Our history

It all started with Charlie

It all began with Charlie. In 1991, two dedicated members of the Mid-Florida Golden Retriever Club (MFGRC), Sandy Guy and Sarah Davis, embarked on a mission to raise funds for a young Golden Retriever named Charlie who needed double hip surgery. Their efforts were met with overwhelming support from fellow MFGRC members, raising more than enough to cover Charlie’s medical expenses.

Inspired by their success and with an extra $500 in hand, they decided to extend their help to other Golden Retrievers in need. This initiative quickly gained momentum, attracting more members to join the cause. Soon, the club established a Rescue Committee, marking the beginning of what would become Golden Retriever Rescue of Mid-Florida (GRRMF).

Our journey

In 1991, Sarah spearheaded our mission by connecting with local and national animal rescue groups, gathering essential materials, and setting our rescue efforts in motion. By October, we had established our first rescue guidelines and created educational materials, applications, and contracts that are still in use today.

Overcoming challenges

Initially, we actively searched for dogs in need, facing financial and space constraints. Despite these challenges, our unwavering love for golden retrievers and their soulful brown eyes kept us going. By 1996, we had rescued over 300 goldens, but the demand for help continued to grow. With only $30 in our bank account, we decided to become an independent 501©(3) nonprofit organization.

A new beginning

In May 1997, Golden Retriever Rescue of Mid-Florida, Inc. officially began operations as a nonprofit, thanks to a $1,000 seed grant and an inventory of shirts to sell. This generosity gave us the foundation to succeed, and we’ve been dedicated to rescuing and rehoming golden retrievers ever since.

A Great Day

In 1998, the number of needy goldens surged, but GRRMF was ready to help. Our new nonprofit status enabled tax-deductible donations, boosting support. We launched our first website and received a grant from the Golden Retriever Club of America for infrastructure and marketing. Our activity skyrocketed, and we welcomed many new volunteers to meet the growing needs of homeless golden retrievers. We also started a print newsletter to keep our supporters informed.

Growing Pains and Gains

As we expanded, we faced challenges with enthusiasm and hard work. We focused on improving our operations and procedures to work efficiently across volunteer teams. Many volunteers contributed their professional expertise, keeping administrative costs low and ensuring donations went directly to helping the dogs. The dedication of our key volunteers was truly inspiring.

Today

Golden Retriever Rescue of Mid-Florida has rescued thousands of golden retrievers. With over 200 volunteers across Florida, our organization is managed by a Board of Directors with extensive rescue experience and skilled coordinators. We are a seasoned rescue organization, passionately dedicated to the breed we love.