There’s one major drawback to an all-volunteer organization: when you want to have a Volunteer Appreciation Picnic, everyone has to work harder so we can appreciate ourselves.
The annual event was held Sunday at Homeward Bound, which meant days of primping, weeding, cooking, and fussing to make the rescue look perfect and create a Thanksgiving-worthy feast. It was also the official Memorial Garden Dedication,
and the garden was dressed for the occasion.
Gina and Sarah did the flower arranging (with Hank’s help);
a bouquet for each table from each bed of the garden (some out-of-season Tulip and Iris representatives did sneak their way in).
The pups played nicely in the large park under the watchful eye of Pack Leader Laurie and a few other volunteers while their humans enjoyed a feast and some music.
In the garden, some critters were doing a little feasting of their own. These red and black beetles on the milkweed multiplied ten-fold while I was on vacation so they were dispensed with,
and Maria angered the wasps by spraying their very large nest at exactly the wrong time of day. They sought refuge at the base of St. Francis’ skirt, climbing over their poor comrades’ fallen bodies.
The lizard and crawdad were allowed to stay, however – much to Lilly’s delight!
Despite unseasonably warm temps, it was a wonderful day and a great way to show our appreciation for each other. Canines and humans alike.
Gardens For Goldens 
Your pictures are always breathtaking and beautiful but I think there are some here of the garden and critters that are exceptional. The colors are so vibrant and you really captured the essence of the garden. You do an amazing job, I so appreciate all that you do for us and the Goldens. Thank you.
Right back at you, Judy! Thank you.
What else was significant about that day?
Star Trek premiered on NBC: 1966
How nice that it fell on your birthday!
Yes, it was a wonderful event enjoyed by all.
What a wonderful group of volunteers you and the pups have and your event sounds like a blast. 🙂
Truly…on all counts!
Congratulations on a beautiful event and on the official dedication of the Homeward Bound Memorial Garden. A huge thank you to every single Homeward Bound volunteer for the loving work that each and every one of you does. I think that I speak for all Golden Retrievers when I say big sloppy licks to all of you. 🙂
Message received…daily! Thank you. 🙂
What an absolutely awesome display of flowers; critters and pups as well – oh – and lovely volunteers!
Thank you all!!!
Missed you!
Thank you for sharing such great photos – the beautiful flowers, gardens, goldens and little critters. Joy
Thanks for visiting with us. 🙂
Your gardens are gorgeous!
We have a tad bit more water than you!
Hard to say what was lovelier, the gardens or the dogs!
It was a truly great day!