About G.R.I.N.

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 650 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 2,600 goldens in their forever homes.

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, grants 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

Each year continues to bring challenges but the G.R.I.N. family continues to be there to provide the love and care needed to each dog that has come to us.  We have seen more goldens than ever who have been displaced for economic reasons and have taken in goldens for many reasons including owners who can no longer care for their goldens as well as from shelters with goldens who have been abandoned or strays.  Many of these goldens require extensive medical treatment due to serious wounds, injuries or health issues.   We are so grateful to the members and volunteers who work so hard to keep the G.R.I.N. mission before the public, and who give so generously to care for our goldens.  We appreciate the partnerships we share with some of the finest medical resources in our area, and their willingness to take on the many and varied needs of our dogs.

In addition to needs for medical care, we have taken in many dogs with behavioral issues recently.  This is not unique to G.R.I.N. – rescues across the country are experiencing a similar trend.  We are fortunate to be able to work with professional behaviorists and trainers to bring these great dogs to their full potential and adoptability.

The G.R.I.N. Board of Trustees is a working Board.  They oversee all the operations of G.R.I.N. on a day-to-day basis, as well as maintain the vision of G.R.I.N.’s present and future.  G.R.I.N. is continually seeking to improve in all areas, and some of the focus in the past and coming years include:  Sponsorship Program, Membership Education, Communications with the public and our members through various medium including videos of our goldens, Training and Behavior, and improving our processes for adoption and post adoption follow up.

G.R.I.N. is proud of the work we do each year, both in caring for our G.R.I.N. dogs and in maintaining a top-quality, efficient rescue organization!!  We encourage you to join and become part of a wonderful rescue organization.

 G.R.I.N. 2012-13 Board of Trustees and Advisors