Granite State Dog Recovery

The Evolution of Granite State Dog Recovery

Reuniting lost dogs and sheltering the abandoned 

Granite State Dog Recovery (GSDR) was founded with one mission at heart: to reunite lost dogs with the families who love them. What started as a grassroots effort has grown into one of New Hampshire’s most respected and effective dog recovery and rescue organizations.

Humble Beginnings

In the early days, there were no cellular or live-view cameras. Every trap we set had to be physically checked—every few hours, regardless of the weather or time of day. Volunteers would pull SD cards, reset equipment, and hope for a sighting. It was exhausting, relentless work—but we never gave up.

Growing With the Times

Now, in 2025, thanks to the generosity of our community, we’ve been able to invest in cellular and live view cameras, giving us real-time updates that make recovery efforts safer, faster, and more efficient. These tools have helped us save countless dogs who otherwise might still be lost.

But this equipment doesn’t last forever. With your support, we’re able to update and replace critical tools—from cameras and traps to batteries and transport crates. Having modern, working equipment means the difference between life and death for some dogs. Your donation directly helps us stay ready.

A Place to Call Home

Four years ago, we took a monumental step forward by purchasing a commercial building on Dartmouth Street in Hooksett, NH. It’s quiet, respectful to neighbors, and most importantly, it gave GSDR something we never had before: a stable home base.

This building now operates as a licensed animal shelter, approved by the Department of Agriculture. Before we had it, finding emergency housing for dogs often meant scrambling at night and paying over $100 a day for medical boarding. Now, we can give lost and abandoned dogs a safe, warm space of their own until they can be reunited with their families—or find new ones.

With the purchase of the building, we were also able to hire two paid staff members. Their impact cannot be overstated. These two incredible individuals handle daily operations: organizing paperwork, transporting dogs to veterinary appointments, cleaning and maintaining the building, and so much more. From cutting the grass to restocking supplies, they do it all—and never complain.

The Cost of Compassion

Running an organization like GSDR comes with daily expenses. Your donations are what keep us moving.

From cellular camera plans, batteries, and fuel for traps, to heating oil, electricity, and medical supplies—every bit adds up. Your support keeps our building warm in the winter, keeps the lights on, keeps the dogs safe, and keeps our team in the field. Without ongoing donations, none of this would be possible.

Every Dog Deserves a Chance

GSDR has always gone above and beyond for dogs in medical crisis. One boxer we rescued had been hit by a car, and we spent over $20,000 to save his life—because he had the will to fight, and we had the heart to help. Just recently, we took in two strays: one with a broken pelvis, now healing in a medical foster home, and another who will soon receive her spay surgery, full vaccinations, heartworm testing, and preventative care.

The Boxer Crisis of 2024

In the summer of 2024, we received a call about a few boxers running loose. What began with four dogs quickly became a much larger situation—and ultimately led to our team helping to rescue and care for 84 boxers.

It was one of the most emotional and exhausting cases we’ve ever faced. We never received media coverage for it, unlike many larger shelters—but we didn’t do it for attention. We did it because those dogs needed a voice. Without us, their future would have been uncertain.

Why NH Gives Matters

Everything we’ve accomplished—from upgraded recovery equipment to emergency vet care, to a safe, warm shelter—has only been possible because of you. Our supporters. Our donors. Our community.

Your generosity allows us to keep answering the call no matter the hour, no matter the weather, no matter the odds. Because at Granite State Dog Recovery, we don’t stop—we reunite lost dogs and shelter the abandoned.

This NH Gives Day, please consider supporting GSDR. You’ll be helping the next lost soul find its way home—and the next abandoned dog find hope again.

Because every dog deserves to come home.