Lauren and her Great Dane Harley are traveling from New Jersey to California to raise awareness for the special needs and life changing experiences of sharing the love of Great Danes! Their trip just started March 1st and she will be driving right though the states we cover! UMGDR is partnering with her to setup events in Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN sometime between April 16-19. She will also be in Milwaukee WI, Fargo ND, and Sioux Falls, SD! We need every volunteer, adopter, and supporter to help Lauren and Harley reach their $100,000.00 goal. Please keep watching for more updates on the event details and come out and meet and support Lauren and Harley! Not coming to your area? Then make an online donation today at http://drivingfordanes.wordpress.com/donate/

Follow Lauren and Harley on their adventures: http://www.drivingfordanes.com/

A Poem for Rescuers
There I sat, alone and afraid.
You got a call and came right to my aid.
You bundled me up with blankets and love.
And, when I needed it most, you gave me a hug.
I learned that the world was not all that scary and cold.
That sometimes there is someone to have and to hold.
You taught me what love is, you helped me to mend.
You loved me and healed me and became my first friend.
And just when I thought you’d done all you do,
There came along not one new lesson, but two.
First you said, “Sweetheart, you’re ready to go.
I’ve done all I can, and you’ve learned all I know.”
Then you bundled me up with a blanket and kiss.
Along came a new family, they even have kids!
They took me to their home, forever to stay.
At first I thought you sent me away.
Then that second lesson became perfectly clear.
No matter how far, you will always be near.
And so, Foster Mom, you know I’ve moved on.
I have a new home, with toys and a lawn.
But I’ll never forget what I learned that first day.
You never really give your fosters away.
You gave me these thoughts to remember you by.
We may never meet again, and now I know why.
You’ll remember I lived with you for a time.
I may not be yours, but you’ll always be mine.
- Author Unknown

Fostering an animal is one of the most rewarding roles in an animal rescue. With out foster homes UMGDR would not be able to continue to achieve our mission. Please consider opening your hearts and homes to a Great Dane in need as a foster home. Inquire with questions and concerns at contact@thegreatrescue.com or 763-210-1978. Or if you know you would like to foster apply by clicking on the link to your left that says “How can I Volunteer?“.

Here is our photo slide show from the Volunteer Appreciation Dinner from Saturday Janury 30, 2010. On a daily basis we are growing, expanding, and becoming a successful organization that provides a service to Great Danes across five states. We are a great team, working together, to accomplish a big mission. Thank you for being a part of an amazing beginning! Hope to all of you and so many more next year at the Volunteer Appreciation.

Note:The video should appear below. It may take a few minutes to appear, as it needs to download. If you are having troubles with the video below, you can try viewing it on you tube using the link provided.

Direct Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gwhr9z4eiak