About Us
Who We Are
Welcome to our website! Hi, my name is Jenkins and I am a big 13 year old male Great Pyrenees rescue. My owner adopted me when I was around one year old and I heard him say he thought I was a giant white golden retriever!!! I have grown up with his six daughters and three goldens and have had a wonderful life but unfortunately, I discovered that there are many abandoned and neglected Great Pyrenees in the southeast that do not have happy endings.
In early 2010, we decided to start Great Pyrenees Rescue of Atlanta (GPRA). I got to audition as spokesperson for the group, because as you know, every Great Pyrenees needs a job. We thought we could rescue about 30 of our brothers and sisters in the first year. Well, we have now surpassed 2,500 rescued Great PYRS and look forward to rescuing the next 2,500! Not bad, huh?
I love patrolling my property to make sure my family is safe but let me take some time out to tell you more about us.
Great Pyrenees are the Southeast’s best kept secret. We are a magnificent and majestic breed that is one of the best dogs a family can own – we really are. We are gentle giants loved by all because we combine two characteristics that are hard to beat. First, we are terrific family pets. We are lovable and gentle with children – we love them even when they treat us like massive fluff balls! Second, and where we differ from most house pets, we are protectors. I am a typical Great Pyrenees constantly patrolling our property watching for anything unusual and I take this job very seriously. Great Pyrenees were bred as working dogs and our “job” in the home is to protect our “family”.
Our main mission at GPRA is to find the right permanent home for Great Pyrenees in distress, whether they are strays or from an overpopulated kill or no-kill shelter. We don’t care how old they are or what their medical condition is because we will make sure they receive a comprehensive medical evaluation, spaying or neutering, and even behavioral training if necessary. So discover for yourself why we are the southeast’s best kept secret.
We are an authorized 501(c)3 not for profit organization so your donations are tax deductible.
Board of Directors
John Heldrich – President and Founder
Richard Link – Treasurer and Director of Operations
Lourdes Sotolongo – Adoptions Director
Marla McSwiney – Medical Director
Shawna Pierce – Foster Director
Sabine Elbert – Intake Director