Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.” ~ Robert Louis Stevenson
It has been a year since you left us. Your presence is felt as strongly today as it was then. Only now we can speak of you with a smile instead of tears.
Recently, friends and volunteers gathered to dedicate the chapel you coveted – built by your siblings – housing the ashes of dogs returned to Homeward Bound. Among them, Chelsea’s ashes – the Golden girl that inspired your vision for this very special place on earth.
We learned that you wanted the chapel placed by the pond you enjoyed in solitude as the sun set and you closed out your days of toil – physical and emotional. Your spirit is strong there. You would be so pleased with the result.
One of our guests lamented so many new faces, feeling out of place. Another noted that as a good thing. I agree. It means that we are strong and welcoming a new generation of people devoted to your vision of rescue, rehabilitation, home, and sanctuary. But we need old friends as well as new to provide perspective and context. The blood, sweat and tears that went into making this vision a reality should always be shared and remembered lest it be taken for granted.
One guest walked the property remembering the bare ground of 20 years past – recounting your vision: “Here we will house the dogs, here, a vet clinic; here, a swimming pool for rehabilitation; here, a pond; here, grassy yards to run and play; here, a place to gather and train; here, a place for puppies to grow strong; here – a memorial garden.” They strained to see it and remembered playing along – pretending to believe. And yet – here it is. All of it.
Time does not stand still, and neither have we. The dogs require it. It has not been easy, but you took care to plant good seeds. They have grown strong and taken root. Things are different. But you would be proud. We persevered. The dream lives on.
“The sap of another generation
fingering through a broken tree
to push fresh branches
towards a further light,
a different identity.” ~John Montague
In loving memory or Jody Jones.
Gardens For Goldens 
Beautiful Audrey! But this did make me shed some tears!
Beautiful Audrey! But this did make me shed some tears!
Thank you Audrey. I also remember that vision some twenty years ago. Tears…. But tears of promises made and promises kept.
Such a lovely heartfelt post, and the photos are beautiful. The chapel by the pond is so inspiring.
Thank you for your beautiful work. The daily posts have given me a lift every time. Thank you for letting your light shine!
A beautiful and moving tribute to an incredible woman and her mission. I so wanted to be there, Audrey, but my health wouldn’t permit it. I’ve been yearning to join in with the HB community to remember and celebrate Jody, who had a profound impact on my life and so many others. This post helped me feel a part of the experience. Thank you. 🙏
You are always a part of us, Selim. Whether with us physically or in spirit.
Such lovely and heartfelt words and pictures – thank you Audrey!!
Beautiful words for a beautiful woman with an amazing dream!! ❤
Bless you all! I wish I’d had the opportunity to know Jody, who was certainly a special woman. Her legacy is huge. So beautiful.
You have a wonderful way with words. You seem to be able to capture and describe the spirit of people and dogs with so little effort.
In our wildest dreams, we would hope to leave a legacy like Jody’s. Amazing anniversary story. Congrats to everyone who keeps her dreams alive.
Oh my goodness, what a beautiful tribute to a very special lady! I never met any of you, but through your posts, I feel as though we’ve been friends for many years.
These memories shared had me recalling some of my own from 20 yrs ago. At Jody’s request, Dick B and I dug the holes and planted the first trees along the yard side of what is now the beautiful garden. It was my indoctrination as a HB volunteer. Just fyi, that soil is very hard! Thanks, Audrey for sharing this touching tribute to Jody.
Beautiful. As always your post speaks of many hearts. Thank you for the pictures as we live too far to visit in person. The Chapel, pond and fountain are such so representative of Jody’s personal light that will never extinguish. We love HBGRR and all who continue the dream. Hug all the dogs from Poe and Corie.
Jody was an amazing soul and so are you. Thanks for sharing her vision and a glimmer into the person she was.