Sunshine State Labrador Rescue was formed in August of 2025 by a group of volunteers with over 200 combined years of experience in animal rescue including governing rescue organizations; creating partnerships with veterinarians, pet businesses, and animal shelters; recruiting foster families, volunteers and donors; and of course, rescuing Labrador Retrievers.

Our Mission

We are dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating Labrador Retrievers and Labrador Retriever mixes in need and matching them with loving forever families in the Sunshine State.

Our Values

  • Care – Provide the best medical care and training to Labradors in need.

  • Respect – Treat individuals with kindness and courtesy and all opinions are valued.

  • Collaboration – Work with volunteers, veterinarians, partners and donors and promote positive relationships.

  • Integrity – Adhere to high ethical standards and honesty.

  • Compassion – Provide an empathetic approach to Labradors and those caring for them.

Our Regions

Sunshine State Labrador Rescue operates through five distinct regions across Florida and one Flex region.  Each region is overseen by a Regional Manager that is  responsible for the day-to-day operations in their areas, including dog intake, adoptions, volunteer coordination, and medical care.

Our Officers

President

Cindy Conway

Cindy is an experienced Software Engineering Director with more than 30 years of experience in application software development and over 15 years experience in team leadership.  She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from the University of South Florida and has been an active volunteer in dog rescue since 2009. Cindy currently shares her home with one Labrador.

Vice President

Sooz Wooley

Sooz has been devoted to animal rescue for most of her life. Her passion began as a child, bringing home stray dogs, cats, and even a raccoon. Over time, that love only grew stronger. She discovered her special connection with Labradors in 1984 when she and Dean welcomed their very first Lab into the family. Today, she’s thrilled to be part of this wonderful new rescue; where it’s all about the dogs.

Secretary

Mary Groezinger

Mary Groezinger has been rescuing dogs, especially Labradors, for over 15 years. She began walking dogs at her local shelter, then fostered more than 100, transported many, and helped at fundraising events. For over a decade, she also answered the help desk for a Labrador rescue group. Today, Mary and her husband, Bob, share their home with four dogs they helped rehabilitate.

Treasurer

Suzanne Inzina

Suzanne has over 20 years experience in accounting and finance. In addition to being a rescue volunteer since 2013, she served as an appointed Consumer Member of the Florida Board of Veterinary Medicine for nearly 10 years.

Committee Chairs

  • Fundraising – Lisa Turk (Director)

  • Marketing and Communications – Open Position

  • Volunteer Development – Cara Vietri (Director)

  • Operations – Pat Bayers (Director)

  • Risk – Cheryl Stine (Interim)

  • Finance – Suzanne Inzina (Officer)

Consultants

  • CFO – Kim Bernert

  • Legal Counsel – Tracy Ramirez
  • Veterinary Consultant – Dr. Pat Campbell
  • Veterinary Consultant – Dr. Allison O’Kell