Tag: Dog Adoption

Bringing Out The Best in Buster

As we tackled the blackberries last weekend we uncovered hidden treasure.

To some, this represents a fun game of play;

but to pups like Buster – something more worrying. Buster is one of a few dogs that arrive at Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue and Sanctuary completely, utterly and totally ball-obsessed.

Lots of dogs enjoy a game of ball, but in some cases it moves from play to something much more. When a dog focuses on the ball to the exclusion of every other kind of human or canine interaction, the obsession lessens their quality of life.

A garden succeeds with variety – of shape, texture, color and contrast.

Too much of a good thing results in sameness.

The magic occurs in mixing things up and uncovering surprises.

Dogs are social beings. They need interaction and variety too, or they can become compulsive, neurotic, or worse. The trainers at Homeward Bound are well-practiced in turning around these pups, to give them a chance at adoption and a happy, healthy life.

There is a must-read success story posted to the website about Chester – now Rudy – who arrived at Homeward Bound very much like Buster. You can read it here.

With the training and dedication, Rudy has found a whole new life beyond the ball.

Buster is still a work in progress – but the progress is really good. It begins with a cleared pen, free of all balls, so he can begin to focus his attention on the trainer. Each look is rewarded with treats and praise.

New activities are introduced, with the ball becoming the reward – instead of the object of the exercise. A look in the eyes is cause for celebration;

a kiss means it’s time to throw a parade!

Buster is well on his way. You can see the change in his face…from a few weeks ago…

to now.

He is so lucky to have the team at Homeward Bound on his side. And it truly takes a team! Trainers, feeders, walkers – all reinforcing the same steps will, with any luck, help the placement team connect him to a waiting family;

someone who will see the golden in him, the way Art and Amy saw the promise in Rudy. Is that you?

Hunter’s Transformation

You might recall from the Hunter’s Beauty post a couple of weeks ago, a dog that arrived at Homeward Bound understandably scared, a little distrustful, and very uncertain about his new surroundings.

I made the mistake of asking him to sit for a photo, not knowing that it had taken Rob, one of the trainers, forever to coax him out for a walk. He sat; then he laid down; and he refused to move.

Maybe it was the only control he felt he could exert in this situation that had been thrust upon him. Maybe he was just sad.

Rob waited. And waited. And waited some more. He waited until Hunter decided it was OK to get up. Then he waited while Hunter decided it was OK to continue the walk.

His patience with Hunter was about building trust. And in just a couple of short weeks, it has paid off ten fold.

When we saw Hunter this weekend, he was a changed dog. Happy, attentive, and definitely not sitting still!

He wanted to be anywhere that Rob wanted to be, and he didn’t mind at all if we wanted to offer pets!

This is the magic that the dedicated Homeward Bound team works with the Goldens who are lucky enough to make it here. And  yet, it is not really magic at all. It’s about respect, bonding, tender loving care, and a promise of a better future. That’s magic that you could offer too.

Rescue. Adopt. Foster. There are a whole bunch of Hunters out there desperate for a second chance.

Gardens and Goldens: A Weekend Update

Light clouds and cool temps this morning. A good day for moving dirt.

I spent about six hours with Maria, my partner in crime, at the Homeward Bound Memorial Garden today, moving dirt to level the ruts left by the sprinkler project last spring.

Fall will be here before we know it, and we have a lot of prep work to do in order to create the grassy area and paths that will link our garden beds and banish the weedy fill. Always practical, Maria insisted on using the modified golf cart, outfitted with a large hauling bin on the back.  Unfortunately, I think we made more ruts using it as the ground was very wet today. Then, or course, the battery died. The good news is that I cannot be blamed for the cart’s misfortune! (Regular readers will remember that I have a bit of a reputation for breaking things.)

A good old-fashioned wheel barrel and shovel got the section done. The project continues!

Maria, somehow, managed to find more room in her Sunflower and Herb beds for more plants. The bird bath was replaced with a family of ceramic Quail, much to the surprise and unhappiness of the Robin who visits her garden.


Speaking of Sunflowers, they look as stunning from the back as they do from the front. A constant source of amazement in the gardens.

Roses were pruned; trees deep-watered; and flowers dead-headed.  But the best part of the day were the dogs and their human visitors.

Pat came by with Sunny. He was three when her family adopted him two years ago on Halloween. She was on the hunt for a young dog, but we know how that goes. While volunteering, she was asked to play with Sunny.  A ball was dropped and thrown, and the rest – as they say – is Homeward Bound history.  Masquerading as a younger pup, Sunny adopted Pat.

Pat has taken Sunny through all of the dog training classes offered at Homeward Bound.  A well-trained dog makes for a happy dog and family, and greatly improves the chances of a successful, long-term adoption. Together, Pat and Sunny also volunteer to provide therapeutic visits to patients at Kaiser. She says he comes home thoroughly exhausted and happy after spreading his joy to others.

Training has paid big dividends for two other visitors today. Owen is about two and was very well-mannered when he told us how anxious he was to find a home.

Black Jack was dropped off in the middle of the night. He is more “mature”, but has apparently discovered a love for little boys. You can read about them here and visit their galleries for more pictures.

Finally, Chris stopped by with her own Tigger and Missy.

Chris and Rob are Mentors who started a Homeward Bound Dog Walkers Club to help volunteers understand how to walk and work with the dogs. These dedicated volunteers ensure that the dogs get exercised and socialized by spending time with people and around other dogs. Their efforts help to give these pups a greater chance of adoption.

Speaking of which, I see from the Homeward Bound website that Zander was adopted!

I watched from a distance, holding my breath as a family played with him not too long ago. Looks like it was a match, which makes my day complete. Gardens. Goldens. And a home for three-legged Zander. What could be better? Oh yes…puppies!