GRRAND Louisville Saves & Rehomes Dogs in Need
For more than 25 years, GRRAND Louisville — Golden Retriever Rescue and Adoption of Needy Dogs—has been rewriting the stories of abandoned, neglected and unwanted dogs. What began as a grassroots effort by three animal lovers has grown into one of the area’s most respected and impactful rescue organizations. At the helm is Nina Scott, president of GRRAND Louisville, who carries forward the vision of the original co-founders while helping the nonprofit adapt to new challenges and opportunities.
Three dedicated individuals, including Jane Sonntag, founded GRRAND, and she continues to serve on the board today. In the early days, the group handled everything themselves.
“It started as a very small group of people with a love for goldens,” Scott says. “They did everything, including rescuing, fostering and rehoming. From there, it just grew.”
For years, golden retrievers were the primary focus. But as the need shifted, GRRAND expanded its mission.
“Before COVID, we began to notice a lower demand for golden rescues,” Scott says. “So we branched out to include Labrador retrievers, Great Pyrenees and mixes. These breeds share similar temperaments to goldens, so it felt like a natural fit for the families who came to us looking to adopt.”
While the joy of seeing dogs find loving homes keeps volunteers motivated, rescue work is not without challenges.
“Expanding our foster base is one of our biggest challenges,” Scott adds.
GRRAND operates a kennel facility, but many dogs — especially those with medical needs or socialization challenges — thrive better in foster homes.
“We really rely on fosters to give dogs the individualized care they need before they’re ready for adoption,” Scott says.
Becoming a foster is a structured yet rewarding process. Interested families complete an application on GRRAND’s website and work with the foster coordinator to ensure a good fit.
“We want to set both the foster and the dog up for success,” Scott says.
That means understanding a foster’s lifestyle, other pets, home environment and even fencing, since some dogs require an above-ground fence for safety.
Beyond fostering, volunteers are the backbone of the organization. GRRAND has no paid staff. Dedicated individuals power everything by giving their time and talents. Some volunteers handle hands-on tasks, such as walking dogs, overseeing veterinary care or assisting at the kennel. Others contribute remotely by processing applications, calling vet references or assisting with administrative needs.
“We can always find a role for someone who wants to help,” Scott says.
The pandemic profoundly reshaped the world of animal rescue. Initially, adoptions soared as families sought companionship during the shutdown. But as restrictions lifted, GRRAND observed a troubling trend: many families surrendered their “pandemic puppies” when they returned to work or realized they were unprepared for long-term care. This surge in surrenders, coupled with the pause in spay and neuter surgeries and the rise of backyard breeders, has significantly increased the number of unwanted dogs, placing an overwhelming demand on rescue groups like GRRAND.
Compounding the issue, veterinary offices paused spay and neuter surgeries for months, which increased unplanned litters in rural areas. Meanwhile, an influx of inexperienced backyard breeders entered the market, breeding dogs as a side hustle during uncertain economic times.
“Now we’re seeing the aftermath,” Scott says. “There are more unwanted dogs than ever, and the demand on rescue groups is overwhelming.”
Despite the challenges, GRRAND remains focused on growth.
“One of our goals is to raise funds to bring on a full-time trainer,” Scott says.
While some dogs arrive adoption-ready, others require additional support with leash skills or obedience before they can succeed in a permanent home.
“Having consistent training available would be a game-changer for us,” she says.
Another long-term dream is expanding the facility.
“We have a great kennel now, but it’s just not large enough,” Scott says.
Currently, GRRAND boards overflow dogs at two or three additional locations. A larger, centralized facility would allow the nonprofit to streamline operations and care for more dogs under one roof.
GRRAND’s compassion has also extended beyond the U.S. In the past, the group partnered in international rescue efforts, bringing dogs from Turkey, Korea and China.
“We’d work with an organizing group that handled transport and paperwork, and we would commit to taking several dogs at a time,” Scott says.
While international rescues have slowed in recent years, they remain part of GRRAND’s legacy of stepping up wherever dogs are in need.
One of the most anticipated events on GRRAND’s calendar is its annual fundraiser, The GRRAND Affair. This year’s event is Nov. 21 at the Mellwood Art Center. The casual, dog-friendly evening has become a tradition for animal lovers and adopters alike in Louisville.
A hallmark of the event is the parade of GRRAND alumni — dogs who were rescued and adopted in previous years — donning vests with pockets for donations. Guests’ hearts are warmed as the dogs make their way through the crowd, collecting contributions with wagging tails.
“It’s such a fun and heartwarming part of the evening,” Scott says.
The night also features silent and live auctions, raffles, a cash bar, music and booths from local vendors. On average, more than 350 guests attend, making it GRRAND’s largest fundraiser of the year. The funds raised directly support the rescue’s operating expenses, from veterinary care to food and supplies, ensuring GRRAND can continue its mission of rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming dogs in need.
“This event sustains us for the year ahead,” Scott says.
For those unable to foster or attend events, there are still countless ways to support GRRAND. Donations are always crucial, especially with rising veterinary costs. GRRAND also welcomes volunteers in roles both big and small. Even spreading the word about adoptable dogs on social media can make a difference.
“Our strength is in our volunteers,” Scott says. “We’re proof that a group of passionate people can make a huge impact without a single paid staff member.”
As GRRAND looks toward the future, its mission remains clear: to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome dogs in need while giving families the joy of unconditional love. For Scott, it’s about more than just saving dogs. It’s about building connections and communities around shared compassion.
“Every adoption is a new beginning,” she says. “We see scared, broken dogs transform into beloved family members. That’s why we do this.”
This November, as supporters gather at The GRRAND Affair, they’ll not only celebrate the dogs who have already found homes but also help pave the way for the countless others still waiting.
With each wagging tail and open heart, GRRAND Louisville continues its legacy of hope, one rescue at a time.
For more information, visit grrand.org.
