Gardens For Goldens

When Someone You Love Becomes A Memory

July 4, 2018 by Ogee

When someone you love becomes a memory – The memory becomes a treasure. Last July 4th, a miracle named Buster was delivered to us. He stole everyone’s heart – but he claimed one as his own. He stayed longer than anyone expected… but it is never long enough. To his heartsick human mom he would say ‘remember me with the smile and laughter that filled my days with love.’ “He took my heart and ran with it, and I hope […]

Categories: Dog Loss, Dog Rescue, Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue • Tags: Buster

When You Just Say “Try”

July 1, 2018 by Ogee

Every single person that contributes to our mission of rescue is essential and valued. Still, there are some donors whose extraordinary gifts over the years have created an essential foundation for our work. Many had not been to the rescue in a decade or more; so much has changed. Since or founding, our facilities and our programs for the dogs have morphed from buckets and tubs and potty breaks to a fully functioning, more modern operation with enrichment programs to […]

Categories: Dog Rescue, Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue, Homeward Bound Memorial Garden • Tags: Big Dog Brunch, Donor Appreciation, Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue, Homeward Bound Memorial Garden Sacramento, Summer Flowers

The Lost World

June 10, 2018 by Ogee

The failing 40-year-old fence had to be taken down before it fell down. Shared with our 92-year-old neighbor of 20 years, it took some convincing, first – and then it took some major clearing. While our side was relatively clear of vegetation, her side had become a jungle of tangled, massive ivy that had swallowed what was once one of the most treasured and admired gardens in the neighborhood. I’m now sure exactly when her husband passed; I knew that […]

Categories: Gardening, Nature • Tags: #gardening, Lost Garden

Daisy’s Litter (My Excuse)

June 3, 2018 by Ogee

Apologies. I have been absent. Too many projects. One, a labor of love as you can guess. This little girl is still with me, hanging out with the big dogs and the big man for a few more days until her people are ready to pick her up. They’ll find a bundle of love already on her way to house-training and sleeping through the night. And what a personality! Her brothers and sisters arrived in March with their mom and […]

Categories: Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue

To My Wayward Gardeners

May 8, 2018 by Ogee

The roses and I thank you for your pruning assistance last winter… they are repaying the effort in their magnificence. Please feel free to stop by to help deadhead them soon. Miss you! 🙂

Categories: Gardening, Homeward Bound Memorial Garden, Nature Photography • Tags: Garden Photography, Homeward Bound Memorial Garden Sacramento, Rose Garden, Roses First Bloom

Knowing When To Surrender

May 6, 2018 by Ogee

The tree that I mentioned last week which was so concerning me – is gone. The arborist found root rot and no sap running through it. The property has a natural slope away from the barn which helps to keep the dogs drier in the winter, but it flows to the garden when we get big rains. With our clay soil, the water collects and stands in low spots – sometimes for a week at a time. The center of […]

Categories: Dog Rescue, Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue • Tags: dog rescue, Gardens Golden Retrievers, Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue, Surrender

Launching Pad

April 29, 2018 by Ogee

My author friend met through this blog, Stanley Horowitz, has just completed his new book. Titled “Can You Read the Tea Leaves of Autumn: The Poetic Wisdom of the Four Seasons,” he shared a copy with me. I’m not sure of his plans for it, but I hope he finds a way to publish it. The book is a continuation of the theme established in his now famous quote with his keen and poetic observations of each month of the […]

Categories: Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue, Homeward Bound Memorial Garden, Nature Photography • Tags: #gardening, dog rescue, Gardens Golden Retrievers, Homeward Bound Memorial Garden, Nature Photography, Spring Garden

Breaking Through Barriers

April 22, 2018 by Ogee

Grace and I have something in common. It’s called barrier frustration. My nemesis is the pushy tall Asters that have encroached upon their gentle neighbors. The thinning is endless. Grace’s issue is the barrier that keeps her from meeting other dogs on her terms. Whether it is a kennel door, fence, or sometimes, the leash – the reaction is the same. I know a little about this from my flying boy, Yogi. The first time I took him for a […]

Categories: Dog Rescue, Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue • Tags: dog rescue, Dog Training, Dogs barrier frustration, Dogs barrier reactivity, Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue

Second Chances: Look Back

April 15, 2018 by Ogee

Working on a special project, I have been looking back at some old photos (if you can call them that) dating back to when I first began volunteering at the rescue. They are pretty bad. I can’t believe I had the audacity to post them. Just goes to show: I’m still capable of growth and learning at my advanced age! Two volunteers, Chris and Steve, make repeated appearances as they were fixtures at the rescue at the time. I have […]

Categories: Dog Rescue, Golden Retreiver Rescue, Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue • Tags: dog rescue, Gardens Golden Retrievers, Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue, Second Chances