Tag: Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue
A Very Special Going Home
“What day is it?”
“It’s today,” squeaked Piglet.
“My favorite day,” said Pooh. ~ A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh
My favorite days are Saturdays and Sundays, when I can spend gardening time in the Homeward Bound Memorial Garden –
and visiting with the dogs. Meet new arrivals Benjamin…
and Zachary.
But our favorite days at the rescue are Going Home days. To catch you up … Joe went home to Russ’ healing care.
Jack hit the jackpot and found three gorgeous girls to love.
Trevor is a ladies man as well and stole the heart of former adopters.
Cooper is an official foster-failure. His adoption papers were completed this weekend, and his dad was on site for our Volunteer Orientation so he could help other pups on their journeys home.
And “Not-a-Golden” Bella was all smiles as she headed out with her new mom.
But one Going Home this weekend was extra special. I recently shared a post about long-time volunteers Chris and Steve moving to Colorado. They have always taken on our “special cases” – the dogs who remain unpredictable despite dedication and extensive training. Beautiful Sammie was one of those dogs … “who me?”
Her rap sheet meant that she could only be adopted to volunteers who understood her special challenges and needs. Otherwise, she would find sanctuary here with us. Chris and Steve made a commitment to add her to their family; making it a reality took more time they would have liked. She would have visits in their RV on the weekends, but their home was too small to accommodate all of their pups while ensuring everyone’s safety and security. A promise, however, is a promise.
After an arduous trip in an RV filled with special needs dogs, not to mention a harrowing dog medical emergency along the way, Steve made a return flight to Sacramento. On Saturday, he took Sammie for one last walk down the kennel …
into the bath …
with a stop at the garden for pictures and farewells …
and then – wait – what? A car? It was as if she instantly grasped its meaning. This was a Going Home car. Sammie’s Going Home car. At last.
“But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep…” ~ Robert Frost
As I write, Steve and Sammie are completing the last leg of their two-day journey to their new home. There, she will have space enough to meet her needs and allow her to live out her life as a loved, family dog.
Promise made. Promise kept.
Happy life, Sammie girl.
With appreciation to photographer, Rob Kessel for his Sammie photos.
Not A Golden
We have a running joke at Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue: “Not a Golden!” While our mission states that we help Goldens and Golden mixes, I’m sure you’ve seen in this blog, that “Not a Golden!” can include just a little bit more.
Some are what we call “Fool’s Gold” –
And some are not gold at all!
Sometimes they come paired with a Golden that has been surrendered; Sometimes our volunteers just can’t bear to leave them in a shelter.
When we have the capacity, we’re happy to extend our support to others in need.
“Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.” ~Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama
Our kindness occasionally extends beyond canines. These recently abandoned kittens that we are trying to find homes for certainly fit the bill. Kitten, anyone?
But these two?
Definitely, “Not a Golden!” You just never know what treasures you will come across when you open up your heart.
“Open your heart — open it wide; someone is standing outside. ~ Mary Engelbreit
Happy 4th of July!
Of Diamonds and Pebbles
“The butterfly counts not months but moments, and has time enough.” ~ Rabindranath Tagore
For anyone who has every passed up a dog of eight or nine, or even ten years of age out of concern that their days or years are numbered, I’d like you to meet Hunter…age 16!
He’s one of a boatload of dogs who recently arrived – and despite the snowy face and slower gait, he’s got a lot of life and love to give.
For anyone who thought that dogs needed to see to deliver love and companionship, I’d like you to meet Bilos.
Born without developed eyes, he’s never known any life but a sightless one, and it doesn’t stop his rush to greet you with big sloppy kisses.
And for anyone who has ever passed up a dog for an imperfection that seemed like too great an investment…please meet Weezer.
He has esophageal paralysis – which simply means that he will need to eat his food as slurry for the rest of his life. He’ll be going home too…to people who understand that the effort bestowed will be returned tenfold in joy.
Sometimes, guarding your heart from hurt, or holding out for everything, simply leaves you with nothing.
Every garden has some weeds.
Every living creature has imperfections.
All of these little flaws only make the best parts shine brighter.
“Better a diamond with a flaw than a pebble without.” ~ Confucius
And P.S…two other “Going Homes” you missed…Nala and Lizzie.
Life is good.
Because We Are Family
Lucy and Minnie came to visit recently. Lucy was a breeder dog; completely unsocialized and terrified of her own shadow – much less people.
She was helped by many, but by one person in particular: Chris spent countless hours helping Lucy learn to trust and seek out humans.
I’ve written about Chris and her husband, Steve, before. Devoted volunteers; for as long as I have been with the organization, they have commuted a great distance to stay over weekends so they can be at Homeward Bound to feed, walk, and work with the dogs.
They work with the most difficult dogs to rehabilitate them – including their beloved Shelby,
Goldie,
and Sammy.
When the world says, “Give up,”
Hope whispers, “Try it one more time.”
~Author Unknown
Chris helped to organize our dog walking teams and then took on coordination of the feeders.
Steve has been a go-to rock, quietly working behind the scenes to help maintain the facility. Both have a gift for understanding the canine mind and helping even the most troubled dogs find a future.
“Some people talk to animals. Not many listen though. That’s the problem.”
― A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh
They will be leaving us soon, moving to Colorado on a new life adventure. Today was their farewell celebration. Saying goodbye is never easy, but life happens and new adventures await. Hopefully, they will stay connected as another vital rescue link in our extended network.
“When you see someone putting on his Big Boots, you can be pretty sure that an Adventure is going to happen.”
― A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh
I’ve been compiling a history of the organization as we celebrate our 15th anniversary. I’m finding countless names of founding members. Many are no longer on-site, but still play a vital role and remain connected to our mission – the work of rescuing more than 8,000 dogs since our beginning.
There will be key gaps to fill with Chris and Steve’s departure. But I have faith that others will step up to fill the void. Because we’re family. The dogs’ family. And they need us.
Best wishes to Chris and Steve. And on behalf of countless dogs like Lucy – thank you.
Wordless Wednesday: Getting Sleepy
What Matters
A previous adopter wrote:
“Today was a sad day. We lost our beloved Buddy…he was 15 years old. We knew when we adopted him almost two years ago that he wouldn’t live long because at that time he was 13. We moved a month ago to the ocean…we wanted him to have a place where he could enjoy himself. He did. Buddy was my golden-oldie, through and through. We fell in love with him when we first met him at Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue. We will always treasure the short time we had with him. Would we adopt a senior again…you bet. Thanks for allowing us to have our ‘Golden Oldie’…Miss him.” ~ Karen A.
“We do not know how long we’ve got here.
We don’t know when fate will intervene.
We cannot discern God’s plan.
What we do know is that with every minute that we’ve got, we can live our lives in a way that takes nothing for granted.
We can love deeply.
We can help people those who need help.
We can teach our children what matters,
and pass on empathy and compassion and selflessness.” ~ Barack Obama, Eulogy for Beau Biden
Wordless Wednesday: BoBo
Going Home Parade
It’s beginning to look a lot like summer, with the return of the Asiatic lilies,
daylilies…
Monarch butterflies,
and snakes.
There is just one thing missing: my dahlias!
When I last saw them, they were healthy, six-inch tall plants shooting rapidly skyward. Upon my return this weekend, they were barely stubs. Maria says they fell prey to snails. I’m not so sure that bunnies weren’t involved.
There certainly are enough of both in the garden. Do you think we can help the snake develop a taste for escargot? I brought out six backups that had been started at home and created fortresses of chicken wire and Sluggo.
They made it through the night. We’ll see if they make it through the week. Saturday was such a blur of “going home” photos that I got little accomplished. A parade of happy faces marched before my camera. Thankfully, Ina parachuted in to rescue me on Sunday with both Maria and Anna away.
“I am joy in a wooly coat, come to dance into your life, to make you laugh” ~ Julie Church
Congratulations to Roxie,
Marcus,
Red,
Mufasa,
Rose,
and Romeo.
But the sweetest of all was Simba’s going home with Lyana – one of our devoted volunteers. She has renamed him Balou, after our beloved sanctuary dog who recently passed. We think it is a fitting tribute, and we suspect Balou approves too.
“And then it happens all at once and unexpectedly. You pack your bags and find yourself walking yourself home.” ~ Shannon L. Alder
Happy life to you both.
Back to Reality
Back from an adventurous week on Kauai and returned to a whirlwind of work and house guests. Among them was my sister, Beth and her husband, Gordon. Their stay was brief, but good – with a request to see Homeward Bound and the Memorial Garden which they have known only virtually.
We made our way there Friday, where the garden is beginning to look a lot like summer…
and the puppies put my sister through her paces. Yes, those are razor sharp puppy teeth hiding behind all that cuteness!
Sunday was puppy aptitude test day,
which apparently involves umbrellas (something we have little need for!) –
shoes…
toys…
sharing…
cuddling…
and naps! Puppy tests are exhausting!
These little monsters are spoken for, but we have three remaining from the litter that was left in a box and delivered to our door. They are adorable 100% mix-breed, nine-week old pups named after the Lion King characters. Mufasa:
Nala
And Rafiki.
Other guests included Allie, a rescue, who is about to be enrolled as a therapy dog for our local Lend A Heart organization…
And Sedona, the Homeward Bound alum of Martha and Randy.
Needless to say, I got little work done – which is just my speed right now! I’ll be back to my old self soon (I think). I may even sneak in a few more pictures from Kauai if you’ll indulge me. Until then … mahalo. It’s good to be back in the garden.
The virtues of getting lost
“If you don’t get lost, there’s a chance you may never be found.” ~ Author Unknown
I’m going to get lost for a week or so. Time to take a travel break and find some serenity, inspiration and rejuvenation where there is rain and lush, green forests. Ina and Anna will tend to the garden as Maria is also away. Who knows what mischief they will get into?!
When the cat’s away…
Spring is quickly slipping by. I said farewell to its blooms today in case they are not here when I return.
All signs point to summer’s arrival including the sprouting of sunflowers,
dahlias,
and the nesting mourning doves in the garden trees.
I feel better about leaving knowing that this pup has left as well.
Junior was the last of our hunting dogs. Deaf, it took a little while longer to get him home. But home he went this weekend, with previous adopters who gave Lisa (now Ellie) her new chance at life.
His new people are renaming him “Orion” – for the Greek hunter – and the constellation by the same name. Not that he can hear it. But no matter. I’m pretty sure he knows that his life just got much brighter. Instead of chasing ducks in a field, he can light up the lives of his new people.
Happy life, Orion. We’re going to miss you.
And happy week to all of you. Aloha. See you soon.
Gardens For Goldens 