golden retriever rescue – Page 4

Snips, Snails and Puppy Dog Tails…

That’s what boys are made of! Or so the saying goes.

Dogs and dog walkers had company in the Homeward Bound Memorial Garden today. One of our volunteer gardeners, Sue, brought her grandson along to help her tend to her garden bed and fountain.

As often happens, a “quick trip” became a few hours. It’s easy enough for grown gardeners to lose track of time out here; imagine what a playground this country garden is for a little boy, masquerading as a scarecrow!

Wide open spaces, water attractions, and colorful birds. Funny – the same things that delight little boys delight our beloved Golden Retrievers! Happy Tuesday in the Gardens.

A Long Weekend in the Garden

The long holiday weekend meant being able to devote two days to the Homeward Bound Memorial Garden, working side-by-side with the indefatigable, Maria.

Earlier in the week Anthony (the EMT son of one of our volunteer gardeners) cleared the remaining circle bed and Willow garden. He did an amazing job of loosening the packed clay soil and removing all traces of weeds. Inspired, planting and mulching the circle garden became the first priority to ensure that his hard work would not go to waste. Newly christened the Hummingbird Garden, it is now filled with Lantana, Asiatic Lily, Verbena, Bee Balm, Salvia, Coreopsis, Red Sage, and a Butterfly Bush, all of which seem to attract more bees than Hummingbirds so far! Everything received a dose of organic soil conditioner and a thick layer of shredded bark mulch to block out any chance that weeds will see the light of day.

Bitten by the same bug, Maria delivered a couple car loads of plants to her Bed Garden and Whimsy Garden – now taking shape as an Herb Garden. Her sunflowers are about waist-high now and beginning to bud. Every time we turn around, they seem to have grown another six inches. Between plantings she managed to attack weeds under the Grape vines and around the beds, while I fed and deep-soaked the roses which take a lot of abuse in the hot sun and wind of this country garden.

Joanne, a cheery dog-walker volunteer, made her way into the garden with one of her dog wards. We quickly surmised that she had more garden knowledge than she professes, and when she said that she didn’t mind weeding, we put her to work. Unexpectedly enlisted, she managed to clear half of Sue’s garden before she had to leave. We thickly mulched it to ward off their return. Hopefully, we didn’t scare Joanne off and she will return for more! We are always in search of dedicated dog and garden lovers!

A beautiful Golden Retriever topiary now graces Jody’s garden, and will soon be covered with a vigorous Creeping Fig Vine. She continues to bring shrubs and perennials weekly and each find their place as the bed takes shape.

Plans were made for the delivery of stone to create a simple patio laid in the earth under the shade of the fruit trees, and a pathway in the newly cleared willow garden, setting the stage for an Asian-inspired bed.

Thanks to Dick, the table that we planned to use under the trees was rescued and reconstructed when it literally fell to pieces as I attempted to move it. Dick was also gracious enough to replace the shovel I broke in the clay soil. There will soon be an entire crew dedicated to repairing all that I touch.

Dick and his volunteer crew are kept constantly busy building, repairing and maintaining all in support of Homeward Bound and its mission to rescue displaced, abandoned and homeless Golden Retrievers and their Golden+ mix friends. The hard work is gratifying as you are constantly surrounded by the rewards of your efforts; like the three-legged Golden, happily chasing a tennis ball this weekend. These dogs have such enormous hearts and spirit. They spur us on.

Updated pictures follow for all that track our progress turning a patch of hard clay country earth into a Memorial Garden for Homeward Bound.

Creatures in the Garden

The bunny crossing sign in Maria’s Garden is apt. While I’m not quick enough on the draw to capture them, Jack Rabbits have been spotted daily on the other side of the fence that separates the Homeward Bound Memorial Garden from a rice field. Today, bunny rabbits were spotted in the garden! They were last seen making their way to a thicket of raspberry bushes that remains on our “to-do” list.

The Killdeer bird has taken up residence again in Vonnie and Randy’s Butterfly Garden. I think she is getting used to us now. She no longer feels compelled to distract us with her “broken wing” display; a sharp trill suffices. Yes, we see you mama.

Sue found another snake in her garden this morning – and after it, its skin. We were grateful that it did not hang around for our meeting following the Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser. Perhaps it took up residence with the bunny in the raspberries. With doggy day-care available to all who attended the breakfast, the creatures having the most fun in the gardens this morning were previously rescued alumni Golden Retrievers and their Golden friends. Many more fun pictures on the Homeward Bound Facebook Page if you want a smile. 🙂

Ready for Guests in the Garden

I spent a wonderful, if warm, afternoon in the Homeward Bound Memorial Garden. The 2nd Annual Pancake Breakfast fundraiser takes place there tomorrow, and everything was being spruced up for the event – including the garden. The paths received a close haircut – even those patches that require the extra effort of the weed whacker. The “to be disposed of” pile had been disposed of, and the beds are looking great.

Deb’s Dahlias are just beginning to poke through. She installed branches for support that add grace and just the right touch in a country garden. I planted some Sage in the back side of our bed to anchor it visually and provide height and beautiful late fall purple spikes long after the Dahlias have faded. Some Nepeta and annuals fill in the holes left by spring bulbs and blooms: Cosmos, Zinnia and Black-Eyed Susan. The more space we can fill, the less room for weeds!

Maria added a Honeysuckle vine and some potted flowers to the Whimsy Garden, while her Sunflowers reach for the sky in the Bed Garden.

Vonnie and Randy’s Butterfly Garden is newly planted, while the flowers in Sue’s Circle Garden are creating quite a colorful show. Her little creatures make me smile.

Ina’a Cottage Garden is thriving under a heavy layer of mulch and with the new drip irrigation installed.

The biggest surprise was Jody’s bed; now completely covered in bark to keep the weeds at bay, and filling up with shrubs that will add structure year-round. She heard that I threatened not to return until the bark was completed. I’m not sure where the rumor started, but I have to admit that I like the result.

The Garden looks ready for guests tomorrow; our volunteer gardeners should be proud of their efforts. Everything seems to be finding its home – including another lucky Golden Retriever that was adopted today. There is nothing more rewarding than working in the garden while a family gets to know – and love – a soon-to-be adopted Golden in the adjacent yard. What a great way to spend a weekend afternoon.

Finding a Garden Fix

Sometimes you just have to get your garden fix in unexpected places. I missed the Homeward Bound gardens last weekend to travel to Las Vegas for a birthday celebration. I saw a whole lot of concrete and neon, but few trees or flowers until I made my way to the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Garden where my need for green was satisfied.

While brilliance abounds, a closer look reveals that this is a display – not a true garden. Each and every plant is in a container that is no doubt quickly removed when it loses its luster.

At the Homeward Bound Memorial Garden, we don’t have the luxury – or the desire – to discard less than perfect plants. We rescue and nurture – just as Homeward Bound rescues, nurtures and places hundreds of dogs each year.

The Bellagio “garden” is certainly spectacular and worth spending time in – especially when you get tired of the chaos of Vegas. Still, it cannot hold a candle to the joy of our country garden where good things grow and develop over time from the earth. I will happily return this weekend.

The Dahlias were planted; the drip system is being fine-tuned; I hear the sunflowers are growing like weeds; and I imagine the weeds are growing like weeds as well! Rumor has it that a new shovel was graciously donated after my last clay-digging mishap. I’ll be sure to bring my own and steer clear of it! Something tells me the gardeners will appreciate that. We hope to see all of them on Sunday after the Pancake Breakfast.

Is it the weekend yet?

Finding a Place for Them

At the Homeward Bound Memorial Garden, I am happy to provide whatever help I can to Jody and her garden bed. At approximately 500 square feet – it is a huge undertaking for this dedicated co-founder of a recognized Golden Retriever Rescue and Sanctuary just outside of Sacramento, CA.

I am a planner by nature. In the garden, I have been known to stare at an empty site for hours/days/weeks until it becomes clear what belongs there. To me, it is the artist’s or writer’s equivalent of a blank canvas or piece of paper. And like writer’s block, a garden can take a very long time to reveal itself to me.

Jody, on the other hand, has a very different approach. Weekly she appears in the garden with another plant or two. Something she has rescued, resuscitated, or pulled from a picked-over sale bin somewhere. “You’ll find a place for them,” she says with a smile, before she departs.

This attitude is at the heart of an amazing organization which is responsible for the rescue of hundreds of dogs each year. From a small office, kennel and a few pens has grown a sprawling sanctuary with enclosed fields where the dogs can play, swim, and frolic as dogs do. Pulled from shelters, surrendered by owners who can no longer care for them, they are the lucky rescues, and there always seems to be “a place” for just one more at Homeward Bound.

The Homeward Bound Sanctuary serves as a “half-way house” for Goldens awaiting adoption, and as a permanent home for those dogs whose health issues have rendered them unadoptable. They are welcome to live out their lives at the sanctuary in security and dignity, surrounded by love. Just like Jody’s pretty patchwork of a garden. Sprouting weekly from a long stretch of soil; a place where any rescued plant is welcome to make this garden its new home. No plan required.

Taking Shape

The Homeward Bound Memorial Garden, honoring our beloved Golden Retriever (and other!) friends, is fast becoming a garden worthy of the memories planted here.

A place that welcomes dogs and dog walkers.

Our labor of love…
for gardens and Goldens.

P.S. Princess found her home today.

Transition Phase

I would love to report that the Homeward Bound Memorial Garden has fully blossomed, but in truth, we are in a bit of an awkward transition phase. Our planting was largely on hold, waiting for the irrigation system installation – now complete. With that hurdle overcome, the volunteer gardeners were out in force this week – some planting and weeding, others inspecting and planning.

Laure was out earlier in the week spending hours exterminating weeds. She shared her time with Susan and Jim who cleared and planted the Tree Circle Gardens.

Sue was out to continue her work on the what we had dubbed Grandma’s Flower Garden. With apologies for accidentally deleting the photo (next trip!), she has installed solar globe lights, a solar fountain, and a host of playful statuettes A new name may be in order. Something that captures new age spirit and old soul whimsy. Suggestions?

Randy and Vonnie were in planning mode. They are not only volunteer gardeners, they are volunteer taxi drivers. They are part of the devoted teams who travel up and down the state picking up lucky Goldens who have been rescued from shelters or sent from other organizations – including some from as far away as Taiwan. Theirs will be the Butterfly Garden. This is the ‘before.’ Can’t wait to see the ‘after.’

Maria was busy with the Sugar Peas, Sunflowers, Marigolds and more in her Bed Garden. She has a knack for taking someone’s castaway and turning it into poetic vignettes.

Meanwhile, I did some weeding in other beds, and fussed a little in the Perennial Garden that I share with Deb in preparation for her Dahlias.

We are a patchwork quilt of established, newly planted and planned beds. We may look a little ragged around the edges at the moment, with the pathways now recovering from the heavy equipment. No matter; we will get there. It was a necessary step backward, in order to move forward.Not unlike the Goldens who find their way to this amazing sanctuary. It’s not unusual for them to arrive with medical, emotional or behavioral issues. Thrust into yet another unfamiliar environment, it takes time to get stronger physically and to feel safe and trusting. It is remarkable to see them blossom with love, care and patience. The garden devoted to them will no doubt blossom too!

Fostered Friends

While we were enjoying our time at the Homeward Bound Memorial Garden on Saturday, other devoted volunteers were manning a booth at the U.C. Davis Picnic Day to bring awareness to the mission of this amazing organization. Among them was one of our devoted volunteers, Maria, and her dog, Beau, who apparently travels in style!

Maria fosters in part because she likes travel, and Homeward Bound is kind enough to welcome her fosters back to the Sanctuary for babysitting when she is away. Last fall she lost her 16-year old foster to old age. She took a break over the holidays, and, after getting off the plane in February, decided to stop by Homeward Bound to check on the gardens. All it took was a single mention that it might be time to consider fostering again, and Beau was by her side.

He is 9 1/2 years of age with a weak back and weak back leg. This apparently does not stop him from beating Maria to the bed, however! He was supposed to be evaluated for a possible placement at a senior retirement home, where older dogs are sometimes placed for mutual companionship and comfort. Given that he is a hugger and a leaner, he is not a good match for the elderly.

Older dogs like Beau often stay on with their foster families, while those who take younger dogs are really helping them prepare for their forever homes. It is hard to say goodbye, but also incredibly rewarding. And foster homes always have first option to adopt. You can learn more about fostering here. It looks like Maria has found her next long-term foster, and Beau has found a happy home. Hope to see you in the garden, Beau!

Mystery Gardener Unearthed

I met our mystery gardener, Sue and her dog, Brock, today in the Homeward Bound Memorial Garden. Sue served as our inspiration last fall, as she was the first to clear her garden bed – and meticulously so! She arrived today with a truckload of plants and whimsical additions to add character to the bed – only to discover that spring temperatures had fed the weeds too well.

The weather was unseasonably warm today in the Sacramento Valley, so we worked together to clear what is now “Grandma’s Flower Garden.” Great company and conversation helped us push through the job. Long after I gave in to the heat, Sue stayed on to complete the planting, settling in just as the day was ending, which will give them a chance to adjust in the cooler temps tonight.

Overseeing our efforts was Sue’s dog, Brock – another Homeward Bound rescue. Sue was drawn to Brock for his special needs. Suffering from mange as a puppy, Brock had lost most of his hair when she adopted him. A couple of years of loving care later, his hair has come back in, but is still very short. With no trace of the classic Golden feathers, you might not take him for a Golden at first. However, spend a few minutes playing “find it” with his toy – and it becomes abundantly clear.

People like Sue, who are drawn to special needs Goldens, make Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue and Sanctuary such a special place. They adopt, foster and care for dogs that others long ago gave up on. And they are rewarded with the unconditional love of their new best friends and four-legged family members.

Now that the rains have largely passed and the irrigation system is in, I expect we’ll see a steady stream of volunteers planting their beds with summer color. Something tells me that Sue’s new fountain will be a gathering spot for more of her new feathered friends as well!

Despite the rain last week, it looks like more than half the work on the irrigation installation was completed at the Homeward Bound Memorial Gardens. A giant trench digger cut quick paths through the clay soil; however those that were not finished are now filled with water. Thankfully, the Sacramento forecast calls for sunshine all week. Fingers crossed that the crew can finish.

The paths that were so cleanly manicured two weeks ago look a little worse for wear as a result. It is a small price to pay to ensure water for thirsty plantings this summer.

The plants did not mind the rain at all. The perennial garden we planted last weekend is thriving. I added the Gaillardia and Delphinium today. The colors are so rich. I can’t wait to see them set off against Deb’s Dahlia’s this summer.

The trees have all leafed out, and the roses along the fence are beginning to bloom.

Maria’s snow peas are making good progress, and luckily appear either undiscovered, or unappealing, to bunnies.

With the warm sun shining, there were lots of volunteer walkers and dogs coming through the garden today. They come in all shapes and sizes. Some are what Homeward Bound refers to as “Fool’s Gold” – not-quite Goldens who find their way to this sanctuary. One of them is Chester, apparently from champion hunting stock, this Lab boy desperately needs to find a home. You can see pictures of him here, and read about him at Available Goldens. Much as I enjoy his company in the garden, it’s clear that he would be much happier in an open field with a job and a mission in mind. I hope this loyal pup finds an equally dedicated human soon.

Details in the Garden

The best thing about spring in the garden are the little surprises that appear each day. Upon close inspection today at the Homeward Bound Memorial Garden, Maria’s snow peas have made their presence known. Pushing skyward, they are preparing to climb the couch relic that she has strung to encourage a living slipcover of delicate flowers and bunny snacks.

A very protective Killdeer bird laid her eggs in the bark of one of the beds. She tried to distract me away with her “broken wing act,” but I was able to quickly capture her speckled treasure.

Among the last weeds remaining in her bed, Jody discovered a rabbit hole. It’s not clear if it is occupied or not, but I did not have the heart to unearth the weeds that hid it. Hopefully, any furry friends will remember that I put my faith in peaceful co-existence.

Finally, a new addition that reminds visitors of the garden’s purpose; a place to remember and enjoy the hundreds of Goldens that pass through Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue and Sanctuary near Sacramento, CA. This weekend, that included two older, special needs dogs who left with their new families for their forever homes. A perfect end to a beautiful weekend in the garden.