Homeward Bound: the rescue, not the movie.

Okay, so I'm partial to Goldens because, well, I have one and anyone who's ever had a Golden Retriever just knows how charming, silly, lovable, spunky and utterly adorable this breed is. Their dark brown puppy eyes, their droopy dumbo-esque ears and not to mention the “thinking knot” that sits on top of their heads—they are the complete package—but then again I am partial.

Today I am featuring a Golden Retriever sanctuary located in Elverta, CA (about 20 miles outside of Sacramento) called Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue & Sanctuary, Inc. The caretakers at the sanctuary, Mike and Jody Jones, launched Homeward bound in 2000 and have since rescued 4,273 dogs- 109 in 2009 alone- and it’s only February! Throughout the years they have also successfully rehabbed and rehomed thousands of Goldens at their 8 acre adoption facility with the help of volunteers, foster homes and donations. Homeward Bound is an All-Volunteer 501(c)(3) non-profit organization so donations and volunteer support is crucial in order to keep this sanctuary up and running. A few months back News 10 Sacramento did a segment on HBGRR, here is the link if you’d like to watch the video: http://www.news10.net/video/default.aspx?maven_playerId=articleplayer&maven_referralPlaylistId=playlist&maven_referralObject=844591194

It’s important that people know they have options. If you find yourself in a situation where you're losing your home or can no longer care for your animals there are places to turn. It may take some extra time and research, but if you care for your animals you can find alternatives besides the local pound. Many rescues and sanctuaries encourage you to surrender your pets if you can no longer care for them. Jody Jones touches on the need for such an organization during these tough economic times in the interview saying, “Especially now with the economy and so many people losing their homes and having to find homes for their dogs, it’s a necessary part of any community”. If you would like to read more information about Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue & Sanctuary, Inc. or are interesting in placing donations or browsing through their volunteering opportunities (or cute pictures of the adoptables) please visit them at www.homewardboundgoldens.org/

“Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.” Henry Ford

Hello everyone! Thank you for visiting my blog! I am, unapologetically, one of those animal people. You know the type- the kind who baby talk to their dogs, buy raincoats for them to wear during winter walks and make homemade-with-love treats from scratch for their horses. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve stopped my car to help a dog in the street or just how much time I’ve spent pondering what else I can possibly do to help animals who really need it. Cats in shelters that will likely be euthanized. Dogs that aren’t being fed and don’t have any shelter from the elements. Horses being sold to meat buyers because families cannot afford to take care of a 1,100 lbs. animal any longer. Sometimes these things keep me up at night.

My hope for this blog is to create a place for animal lovers to share ideas about helping homeless animals, hungry animals, animals that have no future. A place to exchange experiences and inspire each other to do what we can, ‘cause every little bit helps. A place to feature rescue groups and organizations that are making a difference in your area.

So, animal crusaders unite! I know it seems like an uphill battle but in this little corner of the world lets make it a brighter day for our fuzzy (or furry, scaly, hairy, smelly, wild, tame, nocturnal…you get the point) friends!