GRREAT was established in the Hampton Roads area in the summer of 1990. At that time we existed as a branch of the Maryland/Northern Virginia GRREAT. In 1994 we incorporated as Southeastern Virginia Golden Retriever Rescue, Education and Training, Inc., (GRREAT). Our service area extends from Richmond south to northeastern North Carolina. We are an all volunteer, non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue of abandoned or unwanted Golden Retrievers. Since our beginning we have successfully placed over 300 dogs. Our dogs come from a variety of places; shelters, SPCA's, and directly from people who no longer want or can no longer keep their pets. GRREAT is alive and well today only because of the tremendous love and dedication to these dogs by our volunteers.

GRREAT always needs new volunteers. If you are interested in helping our Goldens, please take a moment to complete and return the enclosed volunteer form. There are many way to help GRREAT even if you do not want to or cannot be involved directly with a dog. GRREAT will only be able to continue to save homeless Goldens through the new and continued support of our volunteers and adoptive families. Unfortunately there does not seem to be any shortage of Goldens in need.

When a golden retriever is accepted into GRREAT he or she is given a thorough medical examination, fully vaccinated, tested for heartworms and internal parasites, tattooed with a permanent identification number which is registered with NDR (National Dog Registry), spayed/neutered, and given any other tests deemed necessary by GRREAT. GRREAT's goal is to return these dogs to the best physical/medical condition possible to give them the best start in their new life. The average adoption involves 5-8 volunteers and costs between $200-$300. It takes more than love alone.

GRREAT has learned many things from our previous adoptions and many of our rules and regulations are a result of past experience. We have learned that the key to a successful adoption is providing as much information and education possible. To this end we have put together the following packet. We hope that you will find it interesting as well as informative, whether this is your first or fifth dog. Please take the time to read the information and please do not hesitate to contact us if you need assistance, THAT'S WHY WE ARE HERE.

As a new adoptive home you will receive, free for one year, our bi-monthly newsletter "GRREAT Times". This is our opportunity to inform you of upcoming events, available dogs, and the current needs and status of the rescue. GRREAT keeps a scrap book of all our adoptees and would love a picture of your dog with his or her new family (or in their new home if the family is camera shy). We hope you enjoy your new golden and please, keep in touch.

Because of their friendly nature and good looks, your new friend will attract attention wherever you go. This attention gives you an opportunity to spread the word about GRREAT and Goldens in general. Our alumni and their families are the best advertisement GRREAT can have, please take those opportunities to spread the word about the benefits of adopting a homeless animal. Unfortunately, many people feel that unless a puppy has been raised in their home the dog will never "bond". As anyone who has adopted a GRREAT golden knows, NOTHING CAN BE FURTHER FROM THE TRUTH! All it takes is a well placed dog and patience, consistency and lots of love. While our Goldens will never "take the points" in the conformation ring, they are certainly "in the ribbons" when it comes to companionship and love. After all, isn't that what's most important?

You can find out more information about dogs from your local library; we have suggested several books on the recommended book list. You may also contact the American Kennel Club (AKC). The AKC publishes a monthly magazine, the Gazette, which contains information and articles about all registered breeds. They can be contacted by writing to: American Kennel Club, 5580 Centerview Drive, Raleigh, NC 27606-3390. You may also wish to become a member of our national breed club, Golden Retriever Club of America, Inc. (GRCA). You do not need to own a registered golden, be interested in breeding or showing, or even own a dog at all to belong to either club. These clubs are for people who are interested in all things related to dogs. The address for the GRCA is in the enclosed tri-fold pamphlet "So you want to know more about the Golden Retriever". Membership in the GRCA enables you to receive their bi-monthly newsletter the "GRNews". This is a wonderful magazine filled with all kinds of information about the breed. We strongly encourage you to join either one or both of these clubs.

The GRCA publishes the enclosed booklet "Acquiring a Golden Retriever". This booklet contains the breed standard, information about common genetic problems, and important information should you (or a friend) ever wish to purchase a puppy. The GRCA tries, through education, to promote responsible dog ownership and responsible breeding practices. Education is the only way to insure that Goldens will always be the healthy, sound dogs people expect. It is also the only way to reduce and (hopefully) eventually prevent the thousands of unwanted dogs (including MANY Goldens) from being put to death each year.

Another fun and interesting way to learn more about the sport of dogs is to attend an AKC sanctioned conformation show or an obedience or working trial. These shows and trials provide opportunities for dogs to compete against each other as specimens of the breed (conformation shows) or to compete for obedience or working titles (trials). People usually love to talk about their dogs but PLEASE wait until they are finished competing for the day! This is serious business and Mom and Dad are usually quite preoccupied until they are done. If you are interested you can contact any of the local kennel or obedience club for dates and locations.