Namesakes Behind the Woody Fund
A Golden Legacy
The Origin of the Woody Fund
The Woody Fund began with two five-year-old Golden Retrievers—Rusty and Woody—whose suffering moved an entire eighth‑grade class to action. Their compassion sparked a legacy that continues to save lives more than 25 years later.
A Heartbreaking Start for Rusty and Woody
A class of 1996 Port St. Lucie eighth graders had an exceptional year, and it all came about because of two five‑year‑old Golden Retrievers, Rusty and Woody. The duo had nearly come to the end of their lives—chained, starving, and neglected in the backyard of a Port St. Lucie home.
No one knows who called for help. Perhaps it was a neighbor hearing a whimper over the fence, or someone catching a glimpse of the tumor hanging from Rusty’s neck. Whoever it was, they saved two lives that day. It was one of the worst cases of abuse and neglect the animal control officers had ever seen.
The Condition They Were Found In
Rusty, malnourished and burdened by a tumor diagnosed a year earlier, leaned when he walked from its weight. Woody, suffering from mange, heartworms, and severe malnutrition, needed urgent treatment for his skin and ear infections. Despite Rusty’s tumor, Woody was actually in worse condition—like a skeleton with raw skin and black patches of puffy “elephant” skin stretched over his bones.
With hardly any hair, Woody weighed just 30 pounds when he came to GRRMF. The owner, claiming he lacked funds for medical care, refused to surrender the dogs earlier—long before their condition became so dire. He was later charged with two counts of animal abuse and sentenced to jail time, fines, and community service. But this story isn’t about the owner. It’s about the eighth‑grade class who stepped up to help—and the legacy that began with their compassion.
While the featured image above shows the moment Woody and Rusty were rescued, this later photo reveals the long‑term impact of the neglect they survived. Despite months of care, Woody’s skin and coat never fully recovered — a testament to the severity of his condition when help arrived.
The Compassion of an Eighth‑Grade Class
Rusty and Woody needed compassion and medical care. After being taken to a veterinarian, they finally received the treatment they desperately needed. Healing could begin—but it would be a long road.
Back in Port St. Lucie, eighth‑grade science teacher Mary Jones (now Mary Toto) shared Rusty and Woody’s story with her students. Coming from a financially struggling district, these students showed more compassion than the dogs’ owner ever had. They raised $310—mostly in coins—to help pay for the dogs’ medical treatment.
They didn’t stop there. They encouraged additional donations and raised awareness about animal abuse and neglect. Their efforts became the foundation of what is now known as The Woody Fund, established through Golden Retriever Rescue of Mid‑Florida to provide extraordinary medical treatment for rescued dogs.
How the Legacy Began
From one classroom’s determination to help two suffering goldens, a legacy was born — one that continues to provide hope, healing, and second chances to dogs in desperate need. The Woody Fund stands today because those students chose kindness.
A Mission That Reached the White House
The students took their mission even further—writing to President Clinton:
“You can help us by continuing to speak up for abused and neglected animals and working to protect the environment we all share.”
— Northport Middle School Students, 1996
President Clinton, an animal lover who had recently adopted a cat named Socks, wrote back. Little did the students know that their act of compassion would still be yielding results years later.
Healing, Recovery, and Loving Homes
Rusty and Woody had come a long way from the dreary backyard where they were chained, neglected, and starved of care. St. Lucie Animal Control petitioned the court for ownership, and GRRMF stepped in to provide foster care where the dogs could heal physically and emotionally.
Loving families were found for both dogs—Woody with a veterinarian who had worked with GRRMF, and Rusty with a family who still volunteers with GRRMF today. Both have long since crossed the Rainbow Bridge, leaving behind a Golden Legacy.
The Ongoing Need for the Woody Fund
Sadly, Rusty and Woody were not the last neglected or abused dogs to enter the GRRMF family. The Woody Fund remains a critical part of our ability to help dogs with extraordinary medical needs.
In recent years, we have helped dogs like Caramel, overbred in a puppy mill; Hazel, shot and left on the roadside; and Brownie, left outdoors in Florida’s blazing heat without house‑training or treatment for a cataract that left her blind. Many others arrive with medical challenges their loving owners simply cannot afford to treat.
Woody and Rusty’s Enduring Legacy
The Woody Fund is Woody and Rusty’s Golden Legacy—born from two dogs who clung to life despite all odds. Of the 4,000+ dogs rescued by GRRMF since 1991, many have faced major medical issues. We continue to save and care for each one in honor of Woody and Rusty.
Story by Susan Tucker
GRRMF Legal Information for Your Gift
Golden Retriever Rescue of Mid-Florida, Inc.
P.O. Box 1449
Goldenrod, FL 32733
GRRMF EIN#: 59-3456998
The Woody Fund
Help dogs like Woody who have suffered cruelty or severe neglect. Your gift provides specialized medical and emotional care.
