Taking an Inspiring Tour of Homeward Bound Rescue

RIO LINDA, CA (MPG) - Just over the Rio Linda line is lovely Elverta. One of the many things about Elverta, besides being so near us in Rio Linda, is they are as nice as we are! 

I heard about Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue located at 7495 Natomas Road in Elverta. The great big Rescue facility is easy to find. Just head up Elkhorn like you’re going to the airport, but turn right on to E. Levee road. It will take around 6 miles. You will see, on the left, the Homeward Bound Rescue sign in enough time so you won't pass it.

There is a gate. Just drive towards the gate and there is a button on the white post. Push the button and you’re in where you will see the parking area. Lots of parking with the office off to the left. As I was getting out of my car, I was introduced to Maryann Farmar who would be my tour guide.

I first wanted to get some background on the rescue before the tour. I asked Ms. Farmar how it all started.

21 years ago Jody Jones, now deceased, had a passion for Goldens and started this Rescue. Before she died she set up, in perpetuity for this rescue to continue on and on".

Does this rescue only rescue golden retrievers?  I asked. "No, but Goldens are the major dogs we rescue".

I then asked, "How do dogs come to you, and at what ages"? 

"Believe it or not most of the turn-ins are unfixed Males around the age of one and a half to two years of age. There are as many reasons they are turned in as there are dogs. The owner has died, there is a divorce, they have to move into an apartment from a house. The hardest reason for me is when they say, “Puppies are so small and cute, but dogs are work, we don't have the time now”.

"Oh wow, how very heart breaking'. I said.

"Too many people feel animals are a possession to be done with as they please," Ms. Farmar whispered.

I decided it was time to change the topic. 

After we toured the memorial garden, I started telling her how fascinated I was by the, “dog tag” tree, shaped as a weeping willow; How it is such an appropriate tree for their memorial garden. Then, I told her I liked the many bricks I saw with dogs’ names, pictures and details of its life.  All of it just shows the debt of love we have for our animals. How stunning their flower gardens were arranged and how among all this there is a bench for visitors to sit and meditate on their lost loves. Dogs are the loves of people’s lives and often, considered to be family members. All along I am snapping pictures of the garden. Then, I mentioned, I noticed near the garden there is a swimming pool.

"Yes, it is our therapy pool. If a dog needs to strengthen his legs or back she/he will get sessions in the water. We also have the dog training, fenced area. This is where Kathryn Baines does our training. I would like to let the readers know she also offers lessons from puppy classes on up, right here, for any type of dog you want to train.  There are also obedience classes, and good citizen classes.  She can be reached for future details at 916-300-9415," said Ms. Farmar.

She went on to mention a dog is tested to see if, it likes cats, children, etc. before it is adopted out. She also said, "We want you to bring in any dog or dogs you already have living with you. Just to be sure your house stays the peaceful place it is now". 

All adoption information and phone numbers can be found on one of several Facebook sites about Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue where you can find all you need to know to learn how to be a volunteer. Also, how to adopt and just be a part of such a great cause.

“I really have to compliment how clean and organized this whole place is. And, you said it is all volunteers"?

"Oh yes, we could not do all of this without them. We need all kinds of volunteers too. We need gardeners, feeders, dog walkers, also, people who are great at fundraising. We also always welcome all types of donations. Cash, of course, is the easiest to handle, but we need blankets, towels, carriers for dog transfers, bowls, leashes, dog coats, anything to benefit the dogs. You can volunteer for several hours a week or several hours a day. We will happily find a place for you. We need all the help we can get to keep all the animals well cared for and loved on".

"Where do the volunteers come from"? "I personally drive from Newcastle. I feel it is my “commitment of love.” Another lady, Carol Unger, drives from Eldorado Hills to help out".

As we were wrapping up the tour and went into the office to get a brochure for me to take home to help with this news article, I noticed rows of sweat shirts, track suits, hats, and mugs. 

I asked her about these and she said, "All this is for sale and 100 percent of the sales goes directly into the donation fund.

What a fascinating place to visit, adopt a dog from, to train your dog at, and to just tour. I hope you give them a look. Even a couple of hours, once, is appreciated. Again, you can find more information about Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue on their several Facebook sites. I do hope you can help them out in some way to better a dog’s life.

As I was driving back home all I could think of was, what blankets don't I use anymore, or do I have extra dog bowls. You just feel such an energy from all the helpers there that you want to do or give something. Such a nice cause and just over the Rio Linda line. Until our next adventure, be safe and kind to each other Rio Linda. Cecilia