About GoldHeart
History
GoldHeart was started in 1999 by a small, dedicated group of volunteers with an undying love for Golden Retrievers. The initial group of volunteers were members of the Golden Retriever Rescue Education, and Trainings (GRREAT), complementing GRREAT’s efforts by concentrating GoldHeart’s mission in Maryland, south-central Pennsylvania and Delaware areas.
Fast forward to 2017, with decades of spay and neuter programs, changes in state and local laws, and participation by rescue groups, the number of unwanted Goldens is on the decline, particularly in certain areas of the country. This is wonderful news! GoldHeart’s first priority continues to be rescuing and placing Golden Retrievers and golden-mixes located within our service area. We will also consider helping Golden and golden-mixes in other areas of the country, if resources permit. When we are asked to rescue a needy Golden Retriever outside of our country, GoldHeart may consider these dogs consistent with our organization’s intake priorities and again, available resources.
Since 1999, GoldHeart volunteers have successfully placed over 1060 dogs in forever homes, GoldHeart’s membership has also grown to over 500 members/supporters, who we could not exist without their support. We take in about 45-50 goldens and golden mixes per year, and approve around 150 new applications to adopt annually. Absent any major changes in a home, an application approval is generally good for two years from date of issuance. The bulk of the day-to-day rescue efforts are handled by the all-volunteer Board of Directors and a dozen or more core volunteers.
Mission
GoldHeart, Golden Retriever Rescue and its network of volunteers are dedicated to the rescue of unwanted, abused, neglected and displaced Golden Retrievers. We provide Goldens in need with a temporary safe haven in our foster homes where they receive love, food, grooming, medical treatment, and some training. During this time their temperament is evaluated to determine the best home for their personalities, and ultimately they are relocated to loving adoptive “forever” homes.
GoldHeart volunteers work to foster a public sentiment of humanity and gentleness toward Golden Retrievers and all other animals. They encourage and promote responsible pet ownership, do all within their power to reduce the pet overpopulation and will work to encourage humane treatment and care of animals through education and spay/neuter advocacy.