The Powerball jackpot is sitting at $426 million. It’s the kind of number that makes you double-check the commas and briefly consider hiring a butler for your dog. And like most Americans who saw those numbers flash across the screen, I paused for a moment, stared out at a yard full of snoozing Labradors, and let my imagination run wild.
Now I know money doesn’t buy happiness… but it can definitely buy a custom-built, climate-controlled Labrador retreat with in-ground bone-shaped splash pools. And that, my friends, is close enough.
If I woke up holding the winning Powerball ticket, here’s exactly what I’d do—with a very Bazurto Kennels spin on things.
Step 1: Labrador Land—The Dream Facility
Forget Disneyland. With $426 million, I’d build Labrador Land—a sprawling ranch-meets-resort dedicated entirely to happy, healthy Labs.
We’re talking:
- Acres of grassy fields for zoomies and sniffing adventures
- Heated tile floors in the puppy nursery (for those sensitive little paws)
- Full-time doggy chefs whipping up gourmet pupsicles and fresh meals
- Bone-shaped swimming lagoons with lifeguard stations manned by Golden Retrievers (for aesthetics, of course)
Oh, and I’d finally have the space to install the ultimate fetch field—a half-mile enclosed run with built-in tennis ball cannons. Powered by solar, obviously.
Step 2: Spoil the Pack I Already Have
Miranda would get her own heated orthopedic couch, upholstered in something both chew-resistant and wildly luxurious. Boots would get a self-refilling peanut butter Kong machine (maybe with a Labradoodle bouncer to make sure he doesn’t overdo it).
Every pup at Bazurto Kennels—past and present—would get a care package, delivered with love and a bag of freeze-dried liver treats. I’m talking toys, snacks, and maybe a fresh collar with rhinestones. Go big or go home.
Step 3: Lab-Centered Charities
All jokes aside, this is where my heart truly goes. If that kind of money ever came into my life, I’d dedicate a big slice of it to organizations that do real, meaningful work for dogs:
- Rescue Retrievers in Need (RRIN) – They specialize in rehoming senior Labs and giving them the gentle twilight years they deserve.
- Working Dogs for Veterans – These folks train Labs as support animals for veterans with PTSD. It’s noble, it’s effective, and it changes lives.
- The Canine Cancer Foundation – Because too many families have lost their best friend too soon. I’d fund research and treatment access for pet parents who can’t afford care.
I’d even start a nonprofit dedicated to emergency support for Lab owners—because vet bills shouldn’t be the reason someone loses their beloved companion.
Step 4: Lab-Lover Retreats
We’d host annual Lab Lover Retreats—think yoga on the lawn with your pup, chef-led treat-baking workshops, and nighttime campfires with acoustic guitar and squeaky toy accompaniment.
People could stay on-site in themed cabins (Yellow Lab Lodge, Chocolate Chalet, Black Lab Bungalow…) and enjoy workshops on training, nutrition, and belly-rubbing best practices.
Guests leave with full hearts, muddy shoes, and possibly a new family member if they fall for a puppy.
Step 5: Build a Future for the Breed
With the right support, Bazurto Kennels could be more than just a place that breeds champion-grade Labradors—we could become a hub of education and advocacy for responsible breeding and lifelong Lab wellness.
We’d build a research and training center focused on:
- Genetic health
- Temperament-based training
- Puppy socialization science
And of course, our doors would always be open for school field trips. Because what kid wouldn’t want to learn biology next to a wiggly litter of future best friends?
But Until Then…
Until those numbers magically match the ones on my crumpled grocery-store ticket, we’ll keep doing what we’ve always done: raising Labrador Retrievers with care, purpose, and a whole lot of love.
Our pups may not have bone-shaped pools (yet), but they have clean spaces, daily enrichment, and humans who adore them. And honestly, that’s already hitting the jackpot.
If you’re ready to add a Lab to your life—or if you just want to daydream with me about what Labradors deserve—get in touch. We might not be Powerball winners, but we’re definitely rich in puppy kisses.
