Roots are more than an anchor to keep a plant in place. They provide a lifeline – pulling in all that the plant needs to grow from the soil –
sending it up through the leaves so the plant can reach for the sky.
A plant’s seeds are its wings – transporting it to new places.
Good soil provides the underpinning that nurtures the growth and flight.
At Homeward Bound, we give our dogs roots and wings, as well. For dogs that need extra help, we try to lay a strong foundation of trust, training, and understanding to make the best match possible.
For some, this takes no time at all (Gracie girl!).
Those with greater needs might be with us for weeks, months – and in rare cases – years (Red, feral dog).
This groundwork gives them wings, enabling them to fly away – a sometimes bittersweet joy.
But the roots we provide are permanent – an invisible lifeline. In a perfect world, a “forever home” means just that. But the world is not perfect, and unforeseen things happen. If for any reason, and at any point in the dog’s life, it can no longer stay in its home – the dog returns to us.
Winter came back not long after she went home: she decided she liked her new sibling, but not sharing. While all the dogs are tested and spend time with their potential dog mates, sometimes casual play in a neutral space is one thing but sharing a home is another. This weekend, she was matched, instead, to a human who needs but one canine love.
Finnean was home much longer. He’s a special needs boy who arrived emaciated and with a sparse coat.
He found love and success in quiet, calm, and watchful care.
When his dad became ill and could no longer look after him, Finnean came back to us, looking like a different dog. It is in cases like this when that lifetime commitment provides much-needed comfort to both the dog and the adopter. And thanks to the foundation laid by his dad, we know exactly what Finnean needs to fly home again.
Roots and wings. How we find our way to “home.”
Gardens For Goldens 