Our Founder and Executive Director
Copland LaBerge, Founder & Executive Director
Copland loves all small animals - but especially hamsters! He founded GHR in the hopes that all hamsters would find loving homes. Copland is passionate about educating potential hamster-parents about proper hamster care including enclosures, wheels, sand baths, enrichments, and nutrition. He has presented his recommendations on hamster care at schools and completed an in-depth study of hamster behavior. Copland attends Temple Grandin School in Boulder, Colorado - a school dedicated to helping autistic and neurodiverse students recognize and realize their potential.
GHR Volunteers
Ravel LaBerge, Director of Communications, and Board Member
Ravel is a Freshman at Jefferson Academy and has volunteered significant time to help GHR launch and grow. She has received numerous academic awards and is a Sources of Strength peer leader who leverages her personal leadership qualities, as well as her social influence, to lead culture change campaigns to impact and reduce teen suicide. She is committed to seeing GHR succeed and is a lover of all animals.
Our Hamster Team!
George
George is one of Copland’s personal hamsters and he is actually registered as an official autism assistance animal! George provides lots of GHR support by sleeping, eating, and giving lots of love!
Poppy
Poppy is such a sweet little boy! Poppy was one of 7 babies that arrived at GHR. He was about half the size of his siblings, and he immediately snagged Copland’s heartstrings! He joins the GHR team and brings so much adorable cuteness we can’t stand it!
Bonnie
Bonnie was brought to us by our amazing volunteer in northern-Colorado. This sweet little girl has a neurological issue and is unable to use her wheel. She spins in place and is terrified of being held. We’ve worked with our vet to get her all the medical help available, but we’ve also realized that this is just who she is and she is happy in her own way. We’ve made a home for her at GHR and a permanent place in our hearts.
In Memoriam
Chloe (2020-2023)
Chloe was Copland’s personal hamster and helped to spread the word about proper hamster care as well as the importance of the human-animal bond. She traveled with Copland for emotional support and has been from coast to coast! Chloe was also featured in the news and loved the camera! Click here to see her on camera
“ There is not a day that goes by that I do not miss her greatly, and there is not a day that goes by that I am not deeply honored and proud to have been a part of her life and to have been her dad.” - Copland LaBerge, Executive Director
Thor (2020-2023)
GHR received Thor at the beginning of November 2022. Unfortunately, Thor developed a skin infection and needed to be on full-time antibiotics. He ran happily on his wheel and munched on his favorite treats, until his time came. Thor will always be remembered in our hearts as a fun, playful, sweet, loving hamster. He was such a good boy. We love you, Thor!
Lucy (2021-2023)
GHR received little Lucy in August 2023 and it was wonderful getting to know her. She ran more than any hamster we have ever seen, and she absolutely loved her wheel! There were times when she would even fall asleep on her wheel and then when she woke up, she would start running again. We love you and will really miss you, Lucy, and we hope that you are running somewhere peaceful now.
Little Friend (2022-2024)
Little Friend had an incredible story. While walking her dog in a park in Denver, a woman noticed an abandoned hamster trying to burrow by a tree. She immediately scooped him up and tried to find his owner, but no one claimed him. She brought him to GHR and we fell in love with him. Unfortunately, it quickly became apparent that Little Friend had cancer. GHR cared for him right to the very end and we helped him have a wonderful last few months of his life. We will miss you Little Friend and are so glad that we got to you know you - even for just a short while.
Bucket (2022-2024)
Bucket was Copland’s personal hamster and supported Copland through thick and thin. He traveled with Copland to California twice and was always available for a snuggle. He will be dearly missed.
“Thank you Bucket. Thank you for the time we shared. Thank you for your cuddles. Thank you for your compassion. Thank you for giving me the privilege and honor of being your dad. The time we had, I will always hold dear. You brightened my day by attacking your broccoli. Your constant need for belly rubs was so precious. I love you with all of my heart, you will always be my little fluff ball.” -Copland
Kora (2020-2022)
Kora was surrendered to GHR in May of 2022. GHR was able to improve her living conditions as well as address some health concerns. Unfortunately, despite these improvements, Kora’s health deteriorated and Kora passed over the rainbow bridge in late July. We will miss her and we will always remember the lasting impact she has had on all of us here at GHR!
Belle (2020-2022)
Belle was surrendered to GHR in August of 2022. GHR was able to improve her living conditions and outfit her with her most favorite activity - her green wheel! Unfortunately, Belle developed Cushing’s disease and she passed over the rainbow bridge at the end of December. We will miss her, and we are so grateful we got to know her so well at GHR!
Frijolito (2021-2023)
GHR received Frijolito in November 2023. Unfortunately, Frijolito developed a tumor shortly after arriving at GHR and his quality of life went downhill quickly. He was such a sweet and loving guy and we were privileged to have had the opportunity to be with him at the end. We love you, Frijolito.
Tina (2023-2024)
Tina was one of the five hamsters we lovingly referred to as the “Bob’s Burgers Group” that arrived at GHR after being dropped at a reptile store. She was so sweet and she surprised us by giving birth about 10 days after arriving at GHR. Tragically, Tina died about a week after having her babies and we held her as she took her last breath. Several of her sweet pups have survived and Louise has incredibly become a foster mom to them! We will miss you so much Tina and we promise to look after your babies.
GHR Board of Directors
Jacob Crumbine
Jake Crumbine is the Head of Global Influence at Impossible Foods, where he leads the Influence Team which oversees VIP/celebrity relations, influencer engagement, and the loyalty program. Jake is an animal enthusiast and marketing and branding expert.
Christine LaBerge
Christine is a civil engineer with the USDA Forest Service and a private business consultant helping companies manage change within their organizations. Christine has also served on numerous for-profit and non-profit boards and adores all animals.
Travis LaBerge
Travis is the Founder and Executive Director of Parlando School of Musical Arts in Boulder, Colorado. He is an expert at non-profit management and fundraising as well as non-profit governance. Travis is an animal lover and philanthropist in the community.
Albert Galli
Albert is a retired music educator and full-time professional jazz clarinetist and vocalist. Albert has helped launch non-profit music organizations and enjoys volunteering to help young people reach their goals. Albert loves to walk his dog, Sarah, at the dog park.
Wendy Ferdinand
Wendy is the owner and principal consultant at Weston College Prep in Weston, CT. An avid animal lover, she is an expert in college admissions and is passionate about writing and communication.
Olivia Ferdinand
Olivia is an associate consultant at Bain and Company, a global management consulting firm. She has extensive experience working with non-profits and is excited to help GHR with its corporate fundraising strategy.