Hummingbird – Page 2 – Gardens For Goldens

“In almost every garden, the land is made better and so is the gardener.” ~ Robert Rodale

We created and keep the Memorial Garden as a gift to the dogs we love and have loved – and for those who dedicate so much to our rescue effort.

Three chance encounters this week reminded me that the work we do at Homeward Bound not only makes life better for the dogs, but provides important comfort to humans as well.

A woman messaged us asking the status of the dog she had surrendered. It was clear that she had loved him, but for whatever reason, she could not provide a home right now. I was only able to let her know that he was adopted quickly to a good family. And while I reassured her that he would be well-loved, I reminded her that we could not share details to protect the privacy of the adopters. She did not need details. Just peace of mind … with gratitude.

A couple visited this weekend. They wanted to ensure that if something happened to them, their beloved Golden would be cared for. This is important planning that people often overlook. They were delighted with the rescue and were comforted knowing that their fur-child will be safe with us if that time ever comes. They left relieved.

Finally, a glimpse of one of our former adopters who recently lost her sweet boy to cancer. She was sitting quietly with our president in the puppy hut with the golden puppies I showed you last week. One dog never replaces another, but puppies have a special way of melting pain and healing hearts. She has to travel quite a way to visit with us, but here she is in the company of people who truly understand her loss.

“Shared joy is a double joy; shared sorrow is half a sorrow” ~ Swedish Proverb

The garden is our gift.

The dogs are our shared passion.

And we’re reminded that the human lives we touch make us better, too.

“Remember, we all stumble, every one of us. That’s why it’s a comfort to go hand in hand.” ~ Emily Kimbrough

Wordless Wednesday: California Rain

Wordless Wednesday: Contemplation

Wordless Wednesday: Pink

On a Wing and a Prayer

Small miracles surround us. Hummingbirds…

Baby Mourning Doves…

Honey bees…

and Love in a Mist (aptly named).

This collection of miracles flew in just a week ago on a wing (traveling from Taiwan – where it’s not so good to be a dog) and a prayer (of rescue and a forever home).

One – Mary – has already found her way there.

Abigail – another of the ten Reservoir Dogs rescued from a hoarding situation – has recovered from her ear surgery and also found her way home this weekend.

In a world that sometimes feels filled with bad news, these small miracles help to balance our corner of the universe.

Two seasons ago, all Maria had to do was plop a sunflower seed in the ground and it sprouted a stalk rising over our heads.

Last year was disappointing, and this year’s seeds and sprouts have either been swept away or served up to snails as appetizers (balancing out the snails’ universe, I guess). She is still putting her faith in another round of seedlings started at home; but she put her money on a few sunflowers from the nursery.

Sometimes, prayer just needs a little help.

“Grow flowers of gratitude in the soil of prayer.” ~ Terri Guillemets

Happy week, all.

Seasons Pass

Winter turned the page to Spring.

By next week, it will feel like we are beginning Summer’s chapter.

Time passes much too quickly to wish away the seasons. Accept each moment as a gift knowing that tomorrow we will say goodbye…and in another time – and another way – ‘hello’ again.

My soul is full of whispered song;

My blindness is my sight;

The shadows that I feared so long

Are all alive with light. ~ Alice Cary

Raining Joy

Between the two-week cold blast and the lack of rain this year, I’m beginning to wonder if we’ll have a garden this summer – of if we’ll just have to plant sage brush!

I know. It’s sunny California and the rest of the country is freezing. But we had our freeze in December, and we have not had any meaningful rain in a year. Actually, we’re on year three of a state-wide drought. It is worrisome.

No matter for the moment – because it is raining joy in the Homeward Bound Memorial Garden. Yes…the roses got pruned without the need for a new tetanus shot,

the grapes are now orderly,

and the hummingbirds are loving the winter flowers on the Grevillea.

But the best things that occurred this weekend had nothing to do with gardening and everything to do with happy-ever-afters. Cindy and George found Daisy and Bear to rescue and heal their hearts – broken by the loss of their beloved pups to age.

Darla and Louie found their people too – people who can appreciate that a snowy face accompanies a golden heart.

But the very best moment of our weekend was the Going Home of our beloved, blind Brutus.

Brutus’ journey was a long one. From married man to single guy. From sighted to blind. You can read the full story here. Suffice to say, he was one of our favorites, and he found a home that is more than we could have ever wished for.

His new “mom”, DebraLea, rescues and rehabilitates horses. She clearly has a special gift with animals. He spent his first night by her bed. She built a run for him to be safe outside today. His training has already begun. Brutus will thrive in her care. She was definitely worth the wait for our special boy.