GRIN - Golden Retrievers In Need Rescue
Our Mission
Background and Mission
Our Beginnings
Golden Retrievers in Need Rescue Service, Inc., also known as GRIN, was incorporated in 1992 by a group of Golden enthusiasts who recognized the need to find good homes for the countless Goldens euthanized each year for lack of a loving home. We are proud to continue the work they began.
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 25% of these dogs are purebred. Thankfully, there are many other purebred enthusiasts who also realize the need to aid their breed, and they are networking with us in an effort to help alleviate the burden that shelter workers are faced with daily.
Who We Are
GRIN is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization totally staffed by volunteers and has over 500 active members. We have a strong social media presence through GRIN sites on Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, RSS feeds and Facebook. We serve northeastern and central OH, western PA, western NY and many outlying surrounding areas that do not have a local Golden rescue. Goldens come to us from various sources including shelters, pounds and owner surrenders. GRIN also is part of a worldwide rescue effort to bring abandoned Goldens from Turkey to the USA. An uncompensated, very active Board of Trustees is elected each year and is responsible for various teams within our organization. Our all-important IFA Team oversees the intake, foster homes and adoption for each GRIN Golden. They work with our local vet partners to ensure that every dog has the necessary medical attention, including spay or neuter, before they’re matched with a wonderful home.
GRIN is funded primarily through memberships and membership renewals, a variety of fundraising activities including our annual Golden Gala, pet partner store events, donations from individuals, corporate matching, grants, bequests, and affiliate giving programs. Every dollar raised by GRIN goes to the care and expense of Goldens who enter our program; every donation is tax deductible.
What We Have Accomplished
Each year continues to bring challenges but the GRIN family is committed to being there to provide the love and care needed for each dog that has come into our care. We continue to welcome dogs that in many cases require extensive medical care beyond the typical spay/neuter and vaccinations. Additionally, a number of the dogs coming into our care have behavior issues, which require professional behaviorists and trainers to bring these dogs to their full potential and adopt-ability.
On average GRIN spends over $1,200 per dog. To date GRIN has placed over 3,600 Goldens in their forever home including 97 in fiscal year 2015 (July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016). GRIN is proud of the work we do each year, both in caring for our GRIN dogs and in maintaining a top-quality rescue organization. We remain grateful to our loyal membership, volunteers and supporters who make all of this possible.
Adoption Policy
Adoption Process: https://grinrescue.org/adopt/adoption-process
To be considered for any of the dogs in process, you must first complete our application process and be approved to adopt. The application process consists of these steps:
Step 1: Complete the online adoption application: Online Application. After submitting your application, a reference from your veterinarian is sought. Please be sure to contact your vet to give them permission to speak with our volunteer. After we have completed the vet check, you will then be contacted for a phone interview.
Step 2: If all of step one goes well, your application is moved to the next stage – a home visit. All family members must be present during the home visit – No Exceptions. We are an all-volunteer organization and will work with you to accommodate your schedule as well as ours.
Step 3: Once you have been approved for adoption, you will be contacted regarding a possible match for your family. It could be a day, several weeks or several months. We work very hard to match the right dog with the right family based on the dog’s needs and those requirements you, too, have requested. We use the information you provided in your application, the home interview and home visit along with the evaluation provided by the foster home for every dog in the program.
Step 4: When a match for your family has been identified, you will receive a call from a member of the adoption team followed by a call from the foster family. The foster family will provide you with his/her observations and information about the dog’s habits and temperament. This is also your opportunity to ask specific questions about the dog. You and the foster family, together, determine if you should proceed to the next step – a “meet & greet”. The “meet & greet” takes place at the foster home since this is the environment the golden is most comfortable. Every member of the household, including dogs, must be present at the “meet & greet.”
Step 5: Decision time. Do not expect to take your golden home after this first meeting. This is an important decision and can be very emotional. We want you to go home and think about it carefully, discuss with your family to ensure you are making the best decision for all. We ask that you contact the Adoption Coordinator with your decision the following day. While you are making your decision, the foster family will also be communicating with the Adoption Coordinator to provide their feedback. If everyone agrees the “meet & greet” was successful, we move forward with finalizing the adoption details.
Step 6: Adoption meeting. Bring anyone you would like to the meeting. Come prepared to review and sign the contract and pay the adoption fees. You will receive any medical information from the GRIN vet including medications and instruction, if any, during this meeting.
Our job at GRIN doesn’t end when you sign the adoption papers. We will follow-up with you periodically and welcome you to contact us with any questions post adoption. Transitioning a new “family member” can be difficult and we want to help make your experience a positive one. Thank you for supporting rescue!
