Lily Rose, a 12-year-old black Labrador retriever, was one of the first dogs adopted by the nonprofit Save the Dogs of the World.

Now she’s a full-fledged member of the group, and she’s been a fixture in its “Kennel of the Year” contest.

Lily and her owners say they never thought they’d find themselves on the cover of a national newspaper, and Rose’s story has helped inspire others to seek help for their dogs.

In a piece for The Washington Times, she tells how she’s become the unofficial ambassador of the new breed, and offers a quick look at how to identify a dog that fits the profile of a rescue dog.

(Kate Woodall/The Washington Post)