01/01/2026
A Message from the Director of Great Lakes Weimaraner Rescue
As we close out 2025, I want to take a moment to speak directly to every adopter, foster, volunteer, veterinarian, animal control officer, Humane Society partner, transporter, surrendering owner, and donor who makes up the GLWR community. This year has tested all of us—both personally and as an organization—and yet, through every challenge, you continued to show up for the dogs who needed you most.
2025 brought unprecedented levels of animal abandonment and a dramatic rise in dogs requiring extensive medical care. Many families simply could not afford veterinary treatment, and the ripple effect touched every rescue and shelter across the country. We saw more unvaccinated, intact and heartworm‑positive dogs this year than in the previous ten years combined, stretching our financial and foster resources to the limit. We also encountered more homeless dogs as human homelessness increased, creating heartbreaking situations for both people and pets.
Despite these challenges, you stood with us. Our “Fill the Tummies” campaign came down to the wire, but you came through. Because of your generosity, we reached our $20,000 goal—ensuring that every dog who enters our care in 2026 will have the food and basic resources they need.
This year also marked GLWR’s 20th anniversary. In two decades, we have successfully rehomed more than 4,800 Weimaraners into loving homes. That number represents thousands of second chances—and none of it would have been possible without this extraordinary community.
We also faced heartbreak. Eight puppies arrived to us with parvo, and despite every effort, only one survived. Losses like these take a deep emotional and physical toll on our volunteers. Our goal is always to save them all, and when we can’t, it can feel like the weight of the world is on our shoulders. But even in those moments, the work still matters. Every minute we spend improving a dog’s life matters. Every person who contributes—whether through time, money, transport, medical care, or simply spreading the word—matters.
And that is why we move forward.
As we step into 2026, let’s continue to make this work count. Let’s continue to stand together for the dogs who rely on us. Let’s make 2026 a year of impact, compassion, and hope—because when this community comes together, extraordinary things happen.
Thank you for being part of GLWR. Thank you for caring. Thank you for making a difference.
We always need help and gratefully accept donations at any time. No amount is too small ❤️🐾www.greatlakesweimrescue.com/donate
Here’s to another year of saving lives, one Weimaraner at a time.
With deep gratitude and appreciation,
Tonette Bogner
GLWR Executive Director /President
