I rescued my baby from Pam and Jim. They’ve provided so much support both before and in the months after.
SPGPC is very professional and caring. We adopted our Pyrenees, Jake, from them. They were very thorough with the adoption process and made sure we had all of Jake's records. SPGPC is a top-notch organization and I would recommend them to anyone looking to adopt.
Jim & Pam were so wonderful to work with adopting our Great Pyrenees, Minnie! They were very helpful finding a great match for our family. We love our GP and we highly recommend Sierra Pacific Great Pyrenees Rescue.
The Sierra Pacific Great Pyrenees Club Rescue folks are a valuable group for the preservation of the Lost & Found Great Pyrenees! The Founders have over the many years provided veterinary care for all the Great Pyrenees coming into the rescue no matter the costs. Finding the right homes for the Great Pyrenees coming into the rescue is a priority and not a single dog goes until the right home exists. This nonprofit is 100% the best run organization we know of without any doubt!
We had only a small idea of the adventure we had begun when we adopted Savannah from Great Pyrenees Rescue in Granite Bay. Our gentle giant has become a neighborhood favorite because of her sweet personality and big brown eyes. At our local park Savannah finds the high ground and then surveys the area to make sure everyone is safe and well behaved...her genetic instincts are clear. Kids frequently come over to visit with our "polar bear."
Living with Savannah also encouraged us to look into where she comes from and that eventually led to a trip to the Pyrenees Mountains between Spain and France. We arrived for the annual Fete des Chiens (Dog Festival) that honors local breeds. Imagine a hundred or more white giants parading through town and performing for best in show in the ring. The attached photo is of my wife, Beth, bonding with Savannah's French cousin at the festival. You can read about the trip in the September issue of France Today magazine or follow this link: https://francetoday.com/travel/travel-features/carnet-de-voyage-mans-best-friend/?utm_source=France+Media&utm_campaign=a78fc640ea-LPJ_10_02_2016_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_ceed7afc8e-a78fc640ea-296559615&mc_cid=a78fc640ea&mc_eid=f7e59ced71
We would never have had this wonderful experience if not for the folks at Great Pyrenees Rescue and our beautiful Savannah!
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We adopted a beautiful Great Pyrenees girl (savannah) from SPGP and have supported them ever since. They took the time to help us find a Pyr that was right for us. They sponsor activities to bring Pyr owners together to share their love of the breed in a relaxed way. They also work diligently to find good homes for all the Pyrs that come into their care. Their top priority is clearly the welfare of the dogs that come to them. Pam and her crew take their work seriously and have strong relationships with Vets and others who support the care they offer. I cannot think of an organization I have more confidence in.
Jan 2023
An ad on Craigslist in Monterey Bay caught my attention. The post consisted of 2 photos and 1 sentence "2 free guardian dogs". .I cant take in anymore animals but I knew after speaking with the owner by phone, the dogs needed immediate rescue. The very next day, the owner brought the dogs to my house.. Fortunately, fellow members of a lost dog group (facebook) I belong to, took immediate action after I posted about the situation. On an hours notice, a member offered to drive 45 minutes to my home and 45 minutes back to hers in order to pick up the dogs and keep them safe overnight. Another member reached out to Pamela Tobin who went out of her way, during the devastating storms , to make room and get a kennel ready for both dogs, all on extremely short notice. The ladies drove 3 hours one way to get there. Immediately, the dogs took to Pamela .. She saved both dogs from a terrible situation. . Her actions are a testament to the great care and devotion to the dogs she takes in. I am extremely grateful to her and always will be.. Her commitment to the animals she rescues is undeniable. Thank you Pamela for everything you do to change the lives of many dogs and for being an inspiration to others .
The Sierra Pacific Great Pyrenees Club is a wonderful non-profit. Great Pyrenees are not only beautiful dogs, but highly intelligent. This non profit finds homes, and not just any homes, that can care and love these dogs. After the adoption, the club president keeps in touch with the owners and always helps with her valuable knowledge. The breed is promoted for their value as guardian dogs. Two thumbs up.!
Great Pyrenees are a special large breed of sheep herding working dogs. They always help Great Pyrenees find good homes and care about finding the right place for the dogs.
We adopted Buddy from the Sierra Pacific Great Pyrenees Rescue almost 5 years ago. He was severely injured in an auto accident. The rescue repaired his leg. Buddy is so sweet and is actually the biggest Pyr we have ever seen. The rescue saw something great in him and covered all repair costs. We are honored to have such a wonderful dog.
And he loves his toys!!!
Juel and Patrick Bortolussi
Sierra Pacific Great Pyrenees Club is truly dedicated to preserving this ancient breed of livestock guardian dogs. Pam and Jim Tobin have extensive knowledge of Great Pyrenees dogs and rescue them from shelters and from owners who can no longer care for their dogs. The organization is managed effectively, and is transparent in their funding and expenditures. There is an impressive group of dedicated volunteers who care for the rescued dogs. Pam plans group outings like the annual trip from San Francisco to Marin on a ferry where onlookers become familiar with the breed. The Sacramento Holiday Parade includes an entourage of friendly and festive Pyr dogs who welcome being petted by parade watchers. Pam makes sure that the communities know about Great Pyrenees. We adopted our Pyr from SPGPC three years ago today, and are so glad we did. Pam and volunteers educate potential adopters about the Pyr behaviorial characteristics-- they are highly intelligent and independent. They are very calm, yet protective guard dogs. Pyrs shed, and as adults are often well over 100 pounds. They carefully assess homes for rescued Pyrs to be pets rather than working livestock guardian dogs.
We adopted a dog from Sierra Pacific Great Pyrenees Rescue. They truly care about these dogs and are very careful about who they choose when adopting out dogs. Over the years I have seen them nurse back to health so many dogs and find loving homes for them, giving each dog another chance at a beautiful life.
Sierra Pacific Great Pyrenees Rescue is the best! They are truly selfless in their efforts to save lives and find loving homes for their rescues. We adopted our handsome boy, Harley 4 years ago. We were so impressed with the heated/air conditioned kennels for the dogs waiting for their forever homes. They have volunteers who come daily to walk the dogs and clean the kennels. They procure veterinary services for severely injured rescues as well as spay/neuter for regular rescues. They have loving interactions with each dog. Harley was our first rescue, but I would not hesitate a second to return to adopt another rescue from SPGPR. God bless them for helping these gentle giants.
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We had lost our very loved Great Pyrenees, Bailey, in late December 2017. We were devastated. We still had his sister, Bella, but the void in our lives was tangible. One day while looking online for Great Pyrenees puppies, I stumbled upon Sierra Pacific Great Pyrenees Club Rescue. I looked through some of the available rescues, but was uncertain if it was the timing was right, plus we had always had puppies. My husband and daughter went to look at two of the rescues I had seen. They were so excited when they came home, that I went the next day to meet the dogs. I was so impressed with this rescue. They take dogs that most people would not consider. They not only spay/neuter the rescues, they ensure so many health challenged dogs are treated, healed and adopted into loving homes. They have special trips and parades where adoptee families can get together and celebrate and share success stories. Pam and Jim Tobin are selfless individuals who put these animals above themselves and go above and beyond to give these beautiful dogs an opportunity to know what love feels like. We adopted our boy, Harley, in February 2018. He has filled our lives with so much joy and love. Because of Sierra Pacific Great Pyrenees Club Rescue, we will always seek out a rescue for future pets. It is so true when they say 'Whom rescued whom?'. This rescue deserves all the accolades and acknowledgements in the world. Sierra Pacific Great Pyrenees Club Rescue rocks!!!
This rescue is simply the best because the best people run it. The level of devotion, tireless effort and going above and beyond - not just for these majestic remarkable dogs- but for the angels that adopt them too. This is my second Great Pyrenees and I’m even more in love than the first. Thank you Sierra Pacific Great Pyrenees!!
During February 2022 I adopted Rosie from the Sierra Pacific Great Pyrenees Rescue. The adoption process exceeded my expectations by a very large margin. I was provided hard copies of Rosie's medical history, her current diet, some food she is used to and likes, an effective leash for walks, and time spent with Rosie to make sure we would be compatible. The Pyrenees available for adoption via this organization are very well cared for and healthy. The kennel is well organized, clean, and very well constructed. The adoption process with Rosie is a complete success - we are bonded and best buddies. She is wonderful and very well liked by my neighbors as well. Thank You SPGPC !!!
The Sierra Pacific Great Pyrenees Rescue is a very well run and compassionate non-profit organization. We adopted our dog from them, and it was a great experience.
My wife and I have volunteered for Pam & Jim at Sierra Pacific Great Pyrenees Club. They are wonderful people who truly love animals. Their dedication to the health and well being of these magnificent canines are second to none. We ended up adopting a male and female Great Pyrenees ourselves and continue to support this wonderful organization.
The Volunteers at Sierra Pacific Great Pyrenees Rescue are friendly, helpful and dedicated to not only the dogs but to the commitment of enrichment for the dogs and the people who adopt a homeless dog from the program.
I first discovered Great Pyrenees when I was in my 20s, and realized I would not be happy with any other breed. Now - many, many years later- my husband and I recently adopted Chloe from SPGPC. She is my 8th Pyr. Since she was a rescue, I wasn't sure what to expect.
While the breed has a "Pyr-ness" about them (intelligent, loving, smart, and big barkers), each dog has had a unique personality.
Chloe has taken to her new home beautifully. She makes the rounds of the property every morning and evening. She makes sure that no birds ever land here. And she gives us amazing love and devotion. While it's nice to have a puppy, there are benefits to adult rescue dogs as well, one being that the training is a breeze.
Pam and Jim do an amazing job with pairing these dogs to prospective owners, and I recommend this organization highly!
We adopted Bella back in 2013. She had been bred/milled, dumped and left to fend for herself. She was underweight, dehydrated and couldn't walk when she was rescued. Surgery removed 17 foxtails from one rear paw alone. SPGPC took her in, got her treated and got her ready for adoption. My family took her in.
Thankfully, Great Pyrenees are strong willed dogs, and Bella was a Great Pyrenees' Great Pyrenees. It took some time, but she found her confidence and she found a way to trust people again. Bella was ~ 5 years old when we got her and lived until she was 12. She was a loyal and stoic dog. She took her guard duties VERY seriously. She was never mean to people, but you better not be a trespassing raccoon or fox because you were not welcome and you would be dealt with quickly. And package thieves also got a very rude awakening, thinking that they could help themselves to a box on the porch that a Pyrs was camped out on. Just seeing a 105 lbs, big white dog as the approached the portico sent the scurrying like the vermin they are.
(by the way, the box was empty, but they didn't know that and didn't want to stick around to find out)
Lastly, Bella was a loyal and loving dog. I was greeted in a subdued but loving way, and no one else in the house ever received the loving greeting I got (I was relentlessly teased that Bella loved me the best....and she did, because she has good taste...LOL). She loved her dog friends and was very playful with them. It was the hardest decision in my life to put her down. Cancer had come to her and though she fought it off for 2 years, she didn't have anything left to give.
I miss her every day. She had such a calm and loving presence in my home and in my heart, and she is conspicuous in her absence.
Our big guy, Percy was taken from an abusive situation at 11 years old. The rescue brought him back to health physically and emotionally. He was malnourished with untreated injuries when they got him. They took him for quality veterinary care, fed him a healthy diet with nutritional supplements, walked him daily, and the whole team provided love and nurturing to this sweet boy for five months before we saw him on Petfinder.
We adopted Percy into our family 3 months ago. The rescue has continued to give us guidance and answer any questions we have. We love and cherish every day with our Percy and are forever grateful to Sierra Pacific Great Pyrenees Rescue!
I have been volunteering with Sierra Pacific Great Pyrenees Club for the last year and what a life changing, life giving opportunity it has been! Having recently relocated to the greater Sacramento area, I was looking for a way to get involved, and ran in to Pam with River and Savannah at Apple Hill and I've been hooked ever since! The connections I've built with the dogs, and the ability to see them blossom into wonderful animals who learn to love again, and trust humans even though some of them have been through the worse situations imaginable has been truly life changing. I feel so blessed to get to be a part of their stories, and to see them go off to their furever homes... it really is the highlight of my week every week! Thank you Pam and Jim for what you provided for these sweet dogs and for giving us volunteers the opportunity to be involved!
SPGPC is a terrific Rescue that I volunteered at a few years ago. While there this pup came in, Pam said this pup needed to go home with me. We Had just moved and I wasn’t ready for a puppy. But we took our male Pyr to meet her and everyone fell in love with her! So, we brought her home and named her Chloe. She was nervous at first but settled in nicely.
We lost Chloe to cancer two weeks ago after only having her for 5 short years. But boy was she a treat! She was a nanny to the grand babies, cared for baby chickens, helped raise a litter of kittens, and smiled all the time! She was quite a little imp... when she slept she looked like a pretzel - all twisted up... or she napped on her back against the hallway wall like someone just tossed her there! Always ready for a snack or a walk or a nap! What a great match she was for our family!
This Rescue works hard to save the lives of these gentle giants, the Great Pyrenees. Pam and her crew of volunteers are diligent in placing these dogs... a Pyr is not for everyone and they make sure people know what they’re getting into. A very top notch Rescue!
Sierra Pacific Great Pyrenees Club helped us be a family again. We had just lost our beloved St. Bernard and Australian mix to cancer in 2017. We were undecided on whether we were ready to have another pet but when my husband found the post for, them Buck and Bridgette, something just struck us both. Still unsure, we waited a couple of months but seeing the post still up, we called Pam. When we sat with them and looked into their eyes, we knew. Our lives would not be complete without the daily walks along the hills, the multiple times we hear “you can ride them!” or “they’re like polar bears!”, the annual Tiburon trip. Thank you Pam for all that you do helping so many four legged angles and completing our family.
Great Pyrenees (outside the U.S. called "Pyrenean Mountain Dog") is a Livestock Guardian breed that is at least 3,000 years old. Pam Tobin heads the Sierra Pacific Great Pyrenees Rescue (and Club). We recently adopted a two year old Pyr from the rescue. She is our second Pyr -- our first was 16 when he passed. Pam and her crew have an excellent, spotless facility to care for the dogs who are waiting for their forever homes. Each dog has a large amount of space, is taken out for frequent walks and playtime. The dogs are fed the best high-quality food. Pam and staff take time to understand the personalities and needs of each dog in their care, and they match them carefully to the human adopters. Pyrs are not just bigger Golden Retrievers. Pyrs are highly intelligent, and were bred to guard (not herd) their flocks independently, making their own decisions with minimal human intervention. Not all Pyrs make it as Livestock Guardian Dogs, and many are loving pets, adorning couches. I have complete confidence in Sierra Pacific Great Pyr Club and Rescue to make the best decisions regarding each dog. Pam's farm/ranch/big property is devoted to these loving Pyrs, and Pam and the volunteers deserve an A-plus for their outstanding work. If you want a Pyr in your family, please consider adopting from them. In any case, please donate to their organization. They will use the funds wisely.
We have been very impressed with Pam Tobin and the Sierra Pacific Great Pyrennees Club (SPGPC) over the years as we rescued our 2nd and 3rd Great Pyrenees dog. Pam is the dynamo that keeps this organization going with something like 130 rescues per year--anything within a several hundred miles that looks like a Great Pyrennees. I have been impressed by the flurry of emails that I see to club members when Pam has located a new Pyr-in-need who may need transport from far away or special vet assistance due to health issues. Pam keeps the group focused and working hard for the sake of the dogs.
We adopted our first Pyr when "Leda" sat on my foot at the Napa dog show and the breeder bamboozled me with "She NEVER does that. You must be the ONE!" I had been looking for a Swiss Mountain Dog.... Leda had been returned to the breeder when her owner married and the new wife said "NO!" After Leda passed, we found Socrates (1st photo: "Felix" as adopted, but his silence suggested wisdom, so Socrates seemed much more appropriate) at Pam's rescue kennel. He was accused of killing a chicken and abandoned at a kill shelter. Socrates was our special friend for 7 years before bone cancer took him. Knowing that my wife and I are ardent hikers, Pam told me that she had a special boy who would be perfect for us--a non-hiking dog is unfortunately a left-at-home dog for us. "Bear" (last 3 photos) had been turned in at a shelter for reasons similar to Leda--the new wife said "NO!" I call him "Bearyshnikov" because he is the dog who dances with joy. Pam's choice for us has been a perfect match for us. Bear fits our hiking lifestyle and is a loving lapdog whether at home or on the trail After working with us with Socrates (2nd rescued Pyr), Pam knew our lifestyle and how to match us with the perfect rescue dog. I highly recommend Pam Tobin and the SPGPC!
Sierra Pacific Great Pyrenees Rescue has saved many of the absolute worst cases out there - severely injured or seriously ill dogs in desperate situations. They heal their physical and emotional wounds, then find them loving forever homes. When it's not possible to save them, they give them love and comfort and ease their pain in their final hours. My Oscar and Mercedes were born at the SPGP Rescue to a badly abused Pyr mom that they rescued; and SPGPR rescued my Aydin, along with a dozen or so other Pyr and Akbash puppies, from a hoarding situation. Pam Tobin and her volunteer assistants work tirelessly to provide the very best care for abused and abandoned dogs and to find good homes for them. They are true heroes.
I first looked into Sierra pacific great pyrenees rescue after losing a great pyr mix . Since then I’ve adopted 6 dogs from this wonderful rescue. I’ve adopted 3 senior dogs that were some of the best pups we have ever owned. The rescue genuinely looks out for the well-being and welfare of the dogs that they save . Some dogs come into rescue in horrible shape and Pam and Jim along with volunteers give them love , life and restore them . They then get the home they have always deserved. I now volunteer and help when I can . Wonderful group of people.
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It was fantastic! We spent months looking for a dog to fit our family and they were very helpful throughout the entire process. Ultimately we found the perfect dog and couldn’t be happier!❤️ Polar is the prefect addition to our household! We couldn’t imagine life without him
I am a dog person. I have always had a special canine in my life. When my last dog died, I knew I would need to find another canine companion. Unfortunately, on my way to the beach to grieve the loss of my dog, I was hit by a car. I had to spend 2 months healing without a furry friend. I spent a lot of time looking at rescue dogs online. When I could walk again, Sierra Pacific Great Pyrenees Club united me with my new canine BFF.
Pam and Jim have been doing this for 30 years and they have shed a lot of blood sweat and tears for these amazing animals purely out of love. This is one of the best rescues in California - why? Not only are they super thorough in making sure all the dogs are placed in the right homes with the right people, but they are also very thorough in conducting their reference checks and home inspections, and even asking the tough questions that many other rescues won't bother doing. They genuinely really care for the wellbeings of the animals and who the dog ends up with, and it shows.
In July of 2013, our family lost our 12 year old Bernese Mountain Dog, Casey Pickles. We were heartbroken. Two months later, we found the Sierra Pacific Great Pyrenees website, and saw many beautiful, sweet dogs. We immediately went there, and found the most loving, splendid dog of all time. Pam Tobin, made the process easy and seamless. She is always available for questions or advice. Our family feels lucky every day for the addition of Leopold in our lives.
My 1st experience with the Sierra Pacific Great Pyrenees Club was with aa dog I adopted from a lady from Cool, CA. that needed to home a Great Pyrenees. The dog had several issues, the biggest was Separation Anxiety. I reached out to several rescue organizations for advice. The only one who responded was Pam Tobin. She offered suggestions and support. With her help,
Mollie (the dog), my husband and I found a way to adjust and we had Mollie for 6 yrs. We then adopted Remmie from Pam. He was a handful but he was our special baby. When we put him to sleep we contacted Pam about adopting another Pyr. We now have bear who is a sweet boy. Pam checks an adopter's reference and makes sure they are going to a loving home. She provides all the medical history, provides their diet requirements and makes sure they are up to date on all the shots. She has fund raisers so she can continue to help the Pyrs. She and her team of volunteers are wonderful people.
I can't say enough good things about this Great Pyrenees rescue organization...We were fortunate to be able to adopt Franklin (the best dog in the world!) from them 18 months ago! We have been nothing but impressed by the care they take in matching dogs with owners and with the care they provide to each dog that passes through their kennel. The care didn't stop once we adopted Frankie, either...They followed up for weeks after to make sure all of us were doing well. When we decided we were ready to adopt a sibling for Frankie, SPGPC was the first place we looked. We discovered the most amazing 'tripawd,' Skip, and really wanted him to join our family! Of course SPCPC wanted to make sure the dogs would get along before we adopted Skip, so we had to bring Frankie back to the rescue for an evaluation. We were very nervous that Frankie would be traumatized and think we were going to leave him once he saw the kennel again...We were worried for nothing! Frankie was SO HAPPY to see Pam & Jim who run the rescue, which is a testament to the amazing treatment these dogs receive.
We got 2 of our rescue pyrs through the SPGPC. They are a truly amazing organization that cares about the well being of the animals. Not only are they supportive and meticulous in providing the best care that these animals need, as well as helping them find furever homes — everyone from the SPGPC are very kind and helpful to new members. Rescue work is a thankless job, and there are not enough people like Pam and Jim that do what they do and they are silent heroes for these beautiful majestic aniamls. I tell everyone about them every time they ask about my dogs!
we adopted our Sam from Sierra Pacific, and he is a glorious dog. Pam and all the volunteers who work with these wonderful dogs are caring, kind, and very careful about placement of these special dogs. I can't say enough of these folks.
We found SPGPC and Pam Tobin when our Great Pyr died at only 4 years old. It's impossible to express how sad we were to lose our gentle giant. Becoming involved with SPGPC gave us the opportunity to be with the dogs we so loved, without having to try to replace our pup at home. Then, when the right pup came through the club, we were able to adopt her into our home and to fill the void. Pam has continued to be a resource with all things relating to these amazing dogs. She takes care of the dogs and the people around her. SPGPC is a great group of furry, and fur loving, friends!
Pam Tobin has a heart of total kindness and one of the sharpest minds on the planet, both of which are required to make a dog rescue successful. These combined with her passion for Great Pyrenees, means that her rescue GP’s get THE BEST of TLC ( tender loving care!!!). She has a superb facility designed specifically for GP’s. She has 40 plus years of experience handling dogs (training, rescue, etc). She stretches EVERY dollar so that it counts!!! She ensures that all of her rescued dogs go to outstanding homes. I have visited her and her facility in person, so my recommendation comes from personal experience and not just looking at Facebook pictures. I will be donating more money before the end of the year. It’s people like Pam (and her fab husband who is a great helper!), who make the world a better place for Great Pyrenees! She has other helpers behind the scenes whom I have not met. Thank you to them as well! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Tossed out of a car like piece of trash on a lonely country road on a Saturday night. I had to follow her 6 miles before I found a man to help me get her in my car. Starving, dehydrated, covered with ticks and loaded with fleas-- NO MORE! I didn't even know what kind of dog she was, but I was guided to Sierra Pacific Great Pyrenees and Pam Tobin. Pam sprung into action juggling multiple phone lines to connect me with a rescue person in my area. (I live a good 2 hour's drive from Granite Bay). The local person responded immediately! The dog went straight to a vet. But, somehow, the powers that be, knew that this was the dog for me. So, I adopted Birdie Bear, BB, for short. She is my very first dog, ever. A total love. I shall be indebted to Sierra Pacific Great Pyrenees Club forever. Five months later, she is a totally different dog-- loving, gentle, patient, protective, and happy. Thank you so much! Photo in the yellow mustard is the day I found her.
We had met a Great Pyrenees many years ago. His name was Harvey. He was big, beautiful, had thick white fur and was sweet and gentle. From that day forward we said we would have a Great Pyr someday.
Seven years ago our daughter called to say there was going to be some Great Pyr puppies up for adoption from the Sierra Pacific Great Pyrenees Club that day. We drove to the pet store that was hosting the event. Well, the puppies were brothers and although SO adorable, we wanted a full grown dog. Pam Tobin invited us out to the rescue to see other dogs and it was there we fell immediately in love with Bently❤️
We had three small dogs at home and decided Bently needed a friend. So three months after bringing Bently home, we rescued Bailey❤️ They were best friends from the moment they met! They fill our home with so much love and they are so good with the little dogs, our grandchildren and everyone that comes to our home. We can’t imagine our lives without these beautiful, gentle giants. Bently at 120 and Bailey at 90lbs. If you are able and qualified to rescue a Great Pyrenees your lives will be full of love (and fur)!
I fell in love with the Great Pyrenees breed when a family member adopted one. I would only consider a rescue and found Pam and Jim and the Sierra Pacific Great Pyrenees group after doing an online search. In their care was Lilly, a sweet young Pyrenees who'd had a traumatic life and was learning how to be loved - and she was the one for me. I joined the rescue group and felt a part of something really good- what differences they are making in the lives of some wonderful dogs who need to be loved, brought back to good health and given their forever homes. Pam was there when I needed her most, when Lilly had a medical emergency and gave me the strength to do what we needed to do, which was let her go instead of seeing her suffer. I will always be indebted to Pam for letting me be a part of Lilly's short life, and keeping me as part of the rescue group, even after Lilly was gone. Love the group! Love Pam & Jim!
Pam and Jim Tobin are doing incredibly important work in helping these special animals. They walked us through what to expect and how to care for our new dog. They have been supportive and informative through the entire process. In following the work they do we have seen animals that have been abused, neglected, even left for dead, given loving care and an opportunity to heal and have a chance at a happy life. Our lives have been enriched by the adoption we made through their rescue. We can't imagine life now without our Murphy boy.
I cannot say enough good things about Pam and Jim Tobin and their stewardship of the Sierra Pacific Great Pyrenees Club. I have adopted two dogs from them, Lexi and Ty, and they have both been perfect matches for my home. Both of them had the medical care they needed before coming home. And, in spite of being poorly cared for in their past lives, they both have (had) kind and loving dispositions, which I attribute in great part to the care they received from Pam, Jim and their dedicated volunteers.
Pam Tobin and her husband are angels in earth suits when it comes to this unique and beautiful breed of dogs "Great Pyrenees"! Over many years I have adopted five dogs from the Sierra Pacific GP rescue. Each had their own story and I have no doubt that several would not have survived without the hard work and devotion of Pam and her fabulous volunteers. I will be forever grateful for uniting me with my four legged family.
Vicki Norris
Over our 56 years together Marie and I have been blessed to have had twelve dogs, usually at least two and at one point four at a time. Most of them were give-aways whose owners no longer wanted them. Living at 7000 feet elevation in the Eastern Sierras, they all were fairly large and hardy - Airedales, Labs, Huskies, a few Heinz 56's, a Golden and a Newfie. Our 11th was a Pyr whom we lost to cancer in 2016, leaving us without any dog for the first time.
We loved them all, but there was something extra-special about our Pyr. So, we searched the Petfinders website and found SPGPC. Pam responded to our application within a day. She had already viewed pictures of our fenced yard and the surrounding area which we provided and had spoken with our vet. So, we arranged to visit her the next day.
We drove to Granite Bay to meet Pam, her husband Jim and a volunteer Pat at their rescue site. Each dog had a separate air-conditioned indoor/outdoor space and they all came out barking to say hello. Pam introduced us to each dog and, while she and Jim sat on their back deck watching, Pam selected two of them for us to walk around their yard. But there was another one who attracted us because of his badger markings which we had never seen in a Pyr. So I then took Moose for a walk while my wife sat with Pam and Jim. When I returned to say that I'd like to take Moose, my wife had already told Pam that she wanted him for us.
Pam invited us into their home , reviewed the vet care Moose had received since being rescued, registered us as owners on the chip he had already implanted, and packed us off with his collar, leash, a good supply of wet and dry food, and some treats for our four-hour drive home. Moose sat behind us all the way with his big badger head right between us and we've been inseparable since.
At Pam's request we email her pictures of Moose and updates of his life with us. And she keeps us up-to-date on her rescue work. If I could only convince my wife to have a another Pyr, the three of us would be on our way back to Granite Bay to Pam and her husband the next day. God bless her and Jim and their great volunteers for the love and care they give to their rescues.
I am very impressed with the personal care that all the dogs are getting while they are waiting for their special owners. Many were so skinny when they came in covered with foxtails that you worried if they would make it or not, but under a capable hand and tons of love, they turn around with a shiny smile, a few more pounds under their belt and a grateful heart. The place makes them forget the rough past they went through. They show their longing for affection by leaning on you while you walk them, wag their tails when you come close, and hang around to seek your touching hands. SPGPC heals these once abandon giants with the magic of love and caring.
Since the start of the SPGPC, I've been involved, but limited in what I can do, because of distance, unfortunately. This Team is always holding their heads up high and understand that their goal is to save animals that, otherwise, would have no chance of survival, in excellent health or not.
I've seen the worst of animals cases come through SPGPC, and the next time I see the animal, they are very loving, healthy and appreciate all that has been done for them. I've been amazed at what has been accomplished, and I know it's always an uphill battle, but the Team never gives up.
The Love, Kind Spirits, Long Days, Intense Efforts and the Generosity of devoting their own lives to help these less fortunate animals is beyond anything I can say.
I have had several Rescue animals, through the Club, but one stands out... His name was Echo (known as The Dude). A big boy that was shot and left for dead, with no justification by the shooter. Echo was found and a call was made to SPGPC. Even though there was no hope for Echo, said the Sheriff that called SPGPC, he was still breathing and a beautiful Great Pyrenees male in bad shape.
SPGPC rushed Echo to Emergency and the SPGPC driver kept talking to him in transit. Her fear was losing him, unless he heard a cheerful voice to keep him conscious. The vet had his doubts, but jumped in and did what he could. After that, it was wait and see. Days later, he went to SPGPC and he was treated with the best of care, with bullets still lodged in his hip and spine. There were many hours devoted to him, which included constant physical therapy, by the Team, forced bowel movements, force urination, always keeping his area sanitized, sleeping with him at night, and the list goes on. It was a miracle that Echo pulled through, thanks to the SPGPC Team. He walked with a limp, given the bullets in his body, but he never complained of pain, and was the most wonderful, gentle boy that anyone could ever want.
The best part was that we adopted him into our family, with our two female Great Pyrenees. At that time, our younger Pyrenees, Lexi, fell in love with him and they were inseparable. That was Lexi's man and it showed!
Echo was with us about 6 years and we ended up losing him, quickly, one evening. He had internal issues that could not be resolve, so he had to Cross-over. If SPGPC would not have saved his life previously, we would have missed out on having the beautiful, furry blessing we had. He was loved by everyone and very independent. It was a short 6 years, but we remember him, daily.
After all of his initial torture, he was given a chance at a great life, with people that loved him and will always love him. The Dude was a very special and thankful boy.
I know of many more instances of SPGPC going above and beyond, but this one was special to me, because Echo ended up being our Big Dude!
The Sierra Pacific Great Pyrenees Club are all Angels in disguise and definitely need support to continue to save lives!
Michael S.
Echo's Story, Echo came into my life in Nov. 2004.This part of his story starts a couple of months earlier. He was shot several times and left for dead. Pam at rescue got a call, asked if rescue wanted him. Something told Pam to get him. With the help of her vet, they stabilized him and brought him to recue. His back legs were paralyzed, couldn't walk. For a cople of weeks Pam was right there, helping him outside when he had to go. One day, when it was that time he looked at her and said "I am going to do this myself" and did. He came into my life a month or so later. I had concerns about his health....he still had 3 bullets in him, but seemed well. I took him out for a walk and when I stopped he leaned up against me and looked up at me with those big brown eyes. An hour later he was heading home with me. Echo was a BIG Pyr. Size can be intimidating, but he was the sweetest gentle giant. One of my fondest memories is walking him in the park. Little kids would approach, ask if they could pet him. Soon there would be 6 or so kids petting him and almost climbing on him. He would look up at me, smiling and say "Its all good" We had six great years together. Many thanks and much appreciation to Pam and Jim Tobin and
Sierra Pacific Great Pyrenees
I adopted my Pyr Maya (formerly Dodie) from SPGPC a few years ago. She had heartworm and the organization, led by the wonderful Pam Tobin, saved her life and then actively worked to find her a good home. The organization has a lot of fun events throughout the year for members to participate in such as the Tiburon Boat Trip, Pyr-Ka-Boo Halloween Party and Grooming Clinic at Pet Food Express. I highly recommend adopting and donating to SPGPC. They are a fabulous organization that consistently goes above and beyond to rescue dogs in need.
Laura Fulda
Adopter and Donor
We never asked for a Great Pyrenees dog. Our first one adopted us at the Napa dog show while we were looking for a Bernese Mountain Dog (me) or a bloodhound (wife). Our first Pyr sat on my foot as her owner/breeder exclaimed "she doesn't usually do that with people You must be the one!" This returned-to-breeder was our first rescued Pyr, but she hooked us. After she passed, we found SPGPC and adopted Socrates. We found SPGPC to be an outstanding adoption club which vigorously rescued anything that looked, smelled or was rumored to be a Great Pyrenees anywhere in our region. Pam Tobin, the president and primary force , gave great advice on how to select our next family member and later provided a host of activities to keep us connected to the 'family'. When we next became empty nesters, it was only natural for us to go to Pam for advice. She offered Bear as an ideal hiker to join our avid hiking pack. Bear has turned out to be an ideal addition to the family, always filled with joy and sharing it with us. Thanks once again to Pam and SPGPC for being there!
We weren't even looking for a dog, when we stumbled upon this wonderful group of people with beautiful dogs. We instantly fell in love and 2 days later we adopted Winter. He has been the most amazing and sweet dog that we have ever owned. We will forever have a Great Pyrenees . This organization and the wonderful work they do for these sweet dogs is nothing but amazing! I recommend this group to everyone!
We found this great organization through petfinder in September 2013. We hade just lost our 12 year old Bernese Mountain Dog, and were heartbroken. Pam Tobin and her staff could not have been more sympathetic or compassionate to my family (and from what I witnessed to all the dogs under their care). We were lucky enough to adopt our Leopold from SPGPC , and we feel blessed every day; he is a true joy! In the last few years, I have reached out to Pam for advice on how to best take care of Leo, and she has always been responsive and helpful. Kudos to SPGPC for the great work that they do!
We have nothing but praise for what the SPGPC does in saving and rescuing incredible Great Pyrenees dogs. We adopted Misu over a year ago; she is the most beautiful, loving and graceful dog we have ever had. Since Misu had a troubled past, the SPGPC was very careful about placing her with the right home; a home with experienced dog owners who could give her the love and firm structure she needed to overcome her difficult past. She did have some issues when she first came to us, but she is now a very friendly, loving and well behaved dog. When we take her to the dog park with our other two dogs, she gets lots of attention from other dog owners because she is such a happy, friendly, and beautiful dog. Based on the information we received from the SPGPC on Misu's past, we think that Misu's story could have been a very sad one without the SPGPC's efforts.
Sierra Pacific Great Pyrenees Club does amazing work, rescuing dogs from neglect and abuse and nursing them back to health before putting them up for adoption. We looked for a long time to find the right dog for our family, and they helped us find the perfect pet. We are thankful every day for our dog and for this wonderful group!
My daughter was injured in the military and was medically retired. She came with me as I was checking out a dog for myself. Lili had been rescued along with her pups and had an amazing personality. Very gentle. She was led to my daughter in her wheelchair and seemed to understand that her leg needed protecting. She stood between my daughter and other people, not aggressively, just as a physical barrier. They immediately bonded. We couldn't take Lili right away, and the SPGPC did what I would hope all rescue groups do. They checked us out, we sent pictures of our yard, they called our vet who verified that we were good pet parents whose cats and dogs lived to ripe old ages, and the adoption took place. It has been very successful. Inseparable companions. Helped my daughter get out of the wheelchair and slowly getting more independent. She is now married and a new mom with Lili continuing in her support role. The other dog that I was checking out? He came home with us a month later after he had recovered from pneumonia in two lobes of his lungs. Bogey (Humphrey Bogart) had some unknown terrors in his past. We knew he had had a rough time when we adopted him. We received compassionate and helpful support to overcome his fears. He is now a happy dog and a great companion once he felt secure and loved, although he still hates pictures being taken. The adoptions took place about 6 years ago, but, the support continues. Bogey tore his ACL, then re-injured it post surgery. Pam provided me with useful info for his rehab, from ramps to rehab vets . He has just been released from rehab and is a great walking companion again. This is the first place we will check for another dog when the time comes. Both dogs were outstanding matches for us and I'm impressed with the dedication long after the initial adoption took place.
SPGPC takes excellent care of their rescues and spends lots of time interviewing potential adopters to make sure each dog goes to a suitable loving home. They genuinely care about each dog and has only their best interests at heart when placing in a forever home.
The work Pam Tobin does for this wonderful breed of dogs is like nothing I have ever seen. She does so much with so very little. The thousands of dogs that have been saved, over the years, by this amazing rescue blows my mind. Every penny raised goes directly to the dogs. She and her husband give not only of themselves, 24 hours a day, but have given the majority of their property in order to give these dogs the best chance at health, rehabilitation and adoption to the fur-ever families.
I lost the love of my life in 2010, we were together for 15 years, and he was my doggy soul mate. I began doing research on Great Pyr's and decided that this breed may be right for our family. We have a 4 year old ball "crazy" lab, and didn't want to introduce another "ball" doggy, plus we have a cabin in the Sierra's and I often hike on my own and wanted a large strong breed, but also one that was mellow and non-aggressive.
A month later, I filled out the adoption application and soon received a call from the rescue. I loved their first question for me, "How do you feel about dog hair in your house?" My answer, since my GSD/Chow mix passed away I'm just not getting enough of it in my diet.
We made the 3 hour drive up north to see the dogs as there was one bio on their website that I thought may fit with our family and I really didn't have any 1on1 experience with the breed so we wanted to interact with them and feel out the situation to see if it would really be a fit. We brought our lab with us, just in case! The Pyr I was interested in was already meeting a perspective family when we arrived and I knew looking at the big Pyr boy and the little boy the family had that he was not destined to be ours. Watching how gentle this giant was with the 4 year child melted my heart.
We met all the dogs they had on site, and just didn't make a connection. I found one of the volunteers and let her know that we would be leaving but I would be monitoring their website for new dogs to meet. She stopped me and said, but you haven't met Reno, he's across the street with the couple that walks him everyday. I gently told her that I had read Reno's bio, and because of his abusive background and shyness, he really wasn't a candidate for us. My soul mate doggy was an abuse case as well, but I didn't think at this stage in my life I could do that again. I was wrong. She knew or saw something in me that I apparently didn't or wasn't willing to at the time. We agreed to meet him and the nice couple from across the street brought him over.
All I can say, is always stay true to your heart. The minute I saw him, I KNEW he was the one. We spent a couple of hours together, took him for a walk with our Lab Oscar, who can be lease reactive (none of that happened) and I sat down with him, they gave me a brush and I knew he needed to come with us. That was 4 years ago next month.
They were totally informative about him and his past, which was really terrible. Great Pyr's are so intelligent it always amazes me. It took a LONG time for him to overcome his past, and there was a time about a year into our relationship that I really didn't think he would ever recover, and that was ok, sad but ok (two steps forward, one step back often times). He was ours and we were his forever home regardless. We loved and love him and just wanted him to feel safe and loved. He spent much of his time outside, by his own choice (as we have a doggy door open 24x7). We then decided to give him a job and got 3 chickens to raise. He loves his chickens and who would of thought that chickens would change everything! This big buy blossomed! He had a home, a job, and a Lab friend! Now I just wish we could get him off the bed sometimes! How do you get a Pyr off the bed? You WAIT! He pays it forward and is also a great foster brother to bottle fed kittens every year, being gentle and wonderful with them.
I can not imagine a day without this big lug of a fluffy, make me vacuum, sleep in the wet drool spot, wonderful and kind companion.
Sierra Pacific does great things for the animals and has a heart of gold in my eyes. They saw something very special in this guy, as I'm sure they do with all (they are ALL special) but this one is incredibly special to me and I wake up with a mouth full of hair every morning saying a thank you prayer for him in my life. I hike without worry, and when I was injured he never left my side during my recovery.
I love this rescue group...they are number one in my opinion. I have gotten several dogs from them and they have always been fabulous...nice, well cared for before I adopted them. If you are in their area check them out donate do whatever you can for this group. I don't live near them anymore or I would be there for them and for the dogs. I still donate money when i can.
My husband and I adopted our first Great Pyrenees from Sierra Pacific Great Pyrenees Rescue two years ago in April. We fell in love with our dog immediately but couldn't take him home right away because he had some health issues the rescue wanted taken care of BEFORE we could adopt him. In addition, we had to have our vet here in Reno, NV call the vet in CA to make sure his needs were met. We were not charged for any of the vet bills, we paid a reasonable adoption fee and got the BEST dog ever! Being a new Pyr parent, I called the SPGPR quite a few times with silly questions and they were always very helpful. I wish I had more land because I would get more Pyrs!!!
We just adopted our wonderful dog, Chevy, through Sierra Pacific Great Pyrenees Club. We loved the process- even though a lot of steps were necessary in order to adopt our newest fur family member, we know its only to ensure that their dogs are going to be well loved and taken care of once they leave the rescue. We were so moved by the passion that the staff/volunteers at the rescue have! They genuinely love each and every one of their rescues and have already proven to be a valuable resource and wealth of information when it comes to any questions we've had in had while helping our dog to settle in here at home. Their passion is so infectious that our teen boys have become adamant about volunteering at the rescue. Thank you SPGPC for drawing us into your family while at the same time helping to grow ours. We love you!
This organization takes in Great Pyrenees dogs and mixed GP dogs. These dogs come in from City and County kill shelters, owner turn-ins, abused, abandoned and/or unwanted animals find there way here. Each dog taken into the program is spayed/neutered, brought current on vaccines, tested for parasites/worms and heartworm disease. They are micro chipped and restored to health before being rehomed to pre-screened, pre-qualified families. A questionnaire must be filled out providing 3 references and home studies and contracts are done in the best interest of the dogs. New adoptees are given a free one year membership to the club and resources are provided through that membership, however, whether the membership is kept in force annually, this organization is a resource to the new owners for the life of the dog a most valuable component for success.