DVGRR Staff

Who makes all of the magic happen at DVGRR? Our staff is a team of individuals that are dedicated to bettering the lives of the Goldens that pass through Golden Gateway. Click on a name to learn more about a staff member.

Dennis Stauffer

I was hired by DVGRR as Kennel Manager in July 2006 after previously working at a large printing company for eighteen years. At the printing company, I held several different positions:  Customer Service Representative, Sales Support, and finally Customer Service Manager. Along the way, however, I kept thinking that this is not the path I wanted to take with my life. I wanted to do something with animals - particularly dogs.

In order to pursue that goal, I joined what was then known as the American Boarding Kennel Association or ABKA (now known as the Pet Care Services Association, or PCSA). I spent my vacations traveling to different locations to take courses in kennel management and operations. My intent was to buy my own boarding kennel or become a manager of a boarding kennel. Rescue never entered my mind.

I earned my credentials on paper but still had absolutely no hands-on experience. I noticed an ad for DVGRR and applied for a part-time caretaker job in the hopes that I could work a few evenings a week to continue my learning and get some hands-on experience to put on a resume. Then DVGRR called to inform me that the existing Kennel Manager wanted to retire in a few months and they were interested in bringing me on as manager in training; when the existing Manager left, I would step into the role. It all worked out perfectly.

I will be the first to say that I was still totally unprepared for the job! Running a rescue kennel is absolutely nothing like running a boarding kennel. We're not just housing dogs for a week or a weekend, or keeping good relations with the owners so they keep coming back. We're dealing with every health and behavioral problem imaginable and jumping from one task to another day in and day out. It is hard work, but after three years I can't imagine doing anything else.

My family includes my wife Heidi, daughter Sophie, three dogs and one cat. Our Goldens, Bently and Miley, are both adopted from DVGRR and our Boxer, Schnitzel, was adopted from a Boxer rescue.

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Robin Adams

My life with Goldens began when my husband, Jim, and I purchased a Golden from what we thought was a reputable breeder. Unfortunately, however, Emerson came with many behavioral challenges. While I had cared for dogs as a child, I wasn’t prepared for the issues we were facing. Thankfully, my veterinarian suggested a behaviorist at the University of Pennsylvania, and with his guidance and consistent language, we started making good progress.

Thinking that another Golden in our house might help Emerson, I answered an ad in the local newspaper for “free to a good home.”  I brought the Golden home but Emerson was highly reactive toward him, so I tearfully realized I could not keep the stately old gentleman. Feeling guilty, I asked all my coworkers if they knew anyone who might want to adopt a Golden Retriever. Someone did, and Apollo went on to live a wonderful senior life. I always tease this adopter that she must have written my name on every bathroom wall in the area, because soon after I became the “go to” person for anyone with a Golden to place or wanting to adopt one. That was in 1984. In 1993, I realized it was time to incorporate and obtain non-profit certification from the IRS, so our small group made the big step.

Since then, my life has revolved around rescue and I have watched with awe and pride as DVGRR grew from a grassroots “one-woman” operation into a nationally re nowned Golden Retriever rescue organization helping close to 300 dogs per year. From the very beginning, my dream had been to buy or build a freestanding kennel facility so that we could respond to dogs in need as quickly as possible and achieve the greatest level of quality care by centralizing operations. In 2000, my dream became a reality with the purchase of Golden Gateway, made possible by the generosity of everyone who contributed to our capital campaign (both financially and with the proverbial “blood, sweat, and tears”).

At home, the Goldens in my life today are Sterling, BobbyDarren, and Woody (01-051). In 1990, I obtained a show quality Golden named Spencer. As I attended dog shows, I kept seeing one particular handler, a girl with hair as red as the Goldens she was showing, having a grand time in the show ring. This was Patty McCoy Coleman, Animal Control Officer for Clarks County, NY and a group winner at Westminster.  I decided that I wanted Patty to handle Spencer. Little did I realize that we would not only become best friends, we would also start a small breeding program together. My Spencer and Patty’s Betsy produced several wonderful litters that made many families happy. To this day, Sterling and BobbyD are still from our bloodline and their “looks” and temperament are exactly like their great-grandparents – Spencer and Betsy.

These days I no longer have the opportunity to play or work with the dogs on a frequent basis as the majority of my time is spent overseeing the administrative operations of DVGRR. However, I get to hear from staff about the daily challenges and successes, and I love knowing that our combined efforts enable the Goldens in our program to heal, obtain that all-important “new beginning” and go on to become cherished members of their adopted families.

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Donna Baker

I acquired my first dog in 1975, a generic-looking Shepherd mix with a pretty neurotic temperament. Despite making every mistake in the book with him, I was soon hooked on all things “dog” and crazy about canine companionship! I was in graduate school at the time, earning my Master’s degree in Social Work, and went on to spend twenty years working for county government in the field of aging services. In 1997, I made a career change to become a book editor for a small publishing company.

Along the way, I became a volunteer with the Chester County SPCA, helping with fundraising and editing the group’s newsletter. When my poorly bred, poorly socialized little mix passed away in 1985, I researched breeds, fell in love with Golden Retrievers, and purchased a wonderful Golden puppy named Eliza who lived for fourteen amazing years. In 1994, when Eliza was eight, I heard about DVGRR and filled out an application to become a foster home. From that point forward, my life became heavily focused on rescue…I always say it “gets in your blood” and there is no turning back.

As a volunteer with DVGRR, I fostered over twenty Goldens, subsequently became the Foster Home Team Leader and also began helping on the Adoption Team. Robin had been after me for years to take over editing the newsletter but after five years of doing the SPCA’s newsletter, I wasn’t ready to assume that role again. One day she asked me yet again, and to the surprise of both of us, I simply said “OK.”

My twenty years of employment with county government allowed me to take an early pension in 2007, and I left the publishing company to pursue my passion with dogs. As luck would have it, DVGRR decided at the same time to hire an Adoption Manager, and I was able to turn my thirteen years of volunteer work into a full time profession. Today, I manage and oversee all of the adoption functions, continue to edit our newsletter as well as many other DVGRR publications and documents, and assist with our Basic Manners and Obedience classes.

I have learned more than I could ever imagine from my experience with DVGRR, and I continue to learn every day – from my dedicated co-workers and volunteers, from our fantastic adopters, and, most of all, from the incredible Goldens who pass through our program. My greatest joy comes from finding a home for a hard-to-place dog…one that has been with us for a long time, just waiting for that very special, very compassionate family or individual to realize that they and the dog are meant to be together.

I’ve adopted four wonderful Goldens myself over the years, all middle-aged or senior dogs. Today, I share my life with 12-year-old Morgan (01-063), who has graced my life since June 2007. He too, has taught me so much!

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Inza Adams

I joined the staff of DVGRR in 2008 after working part-time in the accounting department of a printing company for six years. Prior to having kids, I spent thirteen years as a flight attendant for US Airways.

At DVGRR, I started out assisting with bookkeeping functions but was soon given added responsibilities! Presently, I am in charge of running all of our retail operations, which includes our on-site store (Pap’s Place) and our web store. I order all merchandise to be stocked, keep the store looking neat and attractive, work the register at many DVGRR events, develop specials and sales, and fill and ship online orders. I also helped to create our most recent holiday catalog, published in November 2009.

My assorted responsibilities are all very rewarding, but my greatest sense of satisfaction comes from seeing the happy faces of both the dogs and adopters when one of our Goldens leaves to go home. I love interacting with all the dogs and while my family does not have any pets presently, we are looking forward to the day when a DVGRR Golden comes to live at OUR home!

My family includes my husband, Bill, and my children Kurt (age 9) and Paige (age 7). When I’m not working at DVGRR, I love to bake and take vacations at the beach!

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Heather McDonald

Before coming to work for DVGRR in August 2006, I was very involved in the music world. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Music from Lebanon Valley College, worked in a music store, played in several rock bands, and was a live sound engineer.

At DVGRR, I work directly with the dogs in the kennel and also live on the premises. I am responsible for ensuring that any dogs who need assistance overnight will receive it; this usually happens during thunderstorms if there are thunder reactive dogs in the kennel.

I truly enjoy seeing and helping the dogs in our program improve while they are with us. I love seeing shy dogs becoming more playful, the fearful dogs learning to trust, the anxious dogs getting more relaxed, the jumpy dogs redirecting their energy more appropriately, etc.

I have a special interest in puppy mill breeder dogs and am proud of my role in helping to develop and manage our Project Home Life program, a transitional step between kennel life and life in an adoptive home.  This program gives me the opportunity to help our volunteers and adopters learn how to live with and provide the necessary support and guidance to puppy mill breeder dogs. Through a blog that I maintain on the breeder dogs, I am also able to help educate the public about the special needs and challenges of these amazingly resilient dogs.

My responsibilities at DVGRR also include helping to bathe and groom all of the the week before our Meet and Greet the Goldens Day! 

I share my home with three wonderfully energetic Goldens that were originally from DVGRR: Satchel, Jilly, and Sami. Together, we love playing and listening to music, hiking and spending time outdoors.

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Cindy Morgan

I have been a member of the kennel staff at DVGRR since March 2007, and love working with all of the dogs in our program. Prior to coming on staff at the rescue, I was a stay-at-home mom caring for my four children: Zack, Brady, Cody, and Molly. My youngest, Molly, is actively involved in gymnastics and I am also presently working part-time as a gymnastics coach.

I have always had pets and loved the experience; in fact, my original goal in life was to become a veterinarian. My family’s current pets comprise a large medley of species and breeds. We have three Goldens (including one hospice dog), one Jug, one Boston Terrier, two cats, three rabbits, two rats, and one bearded dragon!

My experience working at DVGRR has been wonderful and I am truly grateful for the opportunity. I love being involved with all of the dogs, but have a particular fondness for those that come in so frightened and anxious that they won’t even make eye contact with humans. To see them slowly, but surely, develop a trust and comfort level, and to achieve small steps like taking treats from a person’s hand is incredibly rewarding and satisfying.

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Zack Morgan

I have been working part-time at DVGRR for the past two years, while also attending Millersville University where I am majoring in Marine Biology. I work with the Goldens in our program awaiting adoption, helping to feed, exercise, play with and socialize them. I have also assisted with ongoing maintenance and improvement of our facility. One summer I helped paint all the interior rooms of the building to freshen them up.

My greatest satisfaction has been working with the dogs who arrive very frightened and nervous. Sure, they may be harder to handle at first and will take longer to settle in than the average dog, but it is so gratifying to see them make progress, really “come out of their shell” and turn into great dogs.

I live at home with my family, which includes two younger brothers, a younger sister, five dogs and two cats. Two of our dogs, Winston and Maggie, are adopted from DVGRR and we are also providing hospice care for Lady, a DVGRR Golden with cancer.

My  mom, Cindy, also works at the rescue. Our house always has a lot going on and can be very loud and crazy! When I am not in school or working at Golden Gateway, I enjoy hiking and snowboarding.

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