Co-Director of Foster Operations

I’m Jeff Grabowski, a lifelong Michigan resident raised in the company of Golden Retrievers, thanks to my parents and uncle who always had one in their homes. Once my career stabilized, my wife Vickie and I began raising Goldens ourselves, starting with one and eventually welcoming three into our family. My journey with Golden Retriever Rescue of Michigan (GRRoM) started in 2023 when we fostered Cali, a 9-month-old female and my first GRRoM rescue. That experience ignited a passion, leading Vickie and me to get involved in fundraisers, transports, and GRRoM’s public events.

As we connected with more people in the organization, I wanted to contribute more and joined the foster placement team as its third member, eventually stepping into the role of Co-Director of Foster Operations. I’m constantly amazed by the dedication and behind-the-scenes work that keeps GRRoM running. My biggest tip for fostering? Patience is key. Each dog is unique, and past methods might not work. When Cali joined us, she slept in three different rooms over her first three nights. By listening to her needs and adapting, I helped her feel at home, and she soon settled into our routine. With love and time, every foster can thrive and offer unconditional love in return.

Rescue Tip: When you welcome a foster dog, be patient and open to new approaches. Take time to learn what makes them comfortable, like I did with Cali, and they’ll reward you with boundless affection.