If you happen to spot Pat Bayers or her husband Lewis driving around greater New Port Richey, Florida, in a Toyota-either a 2008 Prius or a 2006 Sienna-they probably won’t be alone. It’s also likely their passengers will be hairy and four-legged, with soulful eyes and lolling tongues.

It’s just another day for Pat, 54, and Lewis, 57, part of the all-volunteer workforce for Labrador Retriever Rescue of Florida. The Bayerses regularly take in several foster dogs for up to weeks at a time, often from people who’ve lost their homes and can no longer care for the animals. They also play chauffeur for their canine charges, picking them up from shelters; transporting them to veterinary appointments; visiting the homes of potential adopters; and delivering dogs and supplies to other volunteers.

The American Kennel Club ranks the Lab as the most popular breed of dog in the United States, notes Pat, adding, “the only down side to that is that there are more of them to be rescued.”

While the Sienna minivan is a natural vehicle for this sort of work, it may surprise some that the world’s best-selling hybrid would also be suited for the task. “My Prius has a lot of room and it’s comfortable,” says Pat, who teaches graduate business courses at a college in nearby Largo, Florida. “Best of all, I love to drive it.”

A Toyota owner since the 1980s, Pat previously drove a Celica. She says Toyota’s reputation for reliability has kept her and her husband loyal customers. “The big thing is of course the quality, but our dealership is really good too.”

For Pat, the Prius is more than just reliable, spacious, fuel-efficient transportation. It also helps her promote awareness of the organization to which she and Lewis commit so much of their own time. She says a friend who owns a sign shop donated lettering for the back of her Prius that reads “Adopt a Lab” and includes the group’s Web address, www.labradorrescue.net. Pat estimates that at least 30 dogs have been placed in permanent homes as a result of the mobile billboard.

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