A registered non-profit 501 (c)(3) charitable organization Published monthly by Golden Retriever Rescue of the Rockies hank you for belonging to and volunteering for GRRR. We are all very proud of the work we have the privilege of doing. You, as a volunteer, are such a huge part of that work. I love seeing these furry humans getting adopted. Everyone is so happy on that magical day, including us. We get to witness the transformation from wounded, scared, confused dog into a happy goofball that just loves people and playing around. It really is like magic. The walking team and the others who see the dogs on a regular basis are excited to get Urbo s weekly VIP email, where he talks about who came in and who was adopted. To whatever extent you are involved with GRRR, please share what we all do with others. The world is full of dog people and, Lord knows, we all need to hear about happy endings. So when you think about it, don t forget to tell others what you are part of. Thank you all for an amazing 2015 and an exciting start to 2016.
2015 Bob Jorgensen, Pat Rogers, Jeannie Peebles, Judi Servoss Jean Miller, Linda Panter, Mary Lisman, Pat Rogers, Ruth Ginsert Jones, Dean Jones Sugarbear Santa Hugh Huxtable Volunteer Holiday Party Bill Urbanowski, Sukie McMaster, Nancy Grant, Carole McMurray, Mary Kenton, Susie Tansy
fter a wonderful 2015, could 2016 get any better? Well, maybe. That phrase always reminds me of being a kid and asking my parents if I could do something questionable. Their answer was either maybe or the dreaded let me ask your father (which ultimately meant no ). In this case, the maybe is highlighted in optimism, in this, our 20th year of rescuing Goldens. Some of you have been with us since the early days, so you have seen many changes. This year we have several projects we are working on; everything from the mundane to the spectacular. On the mundane, but necessary, side, we received a grant to cover the outdoor runs attached to our day kennels. They will be covered with a transparent, high-density plastic that will hold up to our hail storms. These covers are important so our pups can stay dry in rain and snow as it will run off the covers. It will also give the pups some shade during hot summer days. On the spectacular side, we have taken a leadership role in joining a small team of rescues involved with rescuing abandoned purebred Golden Retrievers from Istanbul, Turkey. (For more info., see Operation Turkey Dog in this newsletter.) One thing you should know is that virtually all 95 Golden Retriever rescues in the U.S. have a waiting list for dogs. So we will continue to never say no to a Golden in need in the state and in the region. And, speaking of our 20th anniversary, the gala on June 11th will, in part, celebrate these past 20 years how we started, and who was there to start GRRR and lay the groundwork for this wonderful organization. Our gala theme this year is The Golden Globes. So, be prepared to walk the red carpet as you enter, have your photograph taken with special guests, and maybe even sign a few autographs for the pawparazzi. Look for great people, great food, and some international Golden stars. It s hard to imagine that in 2016 we will be able to top the incredible generosity you have shown our dogs and those of us fortunate enough to be around them, but I m confident it will happen. You have made possible countless medical procedures for our Golden Angels, many Golden smiles as our dogs found their new forever homes, and the excitement felt by the dog walking team when one of our furry residents gets adopted. ALL these things are made possible by you. Mary and I continue to do what we do, but there is so much that couldn t happen without your support. So stay tuned, because there s lots more fun coming for us all.
hese turkey dogs have tails and smiling faces and don t need mustard. These purebred Golden Retrievers have been abandoned and left to fend for themselves halfway around the world in Istanbul, Turkey. GRRR has an opportunity to pay it forward and become a leader in the rescue world. Here s the background Once considered a status symbol by the wealthy in Turkey, Golden Retrievers have become more common and less valued, and, as a result, hundreds end up being released onto the streets. With few shelters available, dogs of this good-natured breed frequently starve or become prey to the thousands of feral dog packs in the forests around the city. Life is hard for these mostly young dogs. Few live to be senior Goldens in Turkey. The program originated in late 2014 with Adopt a Golden in Atlanta, GA (AGA). AGA created the process and infrastructure to bring these dogs to the United States via humane, nonstop flights. Before leaving Turkey, all of the dogs receive spay/neuter, microchipping, medical exams, and health certificates (and passports). Upon arrival, rescue groups bring them to their home locations. We are excited, because the dogs who have been brought over to date are thriving! GRRR routinely has many more potential adopters than dogs ready for placement, so this program appears to be a win-win for the Denver rescue community, and we get to be the organization that brings them west. To be clear, all Golden rescues (including GRRR) have a shortage of Golden Retrievers, so we will continue to never say no to a Golden in need. Go to the Turkey Dog link on our website and our Operation Turkey Dog Colorado Facebook page and see what s happening and how you can get involved. There are news articles and videos available on the link. There is an opportunity to share this effort with your dog-loving friends, to donate, and to even sponsor a dog and pick their new name. We are expecting our first group of dogs mid-february, thus, these are our Valentines Dogs. If you have a company and are interested in being a corporate sponsor with all the coverage that goes with it, just let me know. So far, iheart Radio (850Koa and many more) and Channel 9 have run with the story. This truly is a Colorado feel-good story. http://www.goldenrescue.com/operation-turkey-dog-colorado https://www.facebook.com/operationturkeydogcolorado/
he VIP Team is going strong, and the dogs are getting walks and love daily. Thank you to everyone who spends time with the dogs at Phoebe's Place. We are having another training session for the VIP Team on Saturday, March 5th. It will be held at Phoebe's Place from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Carole McMurry from Peebody Dog Training will be our instructor. Carole has years of dog training experience to share with us, and will help us work with the dogs more effectively. Subjects to be covered include loose leash walking, getting in and out of the kennel run, how to put on the training collar correctly, dog body language, and much more. Training is not required but is highly encouraged for all members of the VIP Team. Here is the link to sign up for the training: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1eegenbiu3icgubx2g48bvk5nng34zvqccbdjyfuisxw/ viewform?usp=send_form Snacks and doggie kisses will be provided. Hope to see many of you there! Help Wanted! GRRR is looking for a coordinator for each event for 2016. This way a person can sign up to help run one event instead of the whole enchilada. If you d like to discuss leading one of our events, just let us know. Email: kevin.shipley@goldenrescue.com
Bite hold @ GRRR Peebody Dog Training Teaching you to teach your dog Carole McMurry 720/979-4535 www.peebodydogtraining.com Terri Black Kate Brooks Courtney Carpenter Julie Causa Leslie Chapman Anthony Cino Sarah Cotton Samantha Crispe Debbie Derryberry Tyler Duhl Alyssa Ensign Chuck Foster Judy Garber Lori Holstein Amber Kirby Sandra Krempasky Justin Kysar Amy Larson Lucas Lawrence Joshua Lee Jean Miller Rachel Miller Casey OLeary Dan Phillips Dawn Russell Diane Sieg Dani Wilson Animal Care Mary Kenton: mary.kenton@goldenrescue.com Golden Growl Quarterly Newsletter Debbie Stratton: debbie.davis@goldenrescue.com Volunteer Newsletter Leigh Gannan: leighlumse@yahoo.com Adoption Follow-up Mary Fishback: mfischbeck@outdrs.net Placement Roberta Miller: robertamiller70@yahoo.com Transport Coordinator Ron Sommer: ron.sommer@goldenrescue.com Application Advocate Gloria LeFree: gloria.lefree@goldenrescue.com Team Leaders Grant Writing Judi Servoss: judi.servoss@goldenrescue.com Linda Pierrel: lindapierrel@yahoo.com Volunteer Coordinator Diana Shubart: diana.shubart@goldenrescue.com VIP - Volunteer Interaction Program Coordinator Sukie McMaster: sukie.mcmaster@goldenrescue.com 303-530-1655 Executive Director Kevin Shipley: Kevin.shipley@goldenrescue.com