A lot can happen here in a week. The roses can come into bloom,
Bees can find heaven in lavender again,
Grape leaves sprout from dormant canes,
And dogwoods –
and dogs – can blossom.
Desta was a stray found gorging on cat food left outdoors. A Good Samaritan captured and brought the clearly emaciated “puppy” to Homeward Bound’s vet. The “puppy” turned out to be a one-year-old, growth-stunted Golden who had clearly had an encounter with something unfriendly – most likely of the moving vehicle type.
Her skull is concave in spots as a result, and her limbs were pencil thin when found. Her tummy was engorged – the result of eating all that cat food. The tasty treats can wreak havoc on even a healthy dog. Desta required immediate care.
There’s no way to know how long she was out there on her own, but it had to be a while. Our Doc fixed her up and called us. She arrived last weekend, weak and terrified.
We bathed her and began loving on her, but had to carry her to the garden. She was too terrified to walk on a leash.
We put her within eyeshot of Cooper, an 11-month old that had been surrendered to a shelter for exhibiting some of the fears you usually see in feral dogs. He too could be a runner.
As it turns out, they were each others’ best medicine.
Alone, they were frightened little pups that would probably bolt at the first opportunity. Together, they could be brave.
We let them play together in the sunshine until they both collapse from exhaustion.
Part of that play includes socializing them to humans and just look at the progress in just a few days!
A lot can happen in a week.
Gardens For Goldens 
Desta feels seen, known, and heard, by Cooper, by Tatia, and by you all: what a wonderful week for Desta!
I’m sure glad that Good Samaritan brought Desta to HB’s vet!! And happy too that she and Cooper can be brave together! Bless their sweet little puppy-dog hearts!! You gals and guys are earth Angels!!
Another sad/happy story! Desta is a beautiful dog! Thanks to all for taking care of her so well. You can tell Tatia is in her element when she’s at HB – the joy on her face when she’s with the dogs just lights up the room (or the garden, or the great outdoors). Bless her heart! ❤
Fantastic progress… 👍 Thx for sharing that story and keep up the good work you do…
Desta is teeny…poor thing! I’m glad she found her way to all of you, two-legged and four-legged. Best medicine.
You people are miracle workers. Thank you, thank you for all the light, love, and beauty you offer the world. It sustains my heart and does more good than anyone could measure.
So happy Desta found her way to you, and that she and Cooper have found a friend in each other. ❤ ❤
Love seeing the transformation, and especially love that big smile.
God Bless them both, and God Bless you for saving them!!
Some people have clouds over their heads, but you guys have halos shining bright. Those pups are lucky to have found so many caring folks. 🙂
Awww, love to hear the happy endings. So grateful for people like you guys 🙂
Thank you! We’re so grateful for the support of many who make it possible to be here for the dogs!