The Education Fund
Rachel Page Elliott, author of Dogsteps, champion of sound structure in motion, and mentor to lovers of Golden Retrievers and dogs of every breed, walked into the Gala event of the 2005 National Specialty, never guessing anything was afoot. About 1,000 of her friends and colleagues had kept the secret regarding the establishment of the Rachel Page Elliott Educational Fund.
The fund started with an idea from Betty Gay and Marcia Schlehr, judges, GRCA Life Members, multiple-term Board members, and leaders in breed education. The GRCA Board embraced the idea and proposed the fund to the GRF, pledging $5,000 of the $25,000 needed to launch it. In just a few months, a quiet fundraising effort headed by Joy Viola, GRF Director of Development, raised the remaining $20,000.
Humble throughout her illustrious career, Pagey, as she was known to those in the fancy, gave to the breed tirelessly throughout her life. She is known for her research into gait analysis of the dog with her best selling book and video "Dog Steps" as well as helping to uncover the origins of the breed we love so much.
The Rachel Page Elliott Educational Fund exists now to continue the mission to which Pagey was committed: building knowledge that will preserve the health, welfare, and integrity of the Golden Retriever and all canines. The Golden Retriever Foundation® is actively interested in RPE Educational Fund grant proposals in the area of education, whether it is for a project that would teach the public about the care and training of Golden Retrievers; Golden breeders about genetic health concerns; judges about the finer points of the breed standard; or education or veterinary care professionals who will carry new knowledge into their practice, benefiting our breed far into the future.
Examples of Education Projects Funded by the GRF
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GRCA CARE Committee brochure
The Golden Retriever Foundation® has funded the publication of 20,000 educational brochures on the subject of Golden Retriever Rescue...More
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Canine Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation Residency
Canine Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation Residency
This program was launched in February of 2024 to increase the number of specialists trained to meet the unique needs of athletic and working dogs, as well as all dogs in need of rehabilitation. Through a competitive process, approved sports medicine and rehabilitation programs submitted proposals that were reviewed by a panel of CHF leadership and subject matter experts.
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Colorado State University’s Small Animal Orthopedic Medicine and Mobility Service offers its residents a varied caseload, strong mentors, and excellent resources. Clinicians and residents in this program consistently publish their research results in peer-reviewed journals to advance the science of canine rehabilitation medicine.
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Penn Vet’s Canine Sports and Performance Medicine Service provides a research-intensive environment with many opportunities for residents to perform clinical duties and contribute evidence-based medical recommendations for canine athletes.
“We are thrilled to support two top-tier programs dedicated to training the next generation of specialists in canine sports medicine and rehabilitation,” says Dr. Stephanie Montgomery, CHF Chief Executive Officer. “These programs provide residents with the opportunity to learn from leaders in the field, contribute to groundbreaking research, and utilize state-of-the-art facilities.”
Generous support from the Golden Retriever Foundation® (GRF) has provided a jump start to the AKC/AKC CHF Canine Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Residency Program, allowing support for two residency programs in the first year. Each school will receive $100,000 annually to support a three-year residency. Program goals include growth to support new residency programs every year.
“As Golden Retrievers participate in so many activities, the opportunity to sponsor the AKC/AKC CHF Sports Medicine Residency was met with whole-hearted support by the Golden Retriever Foundation,” says Chris Miele, GRF President. “We have made our donation and three-year commitment from the Rachel Page Elliott Educational Fund, which was created precisely for these opportunities. We feel that with the tremendous rise in interest and participation in performance events, our support will benefit Golden Retrievers and all dogs.”
Veterinary professionals interested in participating in these residencies will apply through the Veterinary Internship & Residency Matching Program in the spring of 2025 and start their residency training in July 2025.
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Color Me Golden Coloring Book
Among the Foundation’s educational ventures was the development and publication of the Color Me Golden coloring book, a learning tool for young children.
GRF Funds GRCA CARE Committee brochure:
- The brochures were written and designed by members of the GRCA CARE Committee of the Golden Retriever Club of America. Copies are being distributed to approximately 100 Golden Retriever Rescue groups operating across the country for distribution on their local areas. The brochure addresses such questions as “Rescued Golden Retrievers? Why Do They Need Rescuing?" as well as information about Rescue alternatives, the costs involved, how a volunteer can help and how to find a Rescue program in your area.
The Education Fund Grant Request
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