2 minute read
FUELED BY LOVE
by Michelle Sobala
Afaithful promise from a dedicated mom. That's how it all began. Jody Jones prayed one heartbreaking night that if her precious Chelsea survives, then her and her husband vowed to rescue as many others as they could for the rest of their lives.
A perilous night, after being hit by a car at the young age of two – enduring life-threatening injuries Chelsea miraculously survived. Was she fueled by love? Revived by faith? Her 'will to survive' brought a glorious fate to almost tenthousand other Golden Retrievers and Golden mixes. Jody Jones' prayer was answered, and Chelsea lived a wonderful 13 years. In response to their answered prayer, the Jones founded Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue in 2000.
Over the last 21 and counting years they’ve given back 10,000-fold. Expanding beyond their wildest imagination starting in Sacramento then settling in an 8-acre ranch on the Northwest outskirts of Sacramento. Homeward Bound has become a rescue center for almost ten thousand Goldens.
At Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue – age is just a number, because they have areas specifically designed for young and old, socialized or traumatized, no matter what disability they have. Each animal is carefully placed in the environment that will help them thrive. This is an all-volunteer organization, including a veterinarian who provides complete health and wellness care as needed. Each and every dog is nurtured, even if they'll never be adopted again. In fact, their adoption process has specific standards to ensure these furry companions are provided the optimal home and family environment.
The 8-acre rescue center is well-organized with a fully stocked veterinarian clinic, puppy
palace, senior living, therapy pool, large kennels, grooming salon, quarantine space, and a botanical garden with a dog-tag tree and large water fountain. Extending beyond the garden is a half-mile walking path that helps provide exercise for many of the dogs. In the heart of the land is a pavilion where training classes are hosted. Additionally, there are 11 yards about an 1/8 acre each – giving the animals the room to roam and connection to earth they desire.
Near the north side of the property there’s a beautiful chapel dedicated to Jody Jones who passed in 2020 with stained glass windows, a rainbow bridge mosaic, and the sweet aroma of cedar boxes where their ashes have an ever after resting place. Dog ashes returned to Homeward Bound are welcome to be placed in the temple or their tag added to the tree as a place of remembrance. There are many donation opportunities, including an engraved brick in the garden path. Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue & Sanctuary, Inc. is an allvolunteer organization which rescues and heals displaced, abandoned, and homeless Golden Retrievers and Golden mixes, regardless of their age or health. Homeward Bound secures safe, loving homes through a comprehensive adoption program, and provides lifetime sanctuary for Goldens that cannot be adopted. If their heart-centered mission resonates with you consider making a donation, fostering a dog, or even permanently homing one.
To learn more or get involved visit:
