Double the Gold Challenge!

Cyrus was rescued from China, joining us in 2025. He arrived suffering from a condition called angular limb deformity: his knees faced outward – the result of compromised growth plate development, lack of good nutrition, and spending the first two years of his life in a small, cramped cage, unable to stand correctly. He waddled instead of walking upright – his mobility severely compromised. His future looked painful as the pressure on the joints would lead to early arthritis and continued joint degeneration.

At UC Davis, 3-D models were constructed to guide an orthopedic team in rebuilding his legs. Three surgeries and $30,000 later, Cyrus is now proudly walking upright – and trying desperately to run as he completes his rehabilitation in his forever home. Patience boy! Almost there!

Also from China, Shamus arrived with his right rear leg at a 45-degree angle. A trip to the orthopedic specialist revealed an old break and muscles that had permanently shortened. He used the bent leg like a whirly crutch, oblivious to the deformity. But a check of his rear left leg showed significant hip dysplasia. For Shamus to have good future mobility, he would need at least one strong hind leg to support him. As difficult as it was, we had Shamus undergo an FHO surgery on his “good” leg. His recovery progresses slowly – but it progresses with twice weekly physical therapy visits. He has been a good patient but has found a quiet way to express his displeasure: He poops his recovery kennel at least daily!

In mid-March, we received a request for help from a family across the country. William is a handsome, one-year-old boy with multiple heart conditions that his people were unable to keep up with financially. Sadly, they were unable to find rescue support closer to home and faced the heartbreaking potential of humane euthanasia. Two days after the call, our trusted transporter picked William up in Massachusetts. Our precious cargo made the five day journey arriving safe and sound. We send him directly to foster. Completely oblivious to his diagnosis, William is enjoying being a big puppy. This week, he sees the cardiologist to help us understand how to best support William. He will, undoubtedly, have a shortened life – but we will ensure that it is a good and rich one!

At two and a half years old, Oakley was surrendered in February when she lost her home through no fault of her own. The decision not only brought her in from the cold as an outside dog, it turned out to be lifesaving. We quickly assessed a GI issue, and she went off for testing that revealed early kidney disease and intestinal inflammation. When treatment and a special diet did not improve her condition, we took her to emergency. An ultrasound picked up a suspected foreign object. Surgery revealed that it extended from her stomach to her intestine. Recovery was touch and go, but after several days in ICU, Oakley is now sporting a new zipper along her tummy, a healthy appetite, and tons of spunk! Soon, she will be ready for home.

At six years of age, Leah developed bruising on her body and gums, accompanied by bloody diarrhea. When her family took her to the vet, they learned that she had ITP, an auto-immune disease. With ITP, the immune system destroys its own platelets, which are essential for blood clotting. Untreated, ITP is fatal. Treatment runs in the thousands of dollars and medication can be life-long to prevent recurrence. Leah is now stabilized and moving to our Permanent Foster program. She is a sweet, loving dog who wants nothing more than belly runs, gentle walks, and quiet companionship. We will ensure her health for life.

Bentley is a young dog who was rescued from the dog meat markets in South Korea. Happily putting that behind him, he is fun-loving, playful, and athletic, but we noticed some stiffness in his gait after intensive activity. Further diagnosis revealed the likely need for FHO surgery down the road. While it could have been delayed for some time, it became an obstacle to adoption with his ideal family – one that was active and adventuresome in keeping with Bentley’s personality. We decided to proceed with the surgery and remove the hindrance. He has undergone the first of two surgeries and is recovering well and enjoying swim therapy in our heated pool. It’s hard to put a young dog through eight weeks of recovery on each leg when all they want to do is run and play, but doing it now opens up the widest opportunities for a boy who deserves the best second chapter.

Thanks to your support, we can be there when dogs like these come to us with significant medical needs. In addition, we provide ongoing medical support to a revolving list of 50-60 dogs in our Permanent Foster Program.

We know that these are extraordinary times for many. Anything you can contribute during the Double the Gold Challenge will not only help – it will go twice as far as your gift is matched by a waiting Fund of Love. Let’s not leave behind even a dollar of that Fund of Love match!  We simply cannot do it without you.

How to Help

To contribute securely online, click the Donate button below.

To donate by check, please send your check to:

HBGRR Double The Gold Challenge
Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue
7495 Natomas Rd.
Elverta, CA 95626.

On behalf of the Golden and golden-hearted dogs that will benefit from your generosity, our heartfelt thanks.