know Nueske has settled in nicely with her special friends, our dog Ramey and our kids. I slept on the floor next to her last night and she did great. She already learned how to go upstairs and where to poop and pee. She’s amazing. I can’t thank you enough. Warm thanks.

Linda, San Francisco

Sully

Thank you for providing a new addition to our family.

Adrienne, Salem, NH

Fitzy

We all love Fitzy

Jeff, Charlton, MA

Flash

Hi Laurie. I wanted to let you know Flash is doing well. Flash is sleeping and Rahul is happy.

Ravi, Sunnyvale, CA

Maizie

I wanted to show you Maizie with her new sisters and brother watching her. Her first night she cried some. I knew it was going to be a bit of an adjustment for her to her new surroundings and family. I slept downstairs on my couch and Maizie slept right next to me all night. She is such a good girl. Today was a great day with her playing, giving us kisses and running around very happy😍👍🏻George and I just love her to bits!!💕🐶

Connie, Pleasanton, CA

Owen

Owen is 10 weeks old today. He gained 1.6 pounds in the last week. He is such a sweet little guy and learns quickly. He loves Molly and she has been so tolerant of him. I love when they curl up together. He sleeps with Molly and us every night. Owen understands when it gets dark, play time is over. He stays on the bed the whole night but once he’s up, he’s up! He has so much energy now he runs around like crazy.

Jeannette, Dublin, CA

Star

Thanks so much for your very professional information and advice. You are the best breeder ever!

Judy, Danville, CA

Mowgli

Thanks so much for your very professional information and advice. You are the best breeder ever!

Lisa, Danville, CA

Thorin

He had a good first night. He peed and pooped outside. He is such a special boy!

Susan, Fremont, CA

Koa

Thank you, Laurie and Joes Labs, for the newest member of the family!

Isabel, Livermore, CA

Birdie

I’m so in love. Thank you so much!

Jennifer, Danville, CA

Rocky

He loves hanging out with us in our office and in the backyard.

Elsa and Orlando, Livermore, CA

Floki

Floki has adjusted fine. He loves water!

Carlos, Antioch, CA

Rosie

Rosie is doing really well in her new home. She is really well behaved and her vet visit went great.

James, San Ramon, CA

Summer

Summer is doing well. She has gained over 2 lbs since her first vet visit. She has mastered the “sit” command and house training. She is precious.

Monika, Oakland, CA

Luna

Luna has been the perfect addition to our family

Sarah, North Attleboro, MA

George

He is a natural in the water

George, Karen, MA

Elsa

We love her so much and will enjoy watching her grow up with the boys.

Joyce, Brookline, NH

Pawling

Pawling is growing and maturing into a wonderful puppy. We love him so much. He is very smart, loves making friends with other dogs, and is the best cuddler ever!

Sierra & Ryan, New Hampton, NH

Ziggy

Ziggy and his big sister Riley really love each other.

Kim, Durham, NH

Java

Java is just chilling at home. He went to the vet and everything is great!

Wendy, Tewksbury, MA

Jackson

Jackson is doing great! We couldn’t be more in love.

Terri, Bedford, NH

Buddy

Thanks for the great experience. Buddy has acclimated well. He loves playing with his toys and taking naps. He put himself to bed in his crate last night. He knows we are his people and we feel very lucky.

Deb, Londonderry, NH

Kingsley

Kingsley is a good boy and pretty calm for a Lab. He knows his name and gets along great with our other dog Tucker and fits right in with our cats.

Becky, Laconia, NH

Kenai

Kenai is doing great!!! We are so happy!

Jessica, Durham, NH

Luna

Luna is a love! She is having fun chasing her big brother Brody all over and is eating and sleeping well. She is just a joy. We went to the vet yesterday and everything is great!

Joyce, New Canaan, CT

Buzz

Buzz is doing great. He adores the water and is an excellent swimmer. We love him so much!

Olivia, Duxbury, MA

Jack

Jack is doing great. He has mastered sleeping in his crate at night and loose leash walking. He loves playing with our grandkid’s Lab and riding in the cart while I golf. I love being a Lab dad again!

Shawn, Surrey, NH

Boeing

Boeing is so awesome and we are totally in love already. Thank you for raising such good pups!

Nicole and Randy, Weare, NH

Cashew

Cashew is doing great. He loves everyone and is so darn cute. He is such a good boy and I am glad I have him. I am so glad I found a wonderful breeder like you who was so good to him for the first 8 weeks. You guys are wonderful!

Cheryl, Bellingham, MA

Oakley

Oakley is doing great! He and the cat are slowly warming up to each other. He is doing really well with potty training and he puts himself in his crate for naps and at bedtime.

Laura, Litchfield, NH

Barley

Barley is adjusting so well. He is doing great with the crate although his favorite thing is to snuggle and sleep with his boys!

Barley, NH

Bodie

Bodie’s wellness visit went well. The vet said, “Wow, what a great pup! He must have come from a very good breeder”. She also said he looks absolutely healthy!

Steph Topsham, ME

Kobe

He has definitely stolen our hearts. Thank you.

Alex, Salem, NH

Bentley

Things are going great here.

Brianna, Bedford, MA

Jack

Thank you so much. We love him lots.

Fran, Lawrence, MA

Buzz

Buzz is doing great. He adores the water and is an excellent swimmer. We love him so much!

Art, Chelmsford, MA

Floki

Floki is settling into a fantastic routine and is such a wonderful puppy.

Ann, Lynnfield, MA

Murphy

Murphy is very smart and is fitting right in. He is awesome.

Neal, Derry, NH

Tigger

Tigger is doing well adapting. He is doing great and growing a lot. Thank you for everything.

Marianne, Centerville, MA

Shadow

Shadow is really a joy to have. Thank you for all your hard work during those first 8 weeks after his birth. It really shines through in how he presently acts.

Victoria, Franklin, NH