Meet the volunteers, board, and goldens behind Idaho Golden Retriever Rescue.
New here? Start with About IDGRR for our mission, purpose, and story.
Meet the dedicated volunteers who make IDGRR possible.
Co-Founder, Board Member & Executive Director
Boise, Idaho
Jen Severance, a lifetime Golden Retriever lover and dog mom, has dedicated most of her adult life to this magnificent breed. She officially co-founded IDGRR on March 1, 2026, after many years of rescuing Golden Retrievers from irresponsible breeders and families no longer in positions to care for their dogs by placing them into better-suited homes full of stability and love. With her background in non-profit work, passion for Golden Retrievers, and social work, this is a perfect match. Jen is an Idaho native from Twin Falls. Jen has been the proud pet parent of 11 Golden Retrievers in her lifetime. Beginning with Bailey in 1991 and currently co parenting Ruby, Remi, and Jasper, with cofounder Eric Wingard. Jen is a natural advocate for this loving and gentle breed. As a former BSU graduate, trusted Boise Realtor and non-profit administrator, Jen brings many decades of multifaceted experience to IDGRR. Inspired by her love and concern that every Golden Retriever deserves a stable and happy home, Jen made the natural segue from her many recent years in customer service to co-founding IDGRR. IDGRR is the only Golden Retriever Rescue in Idaho and as such, Jen can dedicate herself to placing every unwanted, unsheltered, and owner-surrendered Golden Retriever into safe, loving, and happy homes, one beautiful Golden at a time. Jen oversees all rescue operations, partnerships, and strategic direction.
Co-Founder, Board Member
Hailey, Idaho
Eric’s inherent love of Golden Retrievers is evident upon meeting him. From his childhood Golden, Ginger, to Honey Bear, Simon, Rio, Ruby, Willow, Finn, Jasper and Remi, Eric is an exceptionally dedicated dog dad. He believes that every Golden deserves an opportunity for boundless love. His business background is a perfect compliment to IDGRR as a co-founder.
Co-Founder, Board Member, Head of Product
Chicago, IL
A lifelong dog lover, Brett grew up with a Golden Retriever named Charlie and later formed a deep bond with his “soul dog,” Lucy, a Goldendoodle. Some of his favorite memories include time spent with Lucy, Jen, and her pack of Goldens in the Sawtooth Mountains. Today, he’s caring for Bailey, his mother’s Cavalier King Charles, continuing his lifelong connection to dogs. With over 30 years of experience designing, developing, and launching software solutions, Brett has worked across a wide range of industries, supporting nonprofits, startups, small businesses, and large enterprises. He is the creator of Service Days, the platform NeighborWorks Boise has relied on since 2010 to manage community programs like Rake Up Boise and Paint the Town, and the founder of Boise Rec Fest, celebrating Idaho’s diverse outdoor recreation opportunities. At Idaho Golden Retriever Rescue, Brett built our website and foster-management software platform. He is driven by the goal of creating intuitive, reliable systems that make rescue work easier—especially for Jen—and hopes the platform can eventually support other pet rescues as well. His blend of technical expertise and mission-driven focus helps ensure IDGRR can operate efficiently while staying centered on what matters most: the dogs.
Our board provides strategic leadership and governance.
Board Member
Stevensville, Montana
Laura is a dedicated, loving multi generational Golden Retriever owner. Laura and her late husband, Jeff adore their pack. Laura is active in her local community and spearheads the Bitterroot Golden Retriever meet up group. Laura’s expertise in business contracts make her a natural for IDGRR’s board.
Sagle, Idaho
At 36 Desiree’s childhood dream of having a Golden finally came true. Her first boy, Logan, was your typical perfect Golden - handsome, smart, athletic and the absolute sweetest. They were hooked, and Cache followed 6 yrs later - also handsome, not athletic, but he excelled in being the best Momma's boy ever. When they were looking in 2002, rescues were mostly unheard of - but in 2010 they came across a FB post about a Golden rescue in their area. She and “the boy”started volunteering at events & farmers markets - they were excellent Golden ambassadors. Not long after, she volunteered for the foster team and became one of two Foster Coordinators. Desiree and her husband, Ansel, fostered mostly long-term medical cases but had a few puppies thrown in the mix to keep them on our toes. Their last foster, 4 yr old half Golden/half Great Pyrenees Sloane, stole both their hearts and they officially added her to their family. When they moved to Garden Valley, Idaho, they had hoped to continue with rescue, but no Golden rescues existed until fate put Jen and IDGRR into their lives this year. From Desiree “I am honored and excited to help Idaho Golden Retriever Rescue in any way possible. In my previous life I worked in finance, accounting and as an executive assistant. We moved again, this time a bit north and now reside outside of Sandpoint, ID with Kenai (our 2-yr old Golden) and her sister Grace (a 4-yr old rescue kitty).”
Eagle, Idaho
A lifelong animal lover, Rebecca grew up with dogs and they have been a part of her family throughout her adult life. While she previously dedicated time to dog rescue, her recent retirement has provided her with the opportunity to re-engage that passion. In recent years, she discovered a particular devotion to Golden Retrievers - a breed she cannot imagine life without. The passing of her beloved Golden Retriever, Emma, motivated her to transform her grief into helping other Golden Retrievers find their forever homes. Rebecca now looks forward to pairing her deep compassion and her professional background to help support IDGRR’s success. Rebecca and her husband currently have one Golden Retriever, Lucy and two cats, Lilah and Matisse.
Ketchum, Idaho
Karly brings over 20 years of dedicated service in EMS and a deep-rooted passion for animal welfare to the Idaho Golden Retriever Rescue Board of Directors. A native of the Wood River Valley, Karly has spent her career focused on the well-being of others, serving the community as a Paramedic, Firefighter, and Medical Assistant. This extensive professional background in emergency care underscores a natural drive to help those in need, whether they are human or animal. "My history with the breed began with Boone, the first Golden to capture my heart," Karly says. "He lived to be just shy of 15 years young. He was followed by three more incredible Golden Retriever buddies: Merckx, who we had for 6 years; Ziggy, who lived to be 13; and Jax, who also reached 13." While Karly grew up with dogs, her first experience as an owner was during her freshman year of college with a 120-pound Doberman named Tyler—affectionately known as "Stinky T." Today, her Sun Valley home is run by Mackey G Dawg, a 5-year-old Black Lab, and a 13-year-old cat known as Kitty Kat Meow Face (aka Reux). Mackey was lucky enough to spend the first year and a half of his life learning from Jax, and Karly looks forward to bringing another Golden brother or sister into the family in the near future. Karly is deeply committed to IDGRR’s mission of rescue, rehabilitation, and the placement of displaced Golden Retrievers. She is honored to utilize her two decades of experience in community service to promote responsible pet ownership and ensure a bright, safe future for every Golden in Idaho.
Kathy is an ethical and much sought after premier breeder of champion Golden Retrievers. Tamarack Goldens produce health tested, loving, gorgeous puppies on a very limited basis. Kathy’s connection to Golden retrievers runs deep. Her expertise on this incredible breed is so appreciated by IDGRR.
Bronwyn and her husband Tom are long-time Ketchum residents and have been lucky enough to love and be loved by goldens for 21 years, and by a black lab-blue heeler mix for 10 years before that.....Nick, Indiana, Dakota, and Montana were sources of joy, friendship, adventures, and trouble! The sudden loss of 9-year-old Montana (aka Mo or Mo-Mo) in 2026 due to gastric carcinoma, brought deep heartbreak, so when Bronwyn learned about what an important community Jen has created, she realized this could be a way to contribute to the dogs that brought so much to her. Bronwyn is a founder and Board member of the Ketchum Business Advisory Coalition, and together with her husband owns businesses in Ketchum and Twin Falls. She is excited to work with community members across the State to advocate for these special dogs with IDGRR.
David never met a “dawg” he didn’t love. David, hailing from Tennessee, has lived in Boise for over twenty years. His background as a teacher, degree in nursing and deep rooted love of the outdoors are a perfect match for IDGRR. David has long championed rescue dogs and is a great friend to Golden Retrievers.
Advisory Board
Jeff Hunter is a Boise business professional and lifelong animal advocate. He is a silent partner at Animal Wellness Veterinary Clinic in Boise, alongside his wife, Dr. Anja Hunter, DVM — a practice Jeff helped build from the ground up, pairing his construction expertise with Anja's vision for integrative veterinary care. Their shared work at the clinic, along with Jeff's lasting admiration for Golden Retrievers, shaped his commitment to the welfare of dogs in need of a second chance. Professionally, Jeff brings more than three decades of experience in construction, contract management, and procurement across major capital projects in the Treasure Valley and nationwide. He currently serves as a Contract Manager and Purchasing Agent with AtkinsRéalis, supporting large-scale infrastructure and technology programs. That background gives him practical skills the board can draw on — operations, budgeting, vendor relationships, and getting things built. Jeff joined the board of Idaho Golden Retriever Rescue to support a mission he and Anja believe in deeply: that every Golden deserves a safe, loving home, and that rescue work strengthens the entire community of families who love this breed. He is honored to serve alongside the founders, fosters, and volunteers whose dedication makes this organization possible
Anna Daly is a writer and reporter for BoiseDev and teaches communication courses at the College of Western Idaho. A lifelong Idahoan and sixth-generation Idaho resident, she has a deep love for her community and a passion for organizations that make a meaningful difference. Anna has a background in nonprofit work and experience serving on foundation boards, with a commitment to community involvement and advocacy. Anna has been a lifelong lover of Golden Retrievers and understands firsthand the joy, loyalty, and companionship they bring to a family. Much of that love comes from her own Golden, Rudy, who is truly a part of their family. She is proud to support Idaho Golden Retriever Rescue and help advocate for dogs in need of safe, loving homes.
Pocatello, Idaho
Maggie is a semi-retired former Adult Basic Education instructor (high school equivalency), and she currently works part-time as an Office Assistant for the TRIO program at Idaho State University. She initially connected with IDGRR while looking to foster or adopt a Golden Retriever, following the heartbreaking loss of her cherished 13-year-old Golden, Cooper, to cancer. Maggie shares her home with her husband Doug, an administrator at Idaho State University, and 12-year-old Abby, a Chihuahua mix rescue dog. “I am deeply committed to helping at-risk, abandoned, or unwanted Goldens find their loving and forever homes. I’m incredibly honored to have been invited by Jen to join the Board of Directors, and I look forward to bringing my administrative and community outreach experience to support our mission!”
Advisory Board, Veterinarian
Animal Wellness Veterinary Clinic was established in 2021 by its sole practitioner, Anja W. Hunter, DVM. Doctor Hunter has been practicing veterinarian medicine for over 28 years. Her extensive experience and training allow her to deliver an exceptional integrative approach to medicine that provides overall health, vitality and wellness for your pet. Doctor Hunter practices a range of holistic modalities including acupuncture, Western and Eastern herbal medicine, homeopathy, and she is also certified in natural nutrition. Her years in practice have taught her that a fully integrative medical approach combining both alternative and Western medicine is truly the best way to achieve a vital healthy outcome for your pet. BS Zoology from Oregon State University, 1991 DVM from Ross University, 1996 Completed the Professional Veterinary Homeopathy course taught by Richard Pitcairn, 1999 Completed the Western Herbal Medicine course taught by Greggory Tilford, 2000 Completed the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society Certification course, 2003 Completed the College of Integrative Veterinary Therapies Certification in Natural Nutrition Course, 2021
Idaho
Becoming involved with IDGRR was only natural for Eric Lyman, who is sometimes called the “dog whisperer” by his dog-loving friends. He brings his experience in operations from other non-profits and international NGO’s to help ensure IDGRR’s strategic direction best serves the dog owners’ community of Idaho and the Golden breed itself. Happy-go-lucky, being friends with everyone, gentle kindness, the capacity to give bottomless affection are Golden traits we can all adopt and from which human society benefits directly.
Meet the personal dogs of the IDGRR team — part of our extended family.
Golden Retriever — Jen S. & Eric W.
Jasper is a dark red gorgeous youngster. He's somber, attentive, yet very playful. He's Jen’s shadow and saved us after we tragically and unexpectedly lost Willow and then Finn to hemangiosarcoma in 2025. He loves our foothills hikes and gets along with every dog he meets. He's perfect!
Remi is our blond hunk of Golden love. He is our foster fail! He's goofy, kind, loving and a total touch sponge. He must be by our side at all times. He loves everyone and everything.
Ruby Roo is the absolute best Golden we could ever imagine having. She's all about people, loving kindness and food! She's a beauty with the brains to match. We absolutely adore her.
Cavalier King Charles — - Brett, and my mom's dog
Bailey is my mom's dog… me being Brett. I'm taking care of him for a bit. Bailey is a barker. I didn't expect to like him. And that barking is exhausting. But he sure is growing on me a little bit more every day.
Curious what drives this team? Read our mission, purpose, values, and the story behind the rescue.
Every gift helps with medical care, food, and shelter for goldens in need.
