“There is something delicious about writing the first words of a story. You never quite know where they’ll take you.” ~ Beatrix Potter
Gardens for Goldens passed a small milestone this week; 1,000+ followers. When I began this blog two years ago this month I envisioned a simple journal of our efforts to create a place of peace for Homeward Bound’s extended family while hoping to inspire a love of rescue. Through the process of chronicling the garden, I have been blessed to be joined by all of you.
You’ve shared in watching the garden grow from vision to reality…
and in the delight of seeing dogs go home. Yesterday, it was Shaggy Bao – a Old English Sheepdog masquerading as a Golden. He came all the way from Taiwan with his amazing two-colored eyes to find his forever home.
Sometimes, we share in sorrow. This week, it was Sarge, who passed unexpectedly and quietly without a hint to us that it was time to say ‘goodbye.’
Despite the sometimes difficult times, there is a tremendous sense of joy and purpose in what is accomplished here. From seeing new arrivals like Amber,
Oliver
and Maggie coaxed into trust,
to creating a place of quiet and contemplation.
Another blogger I follow described a garden as a relationship…between a person and a bed of soil. For me, the Homeward Bound Memorial Garden and Gardens for Goldens has been about a relationship with all of you. And I am better for it.
“The highest reward for a person’s toil is not what they get for it, but what they become by it.” ~ John Ruskin
Thank you.
Gardens For Goldens 
well deserved!!
Ahh…thank you, Cindy. So glad you are along for the journey. 🙂
As usual, a beautifully written blog accompanied by such gorgeous pictures. I was so shocked and saddened to hear about Sarge. He was a great guy and not only did he love, but he was loved in return. His boisterous bark always reminded me of a seal and I will truly miss him . Rest in peace, Sarge.
We were all lucky to have known him, Judy. He will be much missed and well remembered.
Thanks to the garden I stop to smell the roses a little more often. And I wait each week for your writing which makes me smile (sometimes a little wistfully). And I too am a better person for it. Thank you my friend.
Then it serves its purpose well for someone who gives so much to the dogs – and all of us. Thank you my friend.
looking so beautiful
Thank you.
I look forward to all posts from you because they always make me feel good. Today’s was, to me, a little more special. Thank you.
🙂
Wow! My sister is famous. Sorry for the loss of Sarge. :(. Keep the great updates coming.
Hardly! But thanks.
1000 followers…wow! I always look forward to your posts – thoughtful and beautiful, and always good for the dogs.
Right back at you!
Why does this blog have 1000 followers? Simple – beautifully, heart endearing posts, handsome pups we all want to take home, gorgeous photos, and ‘volunteer’ gardeners who work their green thumbs to the bone. You should have that many followers because you do a great job of blogging – it is what we all aspire to but you have already achieved. 🙂
As do you! I always look forward to your adventures and envy your life of travels with Plus2!
Such a tribute to you and the gardeners and the dogs! It’s the thoughtfulness that’s so palpable in all your images, words, and accounts of the dogs that make your blog posts an event to look forward to each time. Thank you!!
Thank you, Liz!
Congratulations – this organization is a blessing to dogs and humans alike. Bless you all for the work you do.
Thank you, Mary…you’ve been with us for almost all of the journey! And I’m so glad. 🙂
I’ve loved every minute of it!
I am always pleased to see your blog pup in my posts as I know I’m in for a visual feast … thanks for brightening our days!
Thanks Carole!
I am so happy to be on this blog as of last week! The pictures are so beautiful whether it be of dogs, flowers or even humans!
Gina and I are heartbroken to hear about Sarge. He was a sweet puppy dog. Thank your for the JOY you put in 1,000 plus of us as we open our emails and find a new post!
Thanks Pat. Great to have you along now as well!
Audrey, congratulations on such a well-deserved following! As someone else said, what could be more wonderful than photos and stories of pups and flowers and the volunteers that make it all happen. You have a wonderful place here to share with the rest of us and every visit is a joy.
Thank you, Lynn – you were one of my early inspirations – and still are!
Thank you for the wonderful peaceful moments your blog has given me and so many others. Rest in peace dear Sarge – God Bless his little golden heart.
Well said. We will all miss him.
Your posts always bring a smile to my face — even with Sarge’s passing, just knowing he was loved at the end. Keep doing the good work.
Much loved. And well remembered by so many. Thanks Kat.
Such a beautiful and inspiring post. Good luck with all your wonderful endeavours.
Thank you!
Congratulations, and thank you for sharing your passion for gardening and Goldens (and the Golden-ish). You make the world a more lovely place.
And you! I hope things are going better with your blogging assistant! 🙂
Not surprising! It’s hard not to love you guys!
Right back at you!