Don’t look too closely at the Homeward Bound Memorial Garden, much less my own.
The dahlias are late, the sunflowers are sad, and the weeds are winning. But I have an excuse.
Actually, 12 excuses.
All of them adorable.
The puppy list is long at Homeward Bound, so everyone is sworn to social media secrecy when a litter arrives. And what an arrival!
With all puppies spoken for, and some already home, the cone of silence has been lifted, and you can see for yourself what poopy cuteness has been keeping me from the garden.
They came to us as a result of a partnership with another rescue, Forever Friends Golden Retriever Rescue in Ventura. A hugely handsome dad, Harley;
a long, leggy mom, Molly;
and their 12 tiny “oops-puppies” surrendered by a woman in ill health, unable to care for them.
Puppies don’t raise themselves. Molly was a devoted and exhausted mom. Dad got himself adopted right away, and made a run for playtime on the coast, naturally! As soon as it was healthy, we weaned the pups and took over the heavy lifting for Molly.
Keep in mind: what goes in…
must come out,
and then it must be splattered on everything and everyone in sight!
For the past few weeks, I have arrived every morning to clean them and their mountain of mess – part of a team that watches over them day and night.
And while the garden has indeed suffered, watching these little fur balls grow, thrive – and go home to long-waiting families – makes it all worthwhile. Including sweet Connor who found his home with mom, Molly!
Six are now home; the rest will soon follow. Then, I will make my way back to the neglected and overgrown garden. Watch out weeds!
Gardens For Goldens 