Mission Statement   We are a volunteer-staffed organization dedicated to finding forever homes for rescued golden retrievers giving those displaced goldens a new beginning.

Our Beginnings

G.R.I.N. was incorporated in 1992 by a group of golden enthusiasts who recognized the need to find good homes for the countless goldens who are euthanized each year for lack of a loving home with a caring family. The number of unwanted pets filling shelters, pounds, and humane societies is staggering, and the fate of these animals is, at best, depressing. The overwhelming fact is that almost 38% of these dogs are purebred. Thankfully, there are many other purebred enthusiasts who also realize the need to aid their own, and they are networking with us in an effort to help alleviate the burden that shelter workers are faced with daily. We are proud to continue the work they began.

Who We Are

Golden Retrievers in Need Rescue Service, Inc. (G.R.I.N.) is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization totally staffed by volunteers and have over 600 active members. We serve Northeastern Ohio and many outlying surrounding areas that do not have a local golden rescue. Goldens come to us from various sources including shelters, pounds, strays and owner surrenders. G.R.I.N. is served by a Board of Trustees who are elected each year and are responsible for various teams within our organization. Our IFA Team is responsible for intake, foster homes and adoption for each G.R.I.N. golden. They work with our local vet partners to ensure that every G.R.I.N. dog has the necessary medical attention that is needed including all shots and preventative medicines as well as spayed or neutered before being placed in a forever home. To date, we have placed approximately 2,400 goldens in their forever homes including 221 in 2008.

G.R.I.N. is funded primarily through memberships and membership renewals, various fund-raising activities including our annual Golden Gala fundraiser, and donations from individuals while the balance comes from corporate matching and affiliate giving programs. Every dollar earned for G.R.I.N. goes directly to the care and expense of our goldens and every donation is tax deductible.

What We Have Accomplished

Last year was an extremely difficult year for G.R.I.N. and our goldens and this year is looking to be no different. Just as other rescues, we are facing a tough economy and have taken in a record number of goldens due to various reasons from owners who can no longer care for their goldens as well as from shelters with goldens who have been abandoned or strays. So many of those goldens have required extensive medical treatment due to serious wounds and issues.  For example, this year we have taken in and treated: 15 heartworm positive dogs; a blind golden with PRA disease and glaucoma; a golden who lost his sight due to a tumor in his eye; a golden who was discovered to have breast cancer during her spay and a total mastectomy was performed to save her life; numerous injuries, some quite serious; a golden who required Tibial Tuberosity Advancement and extensive rehabilitation to walk; many goldens with tumors; one with a heart murmor; and many, many seniors who have been neglected in their care for many years. We will continue to care for these goldens and every golden as we can who needs our help now and in the future.