Back when I was looking into rescuing a dog, I stumbled across a local organization that helps place Golden Retrievers in homes. That group, Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue and Sanctuary, Inc., is an all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with the mission of securing safe, loving homes for displaced or homeless Golden Retrievers. They receive Golden Retrievers from owners who can no longer care for them because of changing circumstances in their lives, and they also maintain close working relationships with animal shelters in Sacramento, Sutter, Placer, El Dorado and surrounding counties to ensure that Goldens are relinquished to them prior to being euthanized. They even rescue Golden Retrievers found wandering the streets or reported to them by concerned neighbors. They rescue Goldens of all ages, and even mixed Goldens on occasion.

A secondary mission of Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue and Sanctuary, Inc. is the procurement of suitable land, either donated or otherwise, for the purpose of constructing a facility to house as many as 25 golden retrievers at any one time, with a permanent caregiver in residence. We need the capability to provide housing for the overflow of Goldens that have been rescued but not yet adopted, and to provide long-term care for those Goldens with special needs (i.e. blind; amputee; etc.).

Given the fact that they are rescuing an average of 350-400 dogs each year, the need for a sanctuary is quite evident. However, it cannot come at the expense of our basic rescue activities, as their financial resources are first and foremost allocated to the healing of the physical and psychological wounds of the rescued Goldens. Any surplus, or excess funds, will be reserved for sanctuary operations.

That’s where the Kibble & Bids annual fundraiser comes in. With the support of sponsors, attendees, participating wineries, breweries, restaurants, and auction donors, the groups has netted $110,000 for the organization last year. All proceeds were devoted to veterinary services for the dogs, continued maintenance and improvements to the adoption center and sanctuary, including the extensive kennel remodel and equipment/storage garage.

Last year Homeward Bound rescued a record 561 dogs, almost double the number in 2006 (288), and incurred a whopping $305,263 in veterinary expenses. You name it, they do it: heartworm therapy, chemotherapy, hip replacements, knee surgery, spaying, neutering, hospitalization, dental work, shots, eye surgery, dermatology, and the list goes on. From intake to evaluation to placement, every aspect of rescue and adoption is done solely by volunteers and donations.

Kibble & Bids 2008 is Saturday, September 6th at The Riverwood Estate in Sacramento. Tickets are $55 per person in advance and $65 at the door. For more information, or to purchase tickets, click here.

Please also note that for the month of September, I will be blogging here only once per week, every Tuesday. If you miss me, be sure to stop by DailyEatsOnline, PetSavvy, SavvyCooking, and SavvyHalloween, where I will also be blogging once per week this month. See you there!

Tags: Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue and Sanctuary In, Kibbles & Bids

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