Joyce Sanford, President of the Southern Arizona Golden Retriever Rescue and author of two books, spoke to us about their organization, operation, accomplishments, and fundraising activities.
The Southern Arizona Golden Retriever Rescue, established in 2011 exclusively for Golden Retriever rescue & servicing Southern Arizona from South of Casa Grande to the Mexico border, has placed 400 dogs for adoption since starting operation. Their “foster based” and not-for-profit operation is comprised of 100 percent volunteers and takes in dogs regardless of their prior situation and age. Their network of dedicated volunteers check local shelters daily, respond to requests to take in dogs, work on items such as medical, vaccination, and behavioral issues as needed, sometimes foster dogs prior to adoption, effectively match dogs to adopting homes, and fully support owners after adoption. They also meet-and-greet at Pets Mart, operate a book club about dogs, and conduct educational events like snake training.
Their fundraising events have included an event at the Oro Valley Community Center in March, an annual Golden Retriever calendar for sale, a 30 day Barnes & Noble fundraiser wrapping Christmas presents, and an annual picnic at Reid Park in November. They have had to be creative & sometimes operate virtually during the pandemic with their fundraising.
Club President Teree Bergman has been a long-time volunteer & foster parent at the Southern Arizona Golden Retriever Rescue and has been a loving, caring owner of several Golden Retrievers. Our Rotary club, full of dog lovers, found Joyce’s talk very enjoyable and informative & greatly appreciate the work being done by this group of volunteers.
Guests: Our Sept 10 ZOOM club meeting welcomed one guest, Mary Pat Straw who is Teree Bergman’s neighbor and a fellow dog lover.