Double the Gold Challenge!

Homeward Bound’s rescue partner, Golden Retriever Rescue Southern Nevada (GRRSN), answered a shocking call in early March. Nine ten-month-old Golden Retrievers had been living in a weekly motel in Las Vegas, squeezed into a tiny second-floor room with their dog parents, their owner, and her son. Having traveled from Tennessee by cramped car, the conditions these dogs were kept in were nothing short of devastating. The nine “puppies” were crammed into two crates, each lined with kitty litter to absorb their waste. The stench was unbearable. They were emaciated—existing on human food scraps because their owner had run out of funds. Facing eviction, they called GRRSN. Malnourished, weak, and tiny for their age, the dogs had to be carried down from the second floor one by one.

GRRSN immediately drove them to Sun City Animal Hospital, where the staff jumped into action, going above and beyond to bathe, examine, fecal test, and vaccinate the dogs before releasing them to a play yard. “Watching them experience grass and freedom for the first time was bittersweet,” our partner relayed. “They moved awkwardly, as though they’d never learned how to play or run. It was gut-wrenching to witness.”

Thankfully, a new treatment for canine parvovirus (CPV), called Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibody (CPMA), is now available to dramatically reduce the severity of the disease and improve survival rates. Treatment was successful, but due to the dog’s exposure, a 14-day quarantine at the vet hospital was required for all. As you can imagine, the expense was astronomical. Homeward Bound stepped in to help cover a bill that quickly climbed to $20,000.

Once cleared, our vans were on the road as St. Patrick’s Day approached, with our team excited to welcome them. The poor things probably thought they were returning to their crated nightmare once loaded. They had no idea that their fortunes were about to be reversed with new lives awaiting them. This new beginning quickly came into view once they were lifted from the van and into our large grassy yards and waiting arms. These pups were starved for food and good care, but not for human socialization. Resilient as dogs are, they soak up attention and affection.

We will pick up all costs from this point forward, including exams, additional vaccinations, ear treatments, housing, and a healthy approach to gradual weight gain. Spay and neuter will follow when they are ready before being matched to loving forever homes. While they wait, there is plenty of time for play and loving care to fill their days. Watch their short video below.

Finley was designated as our Fund of Love ambassador this year. He is the 10-month-old who was abandoned in a parking lot with luxating patellas – knees that popped out of place forcing him to drag his hind end along. Finley has already undergone one surgery, but his journey is not yet over. Because he was left in this condition from birth, his case is much more complicated. Early progress turned out not to be lasting. The knees appeared fixed, but the entire alignment of his legs and weakened muscles forced a retreat.

With a referral from his first surgeon, he was admitted to the premiere UC Davis Veterinary Hospital, where he underwent a CT scan in mid-March. From the scan, the orthopedic team at UC Davis will be able to fully visualize and create 3-D models of his upcoming surgery – one that will align the bones from hip to paw. Poor Finley is anxious to have all this behind him and just be a dog. It’s hard to explain to him that our goal is the same. Patience, boy. Patience. Needless to say, the cost has climbed dramatically, but we will not give up on him with you by our side.

Tommy is a one-year-old boy who was surrendered to us when his abdomen became so painful he could not lie down or eat. His people were unable to afford his care. Rushed to emergency, X-rays showed no evidence of blockage, and two ultrasounds revealed no abnormalities except acute gastrointestinal distress. After four and a half days of hospitalization, exploratory surgery, and a nasogastric tube placed for feeding and gas relief, he finally began to turn the corner. Post-surgery, he came back to us for rest and made a full recovery. The cause of his distress remains a mystery. Maybe it was his way of telling us all that he no longer wished to live as an outside-only dog! Guess what: Wish granted!! Enjoy your new home boy!

Nine-year-old Piper was surrendered when her people left the country and could not take her. It was for the best, as the “bad sprain” she had been exhibiting for a month turned out to be a torn ACL. Piper underwent TPLO surgery on her knee, requiring eight weeks of quiet rest and recovery. She has been hanging out in our new recovery ward where she was anything but quiet! She feels better already and wants to rock and roll. Sorry girl. Talk to Finley! You are out of commission for a while for your own good!

Six-year-old sweetheart Willow, who loves dogs, cats, and kids, was surrendered when her seizures became too much for her family to manage. Not long after her arrival, Willow had a series of cluster seizures requiring hospitalization. Her medication has been adjusted, and she was housed in our

recovery area, where we could monitor her by camera 24/7 until we felt comfortable sending her to foster. We have been able to get her stabilized, and this lovely girl who has stolen everyone’s heart will be a candidate for permanent foster – Homeward Bound’s program that provides lifetime medical care so she can be home. She will need someone who is around almost all the time to ensure monitoring and intervention, if and when, she goes into a seizure.

At five months, Sugar Bear is the most recent of a long line of puppies with serious heart issues, including three-month-old Mr. Blue, Winston, and two puppies in a recent litter. Little Simon and Kringle were both born with leg deformities. These pups’ conditions are the result of irresponsible breeding. Unable to be sold, the lucky ones land with a rescue like Homeward Bound with the means to provide their medical care (thanks to you!).

Sugar Bear presented with a grade IV heart murmur caused by an abnormal growth of muscle in his right ventricle. This abnormality causes the heart to work overtime. The good news is that it was caught before there was permanent damage to the heart. He will be fitted for a special heart monitor vest to give his team a closer look at what is happening inside and he will be on medication for the rest of his life which will likely be shortened. Homeward Bound will see to his medical needs while his new people are determined to beat the odds and extend his life as long as possible with good care and lots of love.

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.