After last weekend’s deluge, it was good to be back in the Homeward Bound Memorial Garden, focusing on clean-up. Lawns were mowed, leaves were raked, and spent blossoms were removed. It seems that more than a few of our favorites haven’t figured out that it is December. Many of the roses are still pushing out blooms,
The Blue Geranium that struggled all summer in the heat has made an appearance,
The Daylilies are still gracing us.
And Maria’s Sunflowers? Well, don’t tell them or their Bee friends that it is winter.
The day was so beautiful, Maria took advantage of the warmth and finished planting the newly reconfigured St. Francis garden with Gardenias, Lavender, Thyme, and more.
She was a little distracted – in the best way – as she spent time getting acquainted with Champ, who will, hopefully, go home with her next weekend as her second, permanent foster.
Homeward Bound rescues Goldens and Golden mixes no matter what their age or medical condition. Some, like Champ (who has cancer), have medical issues that make them unable to be adopted. Special people, like Maria, take them as permanent fosters.
Homeward Bound covers their medical expenses, while fostering families or individuals donate their homes and hearts, knowing that in many instances, their time together may be short.
This week, Champ will meet Maria’s other permanent foster, Beau. If it is a match, their family will grow. Many other times, medical needs can be addressed, clearing the way for a long, healthy life. This is Lincoln – who arrived before Thanksgiving, with a broken leg and ribs, having been hit by a car.
Surgery put him on the road to recovery, and when he is ready, to adoption as well.
The sun was not the only thing shining down on us after such fierce storms. Good fortune recently graced many of the pups you’ve seen here as they found their forever homes, including Gracie…
Mama Bear…
Chiquito…
And little Scout.
Proving once again – more than flowers blossom at Homeward Bound.
Gardens For Goldens 
What glorious photos! Hard to believe that geraniums and daisies are blooming…we just received our first snow yesterday, which is also glorious, in my book, but it’s nice to see sunshine, warmth and flowers…joy to Champ, Maria and Beau; continued healing and a home to Lincoln and hooray for the others who’ve found forever homes. St. Francis’ spirit really blesses Homeward Bound. 🙂
Thank you, Catherine! Enjoy (and keep!) your snow 🙂
Loved the sunflower!
Amazing, aren’t they?? Thank you!
In this season of giving, I think Maria is showing us how it is done. And, from someone who hasn’t seen a flower in a long time, I loved the pictures.
Maria, and countless other “fosterers” (is that a word?) who have opened their homes to dogs in need. Thank you, Judy!
Wonderful post! How wonderful that so many dogs have found great homes. I’m amazed your flowers are still blooming like that. What an amazing time in so many ways.
Funny how both keep reappearing…flowers – and dogs in need of homes!! 🙂
This is a wonderful blog, with great images!
Eric Schuman
“Photos with Santa”
Thanks Eric…and thanks for all the wonderful photos with Santa!
So happy to see the sun shining on your beautiful garden. The brightest light, though, is Maria. What a special human!
She would be upset if I didn’t mention that we are (thankfully) blessed with many more like her. It takes a special heart to foster those whose time may be short.
Maria, I’m so happy to see your new pup – how wonderful, you are a pearl!
Wonderful photos, you can tell how loved both the roses and puppies are– everything flourishes under such love!
Ahh…thank you. It really is amazing to see both blossom. Thanks for visiting 🙂