Hummingbirds are considered a symbol tirelessness, perseverance and joy.
The fact that one took up residence in our outdoor alcove was probably a good sign for this week which required the first two qualities in spades and ultimately led to the third.
When one of our previously adopted Reservoir Dogs got loose from his home, our team sprang into action and our community came together. With temperatures unseasonably warm and hovering around 100, there was no time to spare. The call went out through social media for help and our Homeward Bound volunteers answered in force. Social media is an amazing tool in the rescue toolbox, but when your pet first goes missing, there is just no substitute for old-fashioned boots on the ground. Volunteers searched from early light until very late at night, driving, walking and crawling through bushes in parks, cemeteries and alleys. And so it was – at 5:30 on a Saturday morning – that our beloved Michael (now Cooper) was spotted hiding in an alley by one of our volunteers. An hour of so later, he was safely home.
Tirelessness…perseverance…and joy.
There was joy for two other Reservoir Dogs this week – Joshua and Grandpa Buddy went home as well.
Only Hunter remains. It is just a matter of time and right fit for this special boy.
Back in the garden, we have a crisis of a different proportion to attend to: Spotted Cucumber Beetles have invaded.
With the surrounding rice fields flooded and the heat dispensing with the rest of the field weeds, they have come to the garden to dine and multiply.
I read that Tangle Trap in upside down paper cups with use of Oil of Cloves as lure can help reduce the population without insecticides (which would be harmful to our bees, butterflies and ladybugs). If you have any experience with this – please weigh in to rescue our beautiful garden before it is not!
To all of the volunteers who follow this blog and helped in the search…thank you. I’m so proud to be a part of this team.
“It is a fact that in the right formation, the lifting power of many wings can achieve twice the distance of any bird flying alone.” ~ Author Unknown
Gardens For Goldens 
What beautiful fotos and such a touching story! Your garden looks much like mine. Your hummer too!! So happy the ending was happy~
Thank you, Cindy! I imagine your garden is beautiful. We’re all a bit worried for them this year, though – aren’t we? Between fire and little water…July and August could be scorching!
Goodness, what an ordeal for the poor Cooper. He must have been so scared. Social Media sure does help when needed. I haven’t seen that beetle around here. Hopefully you find a solution because it would be a shame if they ate up your beautiful garden.
Another beautiful post Audrey! Truly uplifting and comforting after a rough past 4 days! I’ll take these nice thoughts and wonderful pictures off to sleep with me. Good Night!
Good night…and good morning!
Thank you for yet another beautiful and inspiring post Audrey! Overjoyed that Michael (now Cooper) is safe after his worrisome adventure away from home. Did you hear about Jordan? Another Reservoir Dog who went home to foster late on Saturday with the most wonderful family (also long time fosters) where he has two golden “brothers” (also HB alumni) and the most loving, nurturing home environment. We visited his new home Saturday evening where we found him settled in on a soft, cozy bed (he has many beds to choose from) along with several squeaky toys near by (one in his mouth, of course). Homeward Bound is a very special place indeed where the love and commitment for these precious dogs continues long after placement in their forever homes. 🙂
It is indeed, Amy. If you happen to get photos of Jordon, please pass them along for a planned update on the whole group. Thank you!
What a team you have there – awesome and another happy every after. 🙂 I’ve never seen the spotted cucumber beetle. I have tried tanglefoot before and it worked pretty well.
Thanks Judy…I hope to have dozens of bug lined sticky cups soon!
they are fast, I always love chasing birds.. to fast for me woof
Glad that Cooper is safely back at home!! It’s awesome how an entire community came together to find him! Your little rescue pack is dwindling, but that’s good. I’m sure you miss them, but just knowing they have families of their own must be so rewarding! Hunter will find his family soon, I’m sure!
Sorry, don’t know anything about those beetles.
We DO miss them…but love to see them home, and it makes annual Reunion Picnics that much sweeter!
What a beautiful post, so happy that homes have been found for several rescues – Hunter will be going home before too long. You guys are amazing, lucky Cooper! Gorgeous flowers, always love seeing your photographs. Our local rabbit took every bud ready to open on six beautiful plants – so not funny.
Those cute little fluff balls can wreck havoc in the garden. So glad we have so many guard dogs on hand!
So funny! Love seeing your posts!
What a wonderful post. So happy “Cooper” was found and is ok. I’m sure Hunter will find his home soon. What wonderful, caring people your volunteers are, Wish I lived near so I could help out. Must be a great group to be part of. Beautiful pictures of your gardens.
Thanks, Carol. It is a special place…and very special group of people. 🙂
The first picture of the humingbird is amazing! How lucky are you guys to have such sweet goldens to help out (not to mention how lucky they are! 🙂
Thank you! 🙂