When our Jackson picked Yogi out for adoption last fall, I sometimes thought our Bella had been reincarnated in him.
The way he cuddles, paws you for pets, refuses to be ignored, hogs the bed, and enjoys gardening with me were wonderfully familiar. But he was definitely his own dog and a bit of a project one at that. On our first few walks, I wondered what I had gotten myself into when he reacted very negatively to select dogs passing by. I’m not kidding. Four paws came off the ground with ferocious barking. It wasn’t aggression. It was insecurity. When he wasn’t doing that – he was hugging my leg for dear life.
Bella was not great with other dogs. As long as we kept our distance, she was OK, but bringing a dog into the house was too much for her. Which meant that fostering – of all but little puppies – was out of the question.
I began working with Yogi immediately. Working on positive association (“look Yogi, nice dog!” / sit / treat) and gradually introducing him to friendly neighbor dogs. When friends came by with dogs unannounced and marched into the house to tail-wagging welcomes, I knew we had made progress. When Rush stayed with us, and Yogi welcomed him so warmly, I knew the progress was good.
Last Sunday night, when concerns at the Oroville Dam about an hour away forced the evacuation of surrounding communities, we made a decision to move the rescue’s friendliest dogs to foster and prepared to evacuate the rest if the call came. So, when my husband and I loaded two five-month-old puppies and two 11-year old Goldens into the car, I admit to saying a little prayer that Yogi would be a good boy. And what a good boy he was.
I knew the puppies would not be a concern; he loved them instantly.
While Jackson just rolled his eyes and moved to the back room, Yogi wanted to jump into their little area and start the play!
Then my husband unloaded Felix and Max, one at a time. Jackson had met them before. In fact, I thought they would be candidates for adoption when we lost Bella. But Jackson was the odd boy out in that threesome, and he selected our young hellion instead. We did introductions on leash in the front yard with Jackson present. Neutral territory. Tails were up, butts were sniffed, and then everyone moved into the house with excitement, but ease.
I kept the big boys separated at first. But after a day, they all decided: enough of that.
And for the rest of the time that Felix and Max stayed with us, everyone was together. Have you ever tried to sleep with four snoring dogs?
Meanwhile, the puppies needed exhausting: Yogi to the rescue!
I’m so proud of this boy. Somewhere along the way, my insecure wildebeest became the kind of dog that would roll out the welcome mat to a dog in need.
We have another big storm bearing down on us and our water-logged levees.
Our emergency plan is tested and ready.
And my houseful of boys has been a lot of work – but an absolute delight.
Gardens For Goldens 
Look at those smiling faces! Way too cute! ❤
Gorgeous!
One of your best, Audrey! Great story and images.
Eric
Thank you, Eric!
What a wonderful story with a happy ending. And the photos are beautiful! Such happy doggy faces, tails wagging in true collective friendship.
ADORABLE!!!! ❤❤❤
And how is the yard looking with the dogs running around? Can’t imagine how many times you have cleaned their paws before coming in the house. Great Story.
Puppies get side yard. I’ll clean in spring. 🙂
I have resorted to putting hay on my grass in Davis. Lawn is shot! So much mud.
A wonderful story, they always seem to understand when we are lending a helping hand ☺
I bet Felix and Max were sad to go back to HB after their luxury accommodations!
Felix and Max are adopted. They were just staying at HB while their humans were away…something we offer to alums when needed.
What a wonderful service to offer.
Wonderful, wonderful story. Hope you don’t need to evacuate again. Droughts and flooding rains – you could be over here in Australia!! Joy
You and me both! Hate to complain about much-needed water…but oh my!
What an open house and warm heart you have. My hat is off to you. 🙂
And my hat is off to the welcoming Yogi and Jackson!
Those faces!!!! So wonderful!! ❤️❤️❤️
This is great post and amazing photographs, lovey dogs. Fascinated me. Thank you, Love, nia
Thank you, Nia!
Special times
That is soooo great!! I love that the dogs and puppies are all getting along so well!
I didn’t realize you and HBGRR are so close to the Oroville dam. Be careful out there! The real -vs. fake – news being reported here in the southeast about the situation is quite worrisome.
It has been quite worrisome. The dam appears to be shored up (fingers crossed), but these “atmospheric rivers’ are pounding an already drenched landscape and putting serious pressure on our levees.
PS. I’m with “ericpa3” – one of your best stories and wonderful images!
Thank you!
I love all those happy faces! Great work. I hadn’t realized that the rescue might be in the path of flooding. San Jose Animal Care has been sheltering several dogs since the flooding here in San Jose. Poor babies. I hope we all dry out soon.
We prayed for water…boy, did we get it! I hope things improve soon in San Jose.
Thank you. I did some park cleanup today, and have been amazed at the herculean efforts involved.The City and numerous volunteers continue to show up for clean up days.