When a co-worker strolled through the office asking if anyone wanted a Golden Retriever named Spencer, Jody Jones didn’t hesitate raising her hand. Not long after, Jones and her husband, Mike, welcomed Chelsea, a young female Golden Retriever and future author (Chelsea’s Tales, Memoirs of a Rescued Golden Retriever by Chelsea with Mike Jones, Outback Ranch Publications, 2003). Little did the Jones know that this event would lead to a life devoted to the rescue and care of Golden Retrievers.
From their small house in Sacramento, Jody and Mike served as a foster family affiliated with a Golden Retriever rescue group in the Bay Area. Because there was a need locally, they decided to organize a rescue group in the Sacramento area. In January 2000, they established Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue, a non-profit volunteer organization with the mission of securing safe, loving homes for displaced or homeless Golden Retrievers.
A year later, a piece of property became available and Homeward Bound found its own home. Located off a narrow levee road in Elverta, the Homeward Bound Sanctuary can accommodate up to 25 dogs, with another 20 to 25 dogs placed in foster homes with families in the greater Sacramento area. The sanctuary compound includes the main house, a large grassy dog park, fenced yards for dogs to socialize with prospective owners, a therapy pool, and a building that houses a kennel, reception area, laundry, dog washing room, plus a dedicated area where dogs can be treated by a veterinarian.
Homeward Bound rescues between five to ten Golden Retrievers per week and accepts dogs of all ages as well as those with serious medical conditions. Last year, nearly 90 percent of the 455 dogs rescued by Homeward Bound were placed in homes. In addition to purebred Golden Retrievers, Homeward Bound accepts Golden ‘mixes.’ Golden Retrievers are mostly surrendered due to owners’ divorce, but other reasons can be as trivial as an owner’s dislike for the particular shade of a retriever’s coat.
Golden Retrievers are available for adoption at the sanctuary on Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Before a dog is adopted, a Homeward Bound representative conducts a home visit to ensure that the prospective owners are prepared for a large dog living and sleeping in the house and to ensure that the backyard is securely fenced. Dogs are not placed if they must remain outside.
When asked why Golden Retrievers make such great pets, Jody replied, “We call them Velcro dogs. They want to be with their people, whether you’re inside or outside. They want to be where you are. Goldens are very loyal and happy dogs and, for the most part, are great with kids.” An ideal home for a Golden Retriever depends on the dog, with consideration given to age, personality, health issues, and whether or not the dog gets along with cats and other dogs.
Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue is one of only three non-profit Golden Retriever rescue groups nationwide that provide a sanctuary, and the only one on the West Coast.
On a recent June day, which might be described as a typical Homeward Bound day, Jody traveled to Redding where she rescued a young female Golden diagnosed with heartworm. After a few months of treatment and quiet convalescence, the dog will be ready for adoption. On this same day, the Jones’ family room included the newest rescue, also from Redding, a beaming (yes, Goldens do beam) mother and her litter of six five-weeks-old puppies and a light-colored Golden that had been rescued from the streets of Taiwan by university students. Viewing the activity were three more Golden Retrievers peering through glass doors that led to the dining room.
Homeward Bound organizes several special events and fundraisers throughout the year. The seventh annual Kibbles & Bid event is a major fundraiser planned for Saturday, September 8, which will be held at the Riverwood Estate on Garden Highway from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Paying homage to the 1950’s with “The Golden Oldies” theme, Kibble & Bid will feature a live and silent auction, wine tasting and food from area restaurants. For more details visit www.HomewardBoundGoldens.org.
If you are interested in adopting a Golden Retriever or would like to volunteer or donate to Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue & Sanctuary, call (916) 655-1410 or visit
www.HomewardBoundGoldens.org.
