GSPSF’s Beginnings, and a Special Goodbye to a Phenomenal Woman
Laura Hansen, founder of GSPSF and long-time resident of El Cerrito, died Thursday, May 27, 2010 from a cerebral hemorrhage. All of us who knew her and adopted our beloved GSP’s from her miss her greatly and hope to continue the rescue work she started in 1991. Laura's absolute passion was the rescue of German Shorthaired Pointers. She organized a rescue effort with other individuals in the region, and along with her own dog at the time, welcomed a long parade of abandoned dogs into her home. She was a tireless and inspirational woman to all who knew her. She was also instrumental in saving and placing over 400 German Shorthair Pointers and was a mentor to many involved in dog rescue. A skilled writer, Laura drafted countless "Happy Endings" newsletter stories about successful dog adoptions. Her legacy is the guidance, experiences, and support she provided for others throughout her life, and the dog lives spared and human lives enriched through nearly 20 years of German Shorthaired Pointer rescue work. We hope to honor her memory by continuing to rescue abandoned and needy GSPs for many years to come.
Memorial donations can be made to the German Shorthaired Pointer Rescue of the San Francisco Bay Area. See our Support US page for our address.
Who Are The People in The Rescue Operation?
President Brian Parker
Secretary: Catherine Berryessa
Catherine and Brian began their experience with GSP Rescue in December of 1998 when they adopted puppy Flojo. He was being fostered by Judith Wolff. Their next adoptive dog was Flash, and then they took Demi. All three of the adoptees have been special needs dogs.
In addition to their own dogs, they have provided a foster home to many additional Shorthairs.s
Director: Stephanie Ladeira
Stephanie became involved in the rescue operation when she was looking for a GSP who was good with cats. She adopted Danny, who was fostered by Catherine and Brian. Stephanie, in turn, began fostering and helped a number of dogs, including a wonderful long term foster dog named Hans. Hans had a severe heart condition that made him unadoptable, and Stephanie kept him going for two and a half years. Her fourth foster dog, Lucy, is now a member of the Ladeira family.
Legal Adviser: Judith Wolff
Judith’s interest in the rescue operation began in 1997, when she adopted Monty, a small, solid liver GSP with a quirky personality. Since then, Judith and her husband Michael and later, their son Joshua, have offered foster care to many dogs, both GSP’s and dogs from the local shelters.
This small group of individuals, brought together by their mutual love for German Shorthaired Pointers and their desire to help the breed, have formally become German Shorthaired Pointer Rescue of the San Francisco Bay Area.