Rescue Built Around the Dogs
Every dog deserves more than a second chance — they deserve the right chance. At Golden State Dog Rescue, we focus on thoughtful placement, responsible advocacy, and finding homes where dogs can truly thrive.
about gsdr
rob
carmen
raffaella
christine
meet the team
Rescue Advocate & Lifelong Dog Lover
Meet Raffaella
Hello, I'm Raffaella, and I've been involved in dog rescue for over 30 years. Over the years, I have worked with several rescue organizations, dedicating my life to helping dogs of all breeds, sizes, and backgrounds—especially those who are unwanted, overlooked, and abandoned.
Because I strongly believe that every dog deserves a second chance, my best friends and I decided to start our own nonprofit dog rescue. Our mission is simple: as long as we have the space and resources, we will help any dog in need.
We rescue owner-surrendered dogs from different cities and states, and we regularly save dogs from overcrowded, high-kill shelters. When urgent situations arise, we also rescue dogs from other countries.
Every dog that comes into our rescue receives complete veterinary care, including vaccinations, spay or neuter, dental care, surgeries when needed, medications, behavioral support, and training. We work hard to help each dog heal physically and emotionally so they can become happy, healthy, and adoptable companions.
We are proudly a 100% no-kill rescue, committed to giving every dog the love, safety, and second chance they deserve.
Running a rescue takes tremendous dedication, time, and financial support. We are always grateful for those who choose to support our mission through donations that help provide veterinary care, food, supplies, and daily care for our dogs.
One of our current goals is purchasing a large transport van to safely move dogs to foster homes, veterinary appointments, adoption events, and, ultimately, their forever homes.
Thank you for supporting our mission and for believing, as we do, that every dog matters.
rob
carmen
raffaella
christine
meet the team
Growing up in the small country of Liechtenstein, I can't remember a time without dogs and cats in my life. My parents loved animals, and naturally, many found their way into our home. Over the years, my profession took me to many places around the world before I finally settled in this beautiful country.
I was fortunate to marry a wonderful man who loved animals just as much as I did—perhaps even more. It didn't take long before we became involved in dog rescue, a passion that quickly became an important part of our lives.
Fate eventually brought us together with Raffaella through the rescue of a terribly neglected pregnant poodle. From that moment on, this amazing woman welcomed us into her rescue family, giving us the opportunity to become puppy raisers and foster parents for small dogs in need.
It has been one of the most rewarding journeys of our lives, and we are honored to continue helping dogs find the love, safety, and forever homes they deserve.
Sometimes the smallest acts of kindness become the biggest second chances.
Compassionate Foster & Rescue Volunteer
Meet Christine
rob
carmen
raffaella
christine
meet the team
Rescue Transport Volunteer, Advocate & Lifelong Animal Lover
Carmen grew up in Maryland on the Chesapeake Bay, surrounded by dogs—including Labrador Retrievers, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, and a family Doberman—which sparked a lifelong love of animals.
After a 24-year career with the Department of Defense in data analysis, she recently retired. Carmen earned degrees from the University of Richmond, Boston University, and the Naval Postgraduate School, with studies focused on finance and computer science. She now enjoys applying those skills to the administrative side of rescue, helping manage the many important details that happen behind the scenes.
As a military spouse, Carmen moved 14 times during her husband's 30-year career in the United States Marine Corps. She also traveled and deployed overseas in support of the Department of Defense, always bringing the family's pets along—including a beloved parrot who lived to be 27 years old. Along the way, she spent 18 years volunteering as a women's lacrosse coach before turning her focus to animal rescue.
After owning dogs for many years, Carmen's rescue journey took on a new meaning when she adopted Barley, a Great Pyrenees mix, from Golden State Dog Rescue. She later fostered a dog from a difficult shelter with a history of trauma and eventually adopted that dog as well. What began as occasional veterinary transports—while learning from the Golden State Dog Rescue team—grew into long-distance and overnight rescue transport missions, combining her love of animals, adventure, and the outdoors.
Carmen is especially passionate about supporting military families, understanding firsthand the unique challenges of pet ownership during frequent relocations. She advocates for education, resources, and responsible planning to help reduce the growing number of pet surrenders within military communities.
Today, Carmen lives in North County San Diego with her husband, two children, and three rescue dogs. In retirement, she balances family, community service, rescue transport, and canine advocacy while continuing to help dogs reach safety, medical care, and loving homes.
Meet Carmen
rob
carmen
raffaella
christine
meet the team
Rob Bailey is a 30-year veteran of the United States Marine Corps with extensive experience in project and program management, specializing in budgeting and fiscal execution. He is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy and holds two advanced degrees in management.
Rob and his family are outdoor enthusiasts and lifelong animal lovers. He grew up in the Washington, D.C. area with Golden Retrievers and a Chocolate Labrador, fostering an early appreciation for the companionship and loyalty of dogs.
Rob and Carmen have been married for more than 27 years and share a deep commitment to animal rescue and rehabilitation. Together, they have three rescue dogs—Barley, Rocket, and Mobie—and were fortunate to spend 17 wonderful years with their beloved Border Collie/Labrador mix, Riley.
Rob believes pets are family members who bring warmth, love, and happiness into a home. He and Carmen are personally committed to helping both dogs and families find the best possible outcomes through rescue and thoughtful rehoming.
Rob is honored to serve as part of Golden State Dog Rescue and to help more dogs find the safe, loving homes they deserve.
Every successful rescue takes compassion, commitment, and people willing to step up when dogs need them most.
Marine Veteran, Leader & Lifelong Dog Advocate
Meet Rob
get involved
Every rescue story is made possible by people who care. Whether you choose to adopt, foster, volunteer, or donate, your support helps dogs find safety, stability, and loving homes.