Year in Review - 2016

2016 was a year of significant change within GRCGLAR. We successfully achieved several of our goals established at the beginning of the year and are looking to 2017 as a continuation of these efforts. Our strategic outreach program has been very successful and we have grown our volunteer ranks substantially throughout our 7 county service area, primarily in the Inland Empire and San Diego.

Our Speakers Bureau continues its outreach and had a very successful year. GRCGLAR spoke 12 times to civic and philanthropic organizations around Greater Southern California, reaching 5 different groups and spreading the importance message of animal rescue.

During 2016, we placed 94 goldens, a 4% increase over 2015 with our largest number of placements being in Orange and Los Angeles Counties with 38 and 36 placements respectively. We also saw a large percentage increase in placements in San Diego (75% increase) and Orange (80% increase) and our first placement in Santa Barbara in some time.

Traditionally, our placements increase during early summer and early fall. These are periods of time where families have lots of leisure time or when school is in session. This past year was no different as we saw our peak monthly placement rate in October, with our second highest month in June. Events are playing a larger role in placements as we saw a large increase in placements after the OC Pet Fair (April) and the Irvine Home for the Holidays (December) events.


This year our Shamrock Circle Fund celebrated it's 15th year anniversary in its mission to help rehabilitate medically challenged golden retrievers. We had fewer dogs enter the program this year however their care required more intensive treatment compared to years passed. We'd like to thank all of our special donors who participate in this program for their generosity. Without their support, this valuable program would not exist.


Shamrock Retrievers 2016
Merry, Casey, Beau, Baldwin, Carissa Anne, Marisa, and Dixie.


Finally, GRCGLAR celebrated its 15th year of operation in 2016 and proudly released its revamped website earlier this year, providing all the pertinent information about our organization in a much more readable format. In addition, we added the Petchella event in the Mar Vista area of Los Angeles to our schedule. More exciting changes are in store in the coming year so please become part of the GRCGLAR family by donating here.

As we progress into 2017, we in the Rescue are constantly reminded of why are in business. There is a strong need to advocate for these beautiful canines and GRCGLAR is dedicated to be part of the social fabric of our communities. Thank you for your continued support throughout the years and we look forward to the next 15 years throughout the Southland.