‘Spresso Redux

Categories: Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue · Rescue DogsTags: · · · · · · · · 6 Comments

I wrote about ‘Spresso in a previous post here. I’m happy that he’s back for a short visit. I’m actually a bit late in posting since ‘Spresso is going home today. Having five dogs to take care of and being under the weather tends to put you behind. I’m also very pleased to note that ‘Spresso has improved quite a bit since his last visit. I commented in the previous post that “He’s not the most confident of dogs so loud noises, sudden movements, and new situations can be a bit challenging for him.” I noticed right away that ‘Spresso’s…

Sometimes you can only do the best you can do

Categories: Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue · Rescue DogsTags: · · · · · · · · 30 Comments

Maxton arrived at Homeward Bound in the middle of July. Of course, I noticed him right away because he was a big, red boy. That always gets my attention. I took him out for photos not long after he showed up that and spent a little time with him. I soon realized that he had a hole in his soul — there was something missing. This isn’t unusual in rescue. Most of the dogs we get are reasonably happy and balanced given that their lives have just been turned upside down. But for some, like Maxton, there is a deeper…

Daisy

Categories: Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue · Rescue DogsTags: · · · · · · · · · 7 Comments

I suppose most dog lovers, even though they love all dogs, have certain “types” they tend to be more attracted to. As with our attractions to fellow humans, physical attributes are often the first things that capture our imagination. I tend to like the big, red dogs. That’s true as far as it goes but that is still at the superficial level, of course. So some volunteers might be surprised when a big, red dog comes in and I figuratively shrug my shoulders: “Sure, he’s gorgeous but he just doesn’t do anything for me.” I started paying attention to the…

Success

Categories: Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue · Rescue DogsTags: · · · · · · · · · · · 10 Comments

It’s gratifying to be part of success even if it’s a small part. A lot of parts went into Lucy and Lilly’s success story which you can read about in Gardens for Goldens here and here. Many of you already follow Ogee so are happily familiar with her beautiful photos and writing. For those that don’t, click the links. It’s worth the trip. I was able to give Lucy and Lilly a place to stay while we assessed them and started the process to find them a new home. They are not relate despite their similar appearance. That’s Lilly on…

Teddy Bear

Categories: Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue · Rescue DogsTags: · · · · · · · · · · 9 Comments

About a month ago I started to like Teddy. That’s when I knew he was just about ready to go home. To his forever home. I should be clear: It’s not that I didn’t like Teddy, it’s just that there wasn’t much of anything to, um, like about his behavior. The pattern was familiar: Dog walkers with harried looks asking me when I’m going to take Teddy home. Lisa faithfully taking Teddy to the park for a good workout every day (because Teddy knows she’s the boss). Many volunteers taking him to a yard because he’s too much for them…

Sometimes you just want to get closer

Categories: Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue · Homeward Bound Memorial Garden · Rescue DogsTags: · · · · · · · · · · 9 Comments

I probably should be writing about Teddy. I’ve been working with him for a while and he’s an interesting dog. But I don’t have the energy at the moment. Plus, I think we may be on the cusp of a significant accomplishment. I hope. So more to come on this boy. I did, however, feel the garden beckoning late this afternoon. I have been using one lens a lot lately and felt an urge to get closer to the subject so I pulled out the macro. There were some new roses to shoot. And some irises. The iris was one…

Yule and Bear and Scrappy and Teddy

Categories: Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue · Rescue DogsTags: · · · · · · · · · · · 18 Comments

It’s been a challenging week. I think a scorecard to help keep track of the dogs involved would be a good idea. Bear is staying with me for an extended time while a friend attends to some important matters. Yule arrived on Sunday to board with me this week. I wrote on Sunday that we introduced Bear and Yule and it didn’t go well. This meant I had to keep them separate. But I couldn’t put anyone in my kennels because Teddy, the Homeward Bound dog I am working, is, shall we say, not very welcoming. So Bear would have…

Dogs come and go here

Categories: Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue · Rescue DogsTags: · · · · · · · 4 Comments

Charlie is leaving tomorrow. I’m a little sad about that. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed having him here but it is better for him to be back with his family. But as Charlie starts packing to return home an unexpected guest arrives. I was very pleased to welcome Bear today. He is a gentle, happy boy with a beautiful soul. But he is also capable of roughhousing as he did with Charlie this afternoon. He is one of those dogs that I wanted to take home as soon as I met him at Homeward Bound. And Scrappy is till Scrappy. Probably wondering…