The people behind GHR
Gretta's Hamster Rescue was built by a small, devoted team between 2021 and 2026. Here's who made it happen.
The wonderful staff and volunteers at the Humane Society of Boulder Valley have continued the incredible hamster care started at GHR.
Copland LaBerge, Founder
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 graduated from Temple Grandin School in Boulder, Colorado - a school dedicated to helping autistic and neurodiverse students recognize and realize their potential. He now attends Purdue University.
Meet the Team
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Ashlyn - Hamster Manager & Caretaker
Ashlyn served as GHR’s Hamster Manager & Caretaker. She has always had a passion for animals, and at the time she was a student at Standley Lake High School working toward becoming a veterinarian. She learned a lot from Copland about hamster care while helping look after the hamsters at GHR. Outside of GHR, she was a State Officer and a chapter vice president for FCCLA, a competitive figure skater, and a vice president for Jr. Board.
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Julianne - Website & Social Media Manager
Julianne served as GHR’s Website & Social Media Manager. At the time, she was a freshman at the University of Colorado Boulder studying Biomedical Engineering. In high school, she was part of her Student Senate, where she helped plan events, fundraise, and make an impact on her school and community. A longtime friend of the GHR family, she was dedicated to helping every hamster find their family and forever home.
GHR Volunteers
Ravel LaBerge, Director of Communications, and Board Member
Ravel served as GHR’s Director of Communications and as a Board Member. She dedicated lots of her time and energy to helping with GHR adoptions, hamster care, and more, and she was incredibly dedicated to everything she set her mind on, including helping at GHR. During her time with GHR, she was also secretary of her school’s National Honor Society, an Assistant Editor-in-Chief on the yearbook staff, a member of the varsity volleyball team, and a runner on the track team. Ravel is now a senior at Jefferson Academy High School, and she loves hiking and spending time outdoors.
In Memoriam
Poppy (2023-2025)
Poppy was one of 7 babies that arrived at GHR, and from the very beginning he stood out. He was about half the size of his siblings, but his tiny size only made him more lovable. He immediately snagged Copland's heartstrings and joined the GHR team, where he spent his entire life bringing so much adorable cuteness we could barely stand it. Poppy passed away peacefully from old age, and we are so grateful for every moment we had with this sweet little boy.
"Thank you, Poppy. From the moment I saw you, the smallest of your siblings, I knew you were special. You were tiny but your personality was enormous. Thank you for choosing me. Thank you for all the joy you brought to our GHR family. You will always be my little guy and I will carry you in my heart forever." —Copland
George (2023-2025)
George was one of Copland's personal hamsters and a truly special member of the GHR team. George was registered as an official autism assistance animal and provided comfort and companionship in ways that went far beyond what most people expect from a hamster. He supported GHR by sleeping, eating, and giving lots of love. George lived at GHR his entire life and passed away peacefully from old age. He will be deeply missed.
"Thank you, George. You were more than a hamster to me. You were my comfort, my companion, and my calm. You helped me in ways I can never fully explain, and I am so grateful that you were mine. Thank you for your patience, your warmth, and your love. I miss you so much, but I know you are resting peacefully now." —Copland
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
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.
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.
Chandler (2023-2025)
Copland was thrilled when sweet Chandler joined our GHR team. Chandler was initially adopted by a family but was returned to GHR when the family found that they could no longer take care of him and give him the attention he deserved. Chandler was such a ball of fluff and was so snuggly!