2016

ANNUAL REPORT

For many families looking to adopt a RAGOM dog, their preference is a healthy young purebred without behavioral challenges. Not everyone has the resources or time to commit to a dog with special needs.

But the number of these easy-to-adopt dogs that enter RAGOM’s care is shrinking every year, while the number who arrive with significant medical or behavioral challenges is quickly rising. This leaves RAGOM with fiscal and operational challenges: not enough of the types of dogs that many potential adopters want, and skyrocketing veterinary and behavior bills to care for the dogs that need us.

Many of the dogs we served in 2016 had significant medical issues, including difficult and expensive-to-treat infections, orthopedic needs, heartworm, and more. Compounding the challenge, our vet partners are also experiencing great swings in the price of medications.

We’ve also seen a significant increase in dogs with behavioral needs that must be addressed with the assistance of behavioral specialists, including severe anxiety and aggression, reactivity, lack of socialization, resource guarding, or a fear of strangers.

These factors have contributed to a significant increase in our cost per dog. RAGOM accepts dogs into our care knowing their care will be expensive, and often lengthy. These dogs need us, and

we are determined to navigate this changing state of rescue

because all dogs need permanent homes.

Marti (16-270)

FACING NEW CHALLENGES

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A MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD CHAIRWhether you’ve adopted a dog, given financially, or volunteered your time, your support has made a difference. While 2016 was a success when you look at the metrics in this annual report, the real impact of our work lies in the stories of each dog we helped.

In May, you helped us take in 11 severely malnourished dogs from a hoarding situation. In August, you were instrumental in rescuing 37 dogs and puppies from a mill auction. And in the spring and fall, we were able to transport a total of 36 stray dogs from Istanbul, Turkey, who were living on the streets and in the shelters and forests.

Our work is changing as more of the dogs that come to us are in need of extensive medical care or behavioral rehabilitation. This care is costly and challenging. In 2016, we focused on building programs and resources to help fosters and adopters with behavior issues.

All of this is possible because of you. On behalf of the Board of Directors, our gratitude and thanks for your partnership in fulfilling our mission. Together we continue to change the lives of so many wonderful dogs.

With gratitude, Mark Crellin

LEADERSHIPBoard of DirectorsLaura Buck, Board MemberMark Crellin, Chair of the BoardKate Heezen, SecretaryMartha Jones, Board MemberPatty Larson, Board MemberJane Nygaard, Founder/Board MemberSheila Rawski, Board MemberTeresa Varney, Board Member

Leadership TeamTracy Berg, Adoption ManagerKelly Burns, Finance ManagerTracy Costello Scholz, Volunteer ManagerSuzie Downs, Foster Relations ManagerBen Harris, IT Manager Kathryn Henriksen, Intake Manager Amy Lake, Development Manager Patty Larson, Director of OperationsKathleen Nugent, Behavior Services Co-ManagerCarolyn Otto, Events Manager Mary Riebe, Marketing ManagerJan Stone, Administrative Manager Dayle Stubbs, Veterinary Services Manager Sheila White, Behavior Services Co-Manager

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In August, RAGOM learned that a commercial breeder was selling his dogs at auction after being charged with 134 counts of animal cruelty. An estimated 50 Goldens and Goldendoodles were among the dogs being auctioned. Each would likely be sold to another commercial breeder, where they would continue to produce and live their lives in cages.

The entire RAGOM community sprang into action. Donations poured in, and with just two days to prepare, a team of volunteers was organized. By Friday afternoon, they were on the road to Missouri, ready to bid at the auction the next day.

Meanwhile, the Intake team worked frantically to secure foster homes for an unknown number of dogs.

Volunteer Denise A. led the team in Missouri. She’d been to other dog auctions for rescue missions, but this one was the most intense she’d ever experienced. More than 500 dogs were up for auction, and the noise, the smells, and the number of bidders were overwhelming. Anxiety was high as the bidding intensified, and the team knew they would not be able to rescue them all.

“To walk between the rows of makeshift kennel runs and know there was no way we could rescue all the dogs was heartbreaking. I concentrated on the dogs that spoke to me with their eyes… those whose eye contact seemed to ask me to help them, or those who were so terrified they could not trust. I recorded their tag numbers and made a promise to them that we would get them out. And we did.”

At the end of the day, the RAGOM team had successfully bid on 37 dogs and puppies.

On Saturday night, the caravan rolled into Minnetonka with nearly thirty wonderful dogs (two moms and their pups would come later when the pups were old enough to travel). Another team of volunteers was ready and waiting. Baths were given and paperwork completed. Foster families excitedly met the dogs they’d be welcoming into their homes.

Over the next few weeks our volunteer teams were incredibly busy. Placement

advisors and adoption volunteers sifted through applications and worked with potential adopters. Home visits took place. Volunteers sorted through confusing and inaccurate microchip records and made sure each dog was correctly identified and microchips properly registered. Transport volunteers pitched in to take dogs to and from vet appointments when the foster families weren’t able to do so. The administrative and finance teams logged and filed information to ensure records were properly recorded. Additional volunteers jumped in to help bathe, clean up after, and socialize the puppies.

The work continued as one by one, the dogs found their forever homes. In total, nearly 400 volunteers and donors made this effort possible, a truly amazing effort.

A NEW LIFE FOR BOONEBoone 16-175 was one of the dogs rescued from the commercial auction. After living in a commercial breeding facility for three years, he was underweight and suffering from worms and ear infections. He startled easily from sudden movements or loud noises.

Boone’s foster family had lots of experience with shy and fearful dogs, and included resident dogs to help mentor him.

With their support, Boone learned how to go for walks and ride in cars. He chewed his first bones (and decided he really enjoyed them). And thanks to the example set by the other dogs in the house, Boone quickly mastered housetraining. With the kindness and patience of his foster family, Boone’s confidence grew.

Boone -- now Toby -- was adopted by a kind and patient family. While he still has some fears, Toby is gaining confidence. He soaks up praise and loves nothing more than the affection of his family, the first he has ever had. He is discovering the fun of chasing toys, running through his fenced back yard, and taking daily walks with his family. He expresses his goofy joy more and more.

Toby’s family writes, “The smile on his face makes us think of the RAGOM volunteers who traveled to Missouri to rescue as many dogs as they could, and bring them back to Minnesota to begin their new lives. We are so grateful for their efforts to give Boone and others a second chance.“

RAGOM PROVIDES A SAFE HAVEN FOR 37 DOGS

“ I concentrated on the dogs that spoke to me with their eyes… those whose eye contact seemed to ask me to help them, or those who were so terrified they could not trust.”

Two dogs at the auction await their fate

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270 dogs entered our care

455 volunteers make our work possible

259 dogs found new loving families

miles to transport

309dogs

Volunteers drove

71,277

36homeless dogs

transported from Turkey

Veterinary Partners in 5-state area that provide

discounted service

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Buddy Many Feathers (Yummy 16-134)

Gus (16-152)

Bruno (16-165)

“ THE DEVOTION OF FELLOW VOLUNTEERS NEVER CEASES TO AMAZE AND INSPIRE ME. RAGOM VOLUNTEERS COME FROM MANY WALKS OF LIFE AND CONTRIBUTE IN DIFFERENT CAPACITIES. BUT OUR PASSION FOR HELPING DOGS BINDS US TOGETHER.” — Sharon Sens, User Experience volunteer since 2011

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3dogs treated for heartworm

dogs had significant behavior issues- 6 had full evaluation and treatment

plan from behavioral veterinarian

2dogs received Bailey Chairs and treated for

Megaesophagus

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81

6

dogs spayed

dogs neutered

hospice dogs received gentle care, ensuring their

last days were golden

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30

dogs treated for multiple tick-borne diseases

additional surgeries provided for entropian, mammary

tumors in breeder dogs, dental extractions, broken bones,

persistent draining wounds, ear canal removals, and more

Kraelyn (08-062)

2016 INCOME STATETMENT

2016 BALANCE SHEET

2016 Total Assets -- $388,2362016 Total Liabilities -- $14,2692016 Net Assets -- $373,967

2016 ASSETS & LIABILITIES

2015 Total Assets – $296,4152015 Total Liabilities – $19,6922015 Net Assets – $276,723

2015 ASSETS & LIABILITIES

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TOTAL EXPENSE $432,915

PROGRAM EXPENSE$344,197

Veterinary60%

Dog Supplies2%

Commercial Breeding Rescue

12%

International Rescue16%

Boarding4%

Office, IT and Other

6%

REVENUE$523,650

Fundraising12%

Program80%

Management & General8%

Retrieve a Golden of Minnesota 2016 Balance Sheet

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FINANCIAL REPORT 2016

RETRIEVE A GOLDEN OF MINNESOTA

Finley (08-565)

Investment Income and Misc

1%Merchandise Sales

4%

Contributions64%

Program Revenue (Adoptions and Applications)

18%

Fundraising Events7%

Grants6%

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The Golden Legacy Circle is a special group of supporters who have included RAGOM in their estate plans — through their will, insurance policy or retirement plan, or other planned gift.

For over three decades, dogs in need have counted on RAGOM for help. The support of Golden Legacy members ensures that each dog will be welcomed and taken care of, well into the future.

That’s quite a legacy. We hope you’ll join us.

For more information about including RAGOM in your estate plans or becoming a Golden Legacy Circle member, visit our website at: http://ragom.org/donations/estateplanning.html or contact Amy Lake at amy.lake@ragom.org or 952-946-8070.

Anonymous (3)Lou AmbroseLisa Anne BishopKelly BurnsSusan GiloyRichard Grigos and Lauren SegalMichele and son Andrew Hamilton

Ruth A. HinnenkampMary HortonKristi HustedMartha Jones SichkoRegina and Brandon KeithLinda and Chuck LeeTom and Diane LentzDan and Pamela McGowan

Forrest MeyeraanJane NygaardKrista and Gregg OkermanTodd and Sharon SensJake and Cathy* WagenaarJoe and Janice Zumbrunnen

GOLDEN LEGACY CIRCLE

MEMBERS

BUILDING A GOLDEN LEGACY

Emerson (16-207)Mosley (16-208)Kennedy (16-209)

FOSTERFostering is one of the most important and rewarding things a dog lover can do. Foster volunteers provide care and companionship until a permanent family is found. RAGOM covers all veterinary costs. Fosters choose the dog they’d like to foster, and help select the family who adopts their dog.

VOLUNTEERRAGOM would not survive without the generosity and boundless energy of our volunteers. Opportunities include transporting dogs, marketing, follow-up calls to adopters, participating in rescue missions, and more. Many volunteer projects and activities can be done remotely from your home. You’ll meet kind-hearted people and have the opportunity to attend dog-friendly events.

DONATERAGOM relies heavily on donations to support our rescue efforts. Giving opportunities include: • Make a contribution, or sponsor a dog in our care • Sign up for automatic monthly donations • Create a lasting legacy – include RAGOM in your estate plans • Become a corporate sponsor For more information about donating to RAGOM, visit http://ragom.org/donations/donations.html

FUNDRAISEJoin us for Goldzilla, our biggest fundraiser of the year. This year’s event will be September 10, 2017. Our online program makes it easy to raise pledges that support the dogs in our care – and earn great prizes, too!

FOLLOW USVisit our website to sign up for our email communications, and follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Be sure to encourage your friends to join us!

ADOPTThis year, nearly 300 dogs will come to RAGOM in need of a second chance.

Visit www.ragom.org for more information on how you can help.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Copper (15-200)

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Cover: Skye was one of 37 dogs and puppies rescued by RAGOM from a commercial breeding auction after her owner was charged with 134 counts of animal cruelty.

Above: Two goldens make their way to RAGOM after being rescued from an auction.

Design by Kristin Koppin

Follow us on social media and at ragom.org

©2017 Retrieve a Golden of Minnesota, Inc.

OUR MISSIONTo 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.