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OUR MISSION

WAAGR's mission is to provide bright new beginnings to displaced Golden Retrievers and Golden Retriever mixes. Wisconsin Adopt a Golden Retriever is an all volunteer/member Golden Retriever rescue organization serving the state of Wisconsin and parts of Illinois. WAAGR was established in September 2004 and was given 501(c)(3) status in February 2005.

Our first dog was rescued in May of 2005.

WAAGR has no paid staff and depends on the generosity of individuals that want to help provide a safe and happy life for Golden Retrievers that for whatever reason have lost their homes. Our volunteers/members do what needs to be done to help these kind and loving animals find the perfect home. It is our belief that education and staying involved in our communities is the key to great placements in great forever homes. If you would like to become a member or volunteer with WAAGR, please click here.

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OUR DOGS

WAAGR dogs come from as close as next door to as far as China. We take in surrenders from families that can no longer care for their golden, but luckily, that doesn't happen often. We maintain relationships with both local and national humane societies and serve as a resource for them if they cannot take in a golden in their area. We work particularly close with Pets Going Places in Texas to bring golden mixes to Wisconsin. 

A few years ago we also started working with a rescue in Puerto Rico. After the recent hurricanes there, many families had to leave without taking their pets. While many stray dogs roam the streets, dogs that had homes also found themselves fending for themselves.

In 2019 we started our newest outreach program- saving dogs in the Chinese meat market. See below for more details!

 

China Dog Initiative

There is so much sadness involved with the dog meat market in China. Every day, truckloads of dogs are dropped off for slaughter. Purebred golden retrievers, along with many other breeds, suffer unfathomably painful deaths. Since 2019, WAAGR has pledged to help bring these dogs to the United States where they can start their new lives. We work with several other rescues to arrange transports, flight volunteers, and necessary paperwork. The cost of saving a dog from China is approximately $1,000 per dog. These dogs come here knowing nothing, and start from the beginning to learn how to be a dog. So far, we've rescued 9 dogs from these horrific conditions. 

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Artie

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Waris

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Lacie

Our Team

OUR TEAM

PRESIDENT

Mary Schmittinger

VICE PRESIDENT

Dave Effinger

TREASURER

Charlene Benjamin

SECRETARY

Karen Zausch

FOSTER DIRECTOR   

Courtney Kenealy

RESCUE DIRECTOR

Holly Roge

        IT DIRECTOR       

Zac Christman
MEMBER-AT-LARGE
        
Amy Behrendt
        

LOOKING TO VOLUNTEER?

WAAGR is always looking for new people to add to our team. Whether it be bringing your dog to an event, fostering, or helping keep in touch with recently adopted dogs and their families, there is a place for you at WAAGR! Check out our volunteer page for more details!

LEGAL INFORMATION

268245-DS

DOG SELLER LICENSE #

501(c)(3)

ORGANIZATION TYPE

56-2480842

TAX EIN #

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