Behind every rescued Golden Retriever is a network of volunteers who believe in second chances. photo by Brooke Bolinske
A dedicated team of volunteers and foster families are transforming the lives of Golden Retrievers and mixes across Colorado.
Tucked into the heart of Colorado, an all-volunteer organization has been quietly transforming the lives of not only dogs but the people too. Golden Retriever Freedom Rescue (GRFR), founded in 2001, has spent over two decades rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming golden retrievers and golden mixes who need a second chance. GRFR has helped rehome more than 5,500 dogs across Colorado and beyond. The massive number of rescues isn’t the only way they stand out, however. With no physical shelter, GRFR operates entirely through a compassionate network of foster families around Colorado who open their homes and hearts to dogs in need until they find their forever families.
“We believe that every dog deserves a chance to feel safe, loved, and cared for,” said an anonymous, longtime GRFR volunteer. “Thanks to our fosters, we’re able to give them that fresh start.” Beyond taking in local surrenders, GRFR also works with shelters across the region to save dogs from overcrowded facilities, high kill shelters, and even rescue efforts in areas affected by natural disasters. Many of these dogs arrive with medical needs, behavioral challenges, or histories of neglect, and the rescue ensures they receive proper veterinary care, training, and emotional support to help them thrive.
GRFR’s success would not be possible without the selfless effort of volunteers. A large amount of the dogs are transported by one volunteer, Kevin Wright, who lives in Kansas City. He receives dog transfers from several states in the midwest area.Wright’s dedicated work involves bringing all the dogs rescued from the area and taking the six hour drive to the middle point between Kansas City and Denver. There, he meets a group of volunteers who take the dogs out for a quick restroom break. The dogs are then put on a new bus and transported by a Denver volunteer to bring them back to foster homes in Denver. Once they are dropped off, Wright takes the drive back home to rest before the next transport.
Closer to home, Brooke Bolinske—a Colorado volunteer, social worker, part-time paraprofessional, and mother—is a dedicated volunteer who spends countless hours organizing foster homes, checking on adopters, and helping with fundraising. Whether it’s coordinating medical care for a dog who just arrived from a shelter or answering late night calls for the rescue, she does it because she’s seen firsthand the difference GRFR makes. Bolinske is just one of the many selfless volunteers who spends days of her own time to ensure rescue dogs safety, and a smooth adoption process in a complicated field.
Success stories flood from GRFR’s social media pages on Instagram and Facebook (@grfreedomrescue on both platforms) from senior dogs finding retirement homes to puppies born in foster care after their mothers were rescued. Last year alone, they helped place over 300 dogs into loving homes thanks to community support and tireless volunteer efforts.
The need for help keeps growing with rising veterinary care costs. Rescues like GRFR rely heavily on donations, volunteer fosters, and adopters ready to provide a second chance. For those looking to get involved, GRFR is always seeking new foster families, event volunteers, and donations to support their mission. Interested adopters can browse available dogs and fill out applications directly on their website at www.goldenretrieverfreedom.com/. With every adoption, every foster placement, and every mile driven by dedicated volunteers, Golden Retriever Freedom Rescue is proving that love, commitment, and community can change lives, one golden heart at a time.
