Blog: Hope for Homeless and Abandoned Dogs

There’s a nationally known canine rescue organization right in Davis' backyard, and its motto is, “Rescue; the compassionate alternative”. That organization is Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue and Sanctuary.

Since its inception in 2000 as a non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing and finding homes for abused, abandoned, or surrendered Goldens and Golden mixes, Homeward Bound has found homes for over 6,500 dogs. In 2010 alone, we “re-homed” (A canine rescue term for placing dogs with an adoptive family) over 850.

Homeward Bound depends entirely on volunteers. There are no paid positions.

Most of these dogs come from Northern California and find homes in our region; however, because of its national reputation as a trusted and compassionate rescue group, Homeward Bound has also received dogs from Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Arkansas, North Carolina, Texas, Canada, Mexico, and even several from Taiwan.

Our eight-acre sanctuary, one of only three Golden Retriever sanctuaries in the country, consists of an air conditioned kennel, a grooming area, 10 large fenced exercise yards, a therapy pool for dogs recovering from surgery, an on-site veterinary clinic, a training facility, agility equipment, and a pond with a diving dock.

Over the years, Homeward Bound has been formally recognized for its work by organizations such as the Sacramento SPCA and the National Rescue Committee of the Golden Retriever Club of America. It’s important to note that if a dog is unadoptable for medical reasons or because of its age, it will live out its life at the sanctuary in comfort, love, and dignity.

In addition to the large number of dogs we rescue, Homeward Bound is unique in that we won’t turn away a dog regardless of its age or medical condition. As an example, we helped develop and participate in a national rescue program called “Save Our Seniors” (SOS). Homeward Bound will take in precious senior Goldens from other rescue groups when those groups have no room for them.

Homeward Bound also provides much more than the basic veterinary services of vaccinations, neutering, and microchipping. Over the years, it has paid for critical surgeries to remove cancerous tumors, restore vision, replace or reconstruct hips, reconstruct shoulders, treat scores of broken bones, and address hundreds of cases of heartworm disease.

One such example is Gerry, a beautiful, gentle‐spirited golden, who came to Homeward Bound with two previously untreated broken wrists.

This lovable fellow was walking on the backs of his wrists, rather than on the pads of his feet. Despite being in obvious pain, his tail was wagging, and he was ready to give as much love as possible. Our orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Robert Richardson, did carpal fusion surgery with bone grafts to repair Gerry’s wrists. The damaged cartilage was removed from the bones in his wrists and was replaced with a bone graft. A plate was placed to secure the bones while he continues to heal. Eventually he will be able to walk normally.

Gerry, the ideal patient, is recovering nicely, is adored by everyone, and has already found his “forever family”.

The cost of providing this level of care is now well over $350,000 per year and obviously gives rise to an increasing need for fundraising. Although we are constantly looking for ways to raise funds for the Goldens in our care, our primary sources of funding are our two signature fundraisers: Double the Gold, a yearly direct mail campaign and our annual Kibble & Bids wine, food, auction, and entertainment event.

That event is just three weeks away! Look for more details here very soon or visit the Homeward Bound website www.hbgrr.org.