Today we’d like to introduce you to Hal Schlenger.
Golden retrievers are one of our country’s most beloved dogs, almost iconic given their appearances in movies, TV and advertising. Sadly, many of these loving, beautiful dogs were being killed because shelters had limited ability to connect with families who were looking for a golden.
The founders of GRRA determined that the adoption process was a 2-way relationship, being good for the dog as well as for the humans. GRRA’s proven process considered both the needs of the dog and the humans being doing physical and behavior evaluations along with applicant interviews and home checks. Dog’s received vet care, socialization and training before being available for adoption; a dog’s good looks weren’t enough. The result is that only about 2% of our dogs are returned because the dog and family couldn’t adjust to one another.
To date, GRRA has rescued and found homes for nearly 4,000 wonderful 4-legged family members. A key to success has been an all-volunteer corp that is a continuing source of education and support for adopting families and fellow volunteers.
There are fewer goldens needing to be rescued, thanks in part to the success of spray and neuter programs. However, the Internet introduces new challenges, such as monitoring websites like Craig’s List to prevent people wanting dogs for unethical reasons, such as research.
Has it been a smooth road?
Overall, it has been a great story. The passion and commitment to successfully rescue and place goldens falls under what Daniel Pink describes in his best-selling book Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us as Motivation 3.0, the intrinsic motivation of a great purpose.
Our challenges only relate to the evolving needs of our volunteers. Today’s volunteers have less and less time as work demands more, family have more options, and people still need some “me time.” In the 1990’s, GRRA had several people that would be considered full time based on the time they gave to the rescue each week. Today, all of the board members have a fulltime job along with families and time to volunteer.
As part of adjusting to the new volunteer paradigm, the board of directors had to shift its thinking from “we are all about the dogs” to “we’re all about the volunteers, enabling our volunteers to be all about the dogs.”
Being geographically dispersed in the Atlanta metro area, the increase in traffic and decrease in available time had us rethinking about getting the volunteers together for training, operations and celebrating our successes. Doing more to manage the application and rehab process via Salesforce and email, we had to consciously create the right opportunities to get together. Our monthly Adoption Days are as much for our volunteers as they are for applicants to meet our dogs. And our monthly hikes around Atlanta provide another opportunity for volunteers to build our community of golden lovers. Yes, we post upbeat and fun social media messages that invite replies to further bridge the distance.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Golden Retriever Rescue of Atlanta (GRRA) – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
What sets us apart from other rescues are our volunteers —- and our dogs. As part of viewing our volunteers are our ambassadors, we prioritize empowering our volunteers by creating a culture of sharing and communicating. We want everyone to succeed.
Our foster family to select which family will adopt the dog that they are fostering, and experienced volunteers provide ongoing support and advice to volunteers and adopting families.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Like: The compassion and diversity of people. There is a tremendous community of caring, sharing people.
Least: Traffic
Pricing:
- $375 for dogs 1-10 years old.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.grra.com
- Phone: 678-310-4772
- Email: email@grra.com
- Instagram: https://www.facebook.com/GoldenRetrieverRescueofAtlanta/
- Facebook: Dog hiking group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/65300548237/
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
