annual report - Retrieve a Golden of Minnesota
Transcription
annual report - Retrieve a Golden of Minnesota
ANNUAL REPORT 2013 3 THE HEART OF A VOLUNTEER IS NOT MEASURED IN SIZE, BUT BY THE DEPTH OF THE COMMITMENT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF OTHERS. — DEANN HOLLIS OUR MISSION To rescue and rehome unwanted, abused, neglected and displaced Golden Retrievers and Golden Retriever mixes, and locate permanent homes for them. We advocate responsible pet ownership and support animal abuse and neglect prevention programs, as well as spay/neuter initiatives. OUR PROMISE Through the support of dedicated volunteers, sponsors and donors, RAGOM will never lose sight of its mission. A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT Dear Friends of RAGOM, Our nearly 30-year journey of rescue and rehabilitation would not have been possible without the generous support of our volunteers, friends and business partners. This year was filled with dogs in need of transport, foster homes, veterinary care, and special assistance. In 2013, we helped 369 dogs find their forever families. It was the most rewarding measure of our success. On behalf of RAGOM, I offer my heartfelt thank you for your partnership and contributions. Together we have made many Goldens smile. Sincerely, Mary McGowan Cover: Jill (13-352) came to RAGOM from a retiring breeder pregnant with eleven puppes. Design: J. O’Brien Design Layout Design: Kristin Koppin ©2014 Retrieve a Golden of Minnesota, Inc. Follow us on social media and at ragom.org LEADERSHIP Board of Directors Mary McGowan, Chair of the Board Jane Nygaard, Founder/Board Member Karen Hayes, Recording Secretary Julie Klein, Treasurer Bob Cristofono, Board Member Cathi Hammond, Board Member Jan Stone, Board Member Leadership Team Denise Anderman, Intake Manager Kelly Burns, Finance Manager Trace Hoekstra, Adoption Manager Alison Holzerland, Events Manager Adam Hunsley, IT Manager Amy Lake, Development Manager Dayle Stubbs, Foster Manager 4 A NEW CHAPTER RETRIEVE A GOLDEN OF MINNESOTA HELPS PUPPY MILL DOGS START A NEW LIFE The Dog spent each day the same way; eating whatever was thrown out for her, sleeping in filthy conditions, drinking dirty water, confined without room to run, enduring exposure to the elements in all seasons, and having almost no human interaction. She quietly suffered ear infections, rotting teeth, untreated cherry eye, and malnutrition. The only break in her routine occurred when she came into season and was bred. Then she raised her puppies in these deplorable conditions. The puppies were sold and the cycle started over again. This was The Dog’s life for 10 years. It was no life for a beautiful Golden Retriever, but it was all she knew. She was not alone: there were more than 132 other dogs sharing her fate at a dog breeding facility in Pine River, MN. In July of 2013 The Dog’s life took a dramatic turn. The Dog was among 104 adult dogs and 29 puppies seized from the breeding facility by authorities and taken to the Animal Humane Society (AHS). Staff and volunteers worked for weeks to provide the medical care and socialization needed to help these dogs prepare to enter an intimidating new world. A few days after entering the care of AHS, The Dog (now known as Pink Band #3) gave birth to 6 puppies. Over time many of the rescue dogs gave birth, adding about 80 puppies to the mix of dogs, and bringing the total dogs rescued to more than 200. This time Pink Band #3 and her puppies had adequate medical care and shelter, but she still didn’t know her own fate, or the fate of her litter. When Animal Humane Society took in the dogs, RAGOM immediately offered to help with the Golden Retrievers among the rescued dogs. Initially AHS believed there would be a quick legal decision in the case, and anticipated keeping all of the dogs in their care until the courts decided the fate of Pink Band #3 and the rest of the Pine River dogs. By September, the legal battle was protracted and AHS was overwhelmed with the growing number of puppies. RAGOM was asked to provide foster care for some of the goldens under a confidential agreement that maintained AHS’s guardianship of the dogs. Finally, Pink Band #3 and some of her puppies got their own foster homes. They lived in a house with comfy beds, good care, and people who cherished them. The trauma of her breeding life left her too scared to reciprocate the affection, but Pink Band #3 knew she was safe, and that life had more promise than she had ever known. It was almost another month before the legal battle was settled and all of the dogs rescued from Pine River became the permanent wards of AHS. Some of the dogs in RAGOM’s care were returned to AHS to be put up for adoption, but RAGOM retained eight of the dogs that were the most traumatized for further medical care, socialization and adjustment, in order to help them become more confident family members and to improve their chances of being adopted into loving and supportive homes. RAGOM also paid the adoption fee for 5 puppies and 1 adult dog so they could stay with RAGOM and be helped on to life with their forever families. An additional dog with medical needs was also brought into the RAGOM family from AHS. On October 10th, 2013, 15 dogs, including Pink Band #3 and 4 of her puppies, were officially turned over to RAGOM, and Pink band #3, at 10 years old, finally got her new name – she became Annie. The Pine River dogs that came into RAGOM required extensive ongoing medical care and Annie (13-316) enjoys the freedom of her backyard at her foster home. social support. Annie moved to a permanent foster so she could have the benefit of a fenced yard to begin her exploration of the world and to continue her recovery. On October 30th Annie had spay surgery, and the book of her life as an unnamed breeding dog was permanently closed. She required two surgeries on her eye and oral surgery to begin to restore her health. She was too scared to eat, to leave her crate or to interact with her fosters. The journey was just beginning for Annie and her compatriots, but RAGOM was committed to making sure that for the rest of their lives these dogs would know only good things, and in time some of the trauma they experienced would be replaced with the joy of being a beloved family member. LEARNING TO LIVE Another five months have now passed and Annie is still in foster care. Her history still weighs heavily on her, but her foster Dad and foster siblings are trying hard to ease the burden. When she is sure no one is watching Annie will chew on a bone, eat a treat that has been placed on her paw, or roll in the snow. She will venture out on a walk in the neighborhood if surrounded by her foster family. She has attended a few Meet and Greet events and shared the company of some other puppy mill survivor friends there. She accepts human affection but does not seek it. She does not play with toys, and spends most of her time in her crate. Recently she reached a small milestone; she wagged her tail at the site of her foster Dad for the first time. It is a privilege for RAGOM to care for these precious dogs from Pine River. With diligence, affection, and encouragement these dogs have made tremendous strides. 14 of the original 15 (including 4 of Annie’s puppies) are now living with their forever families. Annie is the last in RAGOM foster care: her day will come, but until that time RAGOM will continue to support her, and will seek further opportunities to carry out our mission to rescue and re-home unwanted, abused, neglected and displaced Golden Retrievers and Golden Retriever mixes. We believe that no dog should have to wait until they are 10 years old to have a name. 6 2013 ACTIVITIES & RESULTS 75 Our annual Goldzilla fundraiser is the largest Golden Retriever event in the Midwest, attracting hundreds of people and their dogs. •Over 600 people and their dogs participated in the Walk for Rescue, raising over $70,000 • The event was sponsored by 10 businesses 121,000 441 In 2013, RAGOM held 7 fundraising events, raising a total of $ In 2013, RAGOM participated in 75 community events to promote pet adoption and to educate our communities about our mission: • 2 state Pet Expos (Minnesota and Iowa) • Community events and festivals • Minnesota State Fair 1 • #1 in total dogs rescued in 2013 • #2 in total purebred Goldens rescued in 2013 • #2 in dogs altered after being rescued dogs placed in foster homes approximate number of active volunteers 522 • #4 in total vet expenses Source: 2013 Golden Retriever Club of America National Rescue Committee Annual Survey In 2012 we introduced Stouts for Snouts, a craft beer tasting hosted by Summit Brewery. The fundraiser attracted more than 100 people and raised over $5,000 through ticket sales and a silent auction. 2 3 223 dogs spayed or neutered RAGOM rescues dogs across the Midwest –Minnesota, Iowa, North and South Dakota, Western Wisconsin as well as with a partnership established with Nebraska in 2013. • 70 Meet & Greets at pet-related retail locations, enabling personal meetings with prospective families. Among Golden Retriever rescue groups nationwide, RAGOM is ranked: • #3 in total number of volunteers RAGOM was awarded the 2013 Starfish Award presented by the Golden Retriever Club of America National Rescue Committee. This award is given on an annual basis to a rescue group that makes a difference. It was awarded to RAGOM in recognition of the work for the Pine River Rescue. 7 4 In 2013 RAGOM met all 27 of the Charities Review Council Accountability Standards. The Charities Review Council reviews nonprofit organizations’ performance in four critical areas: Public Disclosure, Governance, Financial Activity, and Fundraising. The review works to ensure an organization’s operations, structure and policies meet widely accepted standards for accountability and transparency. 210 veterinary partners 90,465 miles were traveled by RAGOM volunteers transporting dogs RAGOM continues to advocate for proper care of dogs, using social media and our website to provide information on key topics including support for legislation to regulate puppy mills. In 2013, we launched an online resource to answer questions adopters might have about the newest members of their families. 8 9 REVENUE FINANCIAL REPORT 2013 Revenue Total – $379,856 RETRIEVE A GOLDEN OF MINNESOTA 2013 INCOME STATEMENT Fundraising Events 13% Other 2% Investment Income 1% TOTAL EXPENSE Expenses Total – $344,719 Management & General 13% Fundraising 1% Program Revenue Contributions and Grants 52% (Adoptions and Applications) 32% RETRIEVE A GOLDEN OF MINNESOTA 2013 BALANCE SHEET 200000 Program 86% 200000 Year 2013 Year 2013 150000 100000 2013 Total Assets – $185,863 2013 Total Liabilities – $16,428 2013 Net Assets – $169,435 100000 50000 50000 Dog Related Supplies 3% Dog Rescue 4% Microchips 2% Other 2% 0 0 Events 1% 200000 Year 2012 2013 ASSETS & LIABILITIES 150000 PROGRAM EXPENSE Year 2012 Cash Savings Boarding 13% Veterinary 75% Cash Savings Misc Misc2012 TOTAL ASSETS ASSETS TOTAL ASSETS & LIABILITIES 2012 Total Assets – $140,622 2012 Total Liabilities – $6,324 2012 Net Assets – $134,298 150000 100000 50000 0 Total Assets Total Liabilities Net Assets • 166 transport volunteers drove a total of 90,465 miles in 2013. • RAGOM had 247 fosters in 2013, up from 175 in the prior year. • RAGOM Volunteers drive at their own expense thereby saving RAGOM over $50,660 in expenses. • On average RAGOM has dogs for 55 days - from intake to foster to permanent adoption. Photo by Mike Zerby 10 SUCCESS STORES Jewel and Ruby started their lives as two little curious pups in a breeding barn without the loving guidance of a human. They were rescued by RAGOM but arrived with the scars of boredom. They each had pieces of their muzzles missing, a result of unsupervised chewing on the sharp edges of their cage. The injuries were especially evident on Jewel with her nose pulled to one side due to taut skin which developed during the unattended healing process. Scarred and scared they were welcomed into their RAGOM volunteer foster family by both humans and confident dogs to make them feel more comfortable in their new warm and safe, inside as opposed to outside, environment. The implications of their injuries were both physical and social. Their teeth were constantly exposed which gave the appearance of growling. Other dogs didn’t want to approach them and they had difficulty making friends. But with all of their challenges, they remained adorable, curious little pups and within a short period of time they were wrestling, running, HOW YOU CAN HELP Ruby (12-416) and Jewel (12-415) getting into trouble and learning about all of those things they had missed in their confinement. Through a generous grant from the Golden Retriever Foundation’s April Fund as well as donations to RAGOM’s Golden Smile Project, the girls were each able to have plastic surgery to repair their muzzles and bring their appearance back to more typical little Golden faces. Today both Jewel and Ruby each have Golden lives with forever families and get to spend some time together with occasional playdates. HOSPICE CARE RAGOM accepts dogs in every stage of their life. Some foster volunteers take dogs into their homes knowing they will be the last family the dog will ever know. In 2013, there were five dogs cared for in hospice and others that due to their age spent their remaining days or months as members of a foster family. Rocket, a 10-year-old Golden Retriever mix, spent his life in an outdoor kennel until arriving at RAGOM. He was diagnosed with kidney failure and not expected to live longer than six months. Rocket’s foster Dad wrote “it will be a tough time ahead but Rocket will be loved every step of the way.” And he was. He had a yard, long walks, dog buddies, cat buddies and most importantly, a family. Rocket greeted Rocket (12-091) every dog and person he met with a wag and a smile. Every day was an adventure, every car ride meant having his head out the window. He was loved by his foster family and he loved them back. Rocket lived nearly eight months after his diagnosis. Thanks to the generosity of donors and the compassionate care of a RAGOM volunteer, Rocket’s last days were the best of his life. As a 501(c)(3), RAGOM relies heavily on donations to support our rescue efforts. There are a variety of ways you can help us to make certain every animal coming into RAGOM leaves healthy, happy and ready to begin a Golden life with their forever family. Donations • Visit Ragom.org to make a donation or sponsor one of our foster dogs. • Check with your Human Resource Department to see if your company has a matching funds program-you might be able to double your support to some deserving Goldens. • A gift in the form of appreciated securities is one of the most cost-effective ways to donate. You receive a tax deduction in the amount of their full value and incur no capital gains tax.* • Create a lasting legacy – include RAGOM in your will, or name us as a beneficiary of your retirement account or insurance policy.* Turn shopping online into a donation to RAGOM • When you do an internet search, you can raise money for RAGOM by using a search engine such as Goodsearch.com. You can also use Goodshop.com to shop at a wide variety of stores such as Amazon.com, Target or Nike to get a percentage of what you spend donated to RAGOM. Share your time and your talents • RAGOM has volunteer opportunities to fit every schedule. You could help with events, transport rescues or even be a foster. We always have a need for Golden-loving individuals. Your personal reward is guaranteed to be far more than you ever imagined and just might include the gentle touch of someone’s paw. Go to RAGOM.org to learn more about volunteer opportunities and to complete the online application. *Your tax or financial advisor can advise you on the best approach to giving relative to your unique situation. For more information on ways you can give, contact Amy Lake, Development Manager at amy.lake@ragom.org. “SAVING ONE DOG WILL NOT CHANGE THE WORLD, BUT SURELY FOR THAT ONE DOG, THE WORLD WILL CHANGE FOREVER.” — Karen Davison