You might recall from the Hunter’s Beauty post a couple of weeks ago, a dog that arrived at Homeward Bound understandably scared, a little distrustful, and very uncertain about his new surroundings.
I made the mistake of asking him to sit for a photo, not knowing that it had taken Rob, one of the trainers, forever to coax him out for a walk. He sat; then he laid down; and he refused to move.
Maybe it was the only control he felt he could exert in this situation that had been thrust upon him. Maybe he was just sad.
Rob waited. And waited. And waited some more. He waited until Hunter decided it was OK to get up. Then he waited while Hunter decided it was OK to continue the walk.
His patience with Hunter was about building trust. And in just a couple of short weeks, it has paid off ten fold.
When we saw Hunter this weekend, he was a changed dog. Happy, attentive, and definitely not sitting still!
He wanted to be anywhere that Rob wanted to be, and he didn’t mind at all if we wanted to offer pets!
This is the magic that the dedicated Homeward Bound team works with the Goldens who are lucky enough to make it here. And yet, it is not really magic at all. It’s about respect, bonding, tender loving care, and a promise of a better future. That’s magic that you could offer too.
Rescue. Adopt. Foster. There are a whole bunch of Hunters out there desperate for a second chance.
Gardens For Goldens 
Grady wants Hunter to know that life gets better, and already has for both of them.
Hunter says “woof!” to that 🙂 I bet they would be best dog-pals!
I love what you do. Great work.
And I love how you love Pumpkin. 🙂 She’s a lucky girl.
It is just so hard to imagine a Golden in distress. Breaks my heart actually. I would love them all back to who they are supposed to be….gentle, trusting, all loving. And YOU do that, and are heroes in my book.
It’s amazing to be in their company…the dogs and the volunteers. Fills me with joy. We are all transformed.
No doubt. It would impact me in significant ways.
Wonderful work being done.
Thanks, Tom. It’s a pretty amazing group of folks and pups. I’m so happy to be in their company and share their good work 🙂
I couldn’t believe the transformation of Hunter in just that short span of time. I’m so glad I was there to see the new happy Hunter when he came by. The Willow garden is still a hit with the dog walkers.
🙂
That is wonderful news indeed! Thanks to the kindness and patience of the volunteers, these dogs are so loved, and they learn to have hope for a brighter future. Wish I could adopt them all! What a happy home that would be!
Two or three would be plenty, Patti! If you need help searching for some, I know just the place 🙂
Such a difference! More tears, but happy ones. Big hugs and lots of tummy rubs for Hunter, and here’s to him finding his forever home soon.
I will happily post that update…hopefully soon!
Hugs to Hunter.Wonderful work.These dogs are so trusting and loving.Woof!Hoping Hunter finds his forever home soon.
Thanks! We’ll keep you all posted!