In an effort to ensure that each Homeward Bound adoption is successful for the adopter and the dog, each dog is evaluated by our volunteers and assigned a rating, based upon his or her energy level, personality traits and observed behavior. Homeward Bound endeavors to provide dog descriptions that are as accurate as possible in order to match dogs with adopters with the appropriate experience level. Dog descriptions are based on observations from the time a dog was rescued. Homeward Bound often has limited or no background or history on a dog and therefore cannot guarantee any dog's future behavior.
The Level 1 dog is a fireplace dog or couch potato that is super easy, has a low energy level, and has no issues. You will find that this level of dog would do well in virtually any home regardless of owner experience.
Level 2 is low to moderate energy, or in some cases high energy. Needs average leadership; generally lacks obedience and/or house manners, but is a nice dog. Dog may be shy and quiet, or may be outgoing, but this is not a difficult dog. This level may have minor issues that are easy to address.
Level 3, moderate, high or very high energy/drive. This dog needs an experienced owner familiar with how to provide direct leadership and proper management. Level 3 dogs typically have a challenging behavior, but are good dogs. These dogs might be dog reactive or dog aggressive, may have to be an only animal in the home, the dog needs daily physical and mental stimulation, etc. This level of dog is not an average pet.
The Level 4 dog has an intense focus to work or extreme energy/drive. It could be a dog that provides search and rescue services, could be a competitive Flyball or Agility dog, or has other sporting breed abilities. These dogs can be strong, pushy and/or dominant. They need an extremely experienced owner that has the commitment to provide the dog with the guidance and training he/she needs to be successful.
Last Updated: 02/19/2012
ADOPTION FEES
Youngsters Up to 3 years old
$350
Adults 4 to 7 years old
$300
Adults 8 to 10 years old
$250
Golden Oldies 11 years and older
$200
Adoption fee may vary for SPECIAL NEEDS GOLDENS and some GOLDEN OLDIES.
Yes, we get youngsters!
Please note that we take in dogs of all ages. Because we typically have a waiting list of approved clients, many dogs are adopted before they have a chance to get onto the website. So if you don't see exactly the dog you're looking for listed here, please fill out an application and let us know what you're looking for. We will do our best to find the right dog for you!
Available Goldens
BROWNIE & LUCKY
We are eleven year old brothers and are totally bonded. I am Brownie and kind of the spokesman for us, so here goes…..I like to play ball, Lucky likes to watch me chase the ball. We still enjoy chasing each other and would not consider being separated. Besides why would someone want one eleven year old dog when you could have two! We are fine with cats and don't mind other dogs, we think kids are cute but don't really have the energy to keep up with really active ones. We still can get up and go and then enjoy a nice afternoon nap.
Hi! I'm Lance, a ten year old boy and I need to find a home for myself and my best girl, Jenni. She is also ten years old but you would never know it to see her dash around the yard!. She is the most beautiful Golden Retriever that I have ever see. All the other girls are jealous because she had two colors and her eyes sparkle. Some people have tried to tell me that Jenni isn't really a Golden but once you meet her you will agree with me....prettiest Golden ever! We are both good with other dogs and cats and both have the typical Golden temperament. We love to go for walks and are very good on leash. We have good house manners and are very excited about having a new family and a new place to live.
I am a ten year old boy looking for a place to hang my leash. I haven't had the best of care so I am working on growing back a hair coat. When I got here I was almost bald! But now, that red hair that I remember so well, is on it's way back! I like other dogs and think kids are great. I used to be a "level one" dog until that pesky cat walked by and I chased it up a ladder....yup, that bounced me up a level...unless you are not a cat person and there are no cats around. I am getting a little concerned about winter coming on and my hair coat not being back so am looking for a family with a nice warm home and maybe a jacket for those winter walks.
I am a ten year old boy and right now I am training a new foster family for Homeward Bound. The new family decided that they would like to foster a senior dog so I volunteered to work with them and train them on how to evaluate a dog's needs. So far they are exceeding my expectations! They even called in a trainer to explain why I would stop on my walks and refuse to move. The trainer picked up on the fact that I usually stopped so someone could pet me but also that my joints were not used to exercise. I do love to go for walks but I am not a morning person. My energy level kicks in around the afternoon and then I am really frisky and will even roll around the floor with you! My foster says that I would be happiest with someone who had lots of time for me and didn't feel the need to run marathons. She also says that I am very affectionate and enjoy being cared for. I'm thinking that I am really good at this foster training job!
I am a happy ten year oldboy and I am happiest being the only dog and, please, no cats! I still have lots of energy and have no problems getting around. I am not aggressive, I just don't want to share my home with another dog much less a cat. Now kids are a different story....love them! I like soft, squeaky toys and will lay on my back and hold the "babies" in my paws! I like to roll around in the grass and really enjoy a good brushing. I like treats and am very gentle taking them. For the most part I am the typical Golden....just a little older and much wiser!
I am a big, goofy, seven year old boy. I am very energetic and need to have someone willing to invest in training and a really good exercise program for me. I am a busy dog and want to have something to do. I don't like other dogs and I don't care for cats. I know that adds "strikes" against me but it's just who I am. The people first thought I had neurological problems but the Dog Doc says that I am perfectly healthy. The only odd thing about me is that I lean my head to one side and I like being busy. I guess I am not the perfect family dog but there must be someone out there who can see the bright side of me!
Yeah….I don't know why someone would name a dog Moon, and no, I don't think Moon Doggie is cute. I am a nine year old boy and used to be a loved family member. I have good house manners and just need a refresher course on leash and obedience stuff. I like other dogs but am not fond of cats. I like kids of all ages and be prepared...I am very playful! I still have a good amount of energy but also a very calm, gentle nature. Sort of like the "perfect Golden Retriever".
Yes, I really am a Princess! I am a four year old girl with pretty, curly red hair. I would prefer to be the one and only and really don't care for cats or small dogs….not all that impressed with big dogs either…it's a "princess thing". I was adopted but we found that I have a serious character flaw...I fall in love with a person and don't want to share that person with his beloved grandchildren. I have impeccable house manners and if you would be in need of a loving, protective and sometimes possessive dog, then I am your girl. I love to go for car rides and am great on a leash and maybe it was just a fluke and I won't feel so strongly about another person...but then was it really wrong for me to fall in love.
I am an eighteen month old boy and I have already decided that I don't like cats. I prefer lady dogs to dude dogs and I like my toys to be soft and not bouncy. I know I have lots of opinions for someone so young but that's who I am. I need a dog savvy family who will help me sort out all of these likes and dislikes so that I can grow up to be the dog I was meant to be. Oh...I do like kids.
Yes, I am the problem child! I am only eighteen months old and I think I own the world! I have not had much experience with other dogs so my theory is to go after them before they get me! I don't know if I really don't like other dogs or if it's a socializing issue. For some reason I am fine with cats! Guess it goes back to cats don't threaten me. I don't want to be labeled as dog aggressive because, by nature, I am such a lover! So please meet me with an open mind then decide if I am worth the effort in training. I guess that's the problem of being so darned good looking....people forget that you need training and structure. Ahhhh...the life of a trophy dog!
I am so surprised at all of these young guys with "social issues"! I am only about one year old and I have already figured out that you have to get along with other critters if you want a chance at a new home. The only thing the people say about me, in the least bit negative, is that I might be too energetic for small children but would be great with older children who like to play. So to wrap it up, I am the perfect family dog, I get alone with other dogs, cats and active kids!
I am a twelve year old boy and I am the first to admit, I don't have that ball chasing, curl up in your lap Golden Retriever personality. Life hasn't always been that good to me, so I learned to be independent and not count on the people always being nice to me. I have a very gentle nature and am very kind, just not overly affectionate. I like other dogs but cats are not on my list of favorites. I do have above average intelligence and am very well behaved. If I were a person, I would be the English Butler! No....not that "I did it", I would be refined and comfortable in the background.
Update: I met a very nice person today who couldn't take me but cared enough to pay my adoption fee! I am now available without charge to a really good home.
Oh, and check out my new photos at the link below!!!!
* Special Needs * I am a ten year old boy and I have heartworms. Right now there is no "twelve step program" to cure me. The medicine used to treat heartworms is not available so all I can do is take the preventative to keep new heartworms from coming in. The ones I have will live for three years so I am hoping they die of old age before I do! I would like a place to live out my remaining years. My life up until now has been nothing to write home about..I have been mistreated, unloved, and then finally dumped. But....I am not holding that against the people, I know that just like dogs, there are good and bad people. I just hope that the good people will read this and give me that chance to know what love really feels like. I like other dogs and have always tried really hard to be good and please the people.
I am about six and half years old and I am looking for a new home. I get along with other dogs, ignore cats, and like kids. I am grabby when taking treats so I am restricted to children over 10 years old. I would never want to hurt anyone but I get so excited over treats that I forget my manners and just grab for it! I love being petted and brushed; I haven't had a lot of attention in my life so I am really enjoying all this pampering.
I am a five year old girl and am best described as a companion dog. I love to be with people and am very well behaved. I like to go for walks and I love to get treats! I will play fetch but mostly I want to be a companion and do what the people do. The one thing I did discover when I got to Homeward Bound is that I do not like cats! I was fine with all the other dogs here but then I found out that they let cats hang around too....YUCK!
I am a three year old boy and I am mostly Golden Retriever. The people say that my eyes are what makes me look different…from my side I look fine! I haven't had a lot of experience with other dogs so I would prefer not to live with another dog. Same goes for cats; I am just not too sure about them. I haven't had a lot of life experience so I take just a bit to get to know the people. I like to play ball and once I am comfortable with you I will even bring the ball back to you! I need to go to school and learn basic dog stuff, I missed that in my puppyhood and now I see how important that is. I would like a family willing to train me and help me gain self confidence.
I am a very happy boy and I will smile to let you know just how happy I am. I am about two years old and a combination of Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever….I look more like a Lab though. I like other dogs but will chase cats. I know how to do the "sit" thing but that's pretty much the only thing I know. I like to play ball and I especially like it when you throw the toys up in the air! The people tell me that it's OK to jump when I play but I need to learn not to jump up when I'm excited. So many rules to learn but I am willing to learn and I promise to study really hard.
My name is Rex and I really happy about that! I am so grateful that the people don't call me "Yankee" or "Dandy" and I am really sick of that song people seem to think I should enjoy! Yes, I am a Doodle and even though I am only eleven months old I have lots of skills. I like other dogs, cats, and kids. I am house trained and know basic obedience stuff. I haven't had a lot of socializing so that would be a good thing for me. I am very gentle and would love a home with kids.
The goal of Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue is to rescue Golden Retrievers. The exception is Golden/Lab mixes and Flatcoats in need. Occasionally dogs not meeting this criteria find their way in, and, rather than toss them back out, we have decided to give them their own section to tell their stories.
BLACK JACK
You know those days when everything you try to do goes wrong? Well that's what happened to me when my family decided to drop me off at Homeward Bound (in the middle of the night). They got the wrong place! It took a couple of days for the nice neighbors to realize that I got dumped at the wrong place! I am about ten years old and they refer to me as a "Labby boy". I am in serious need of a rescue-minded family because up till now I haven't had very good care. I am tall and lanky (another word for too thin) and am in need of some good skin/hair care. I am not good with cats.
Update: While I am waiting for my new family to find me I have been working on my leash skills and the people have been working on my diet and grooming. The results are that I am MUCH better on a leash and my skin and hair coat look great! I still have a ton of energy so will need an active family but I am also very affectionate and really a very nice dog!
Update #2: I finally found what was missing in my life....a kid! This really nice boy came to visit me and we had the best time playing ball and just hanging out together. When he left I just sat at the fence wishing he would come back.
Hey! Check out my new pictures by clicking on my photo--you can see for yourself how far I have come!
I am a nine year old boy and I am here with my ten year old dad. We are not Golden Retrievers but we are very nice dogs and really in need of a home. We are very devoted to each other and want a home where we can stay together. Homeward Bound says that we can go to a Senior Touch home for no adoption fee or a family for just my adoption fee and dad comes along as a bonus! We were so anxious to get on the list that we haven't had a chance to finish our evaluations so hopefully next week we can tell you about our likes and dislikes.
My name is Joshua and I am a six year old level ONE boy looking for a level TWO family. Guess I better explain that statement. I am a very mellow fellow, I get along with everyone, and am great with kids. The problem is that I need to take meds to control my seizures so I need a family who know how to deal with giving the dog his pills! I also need to go outside quite a bit so someone home a lot or a dog door would be best for me. I have great house manners and am used to being a loved family dog.
* Special Needs * I am a two year old and when I first got here I was listed as "special needs" because I started having seizures. Since then I have been taking medicine and I haven't had a seizure in a long time. I still need someone who isn't afraid of seizures and will be ok with me having to take medicine every day. Now that I have that out of the way let me tell you how much fun I am! I love to go for car rides, enjoy swimming and hiking plus I am pretty good at basic commands. I get along with other dogs and enjoy playing with them, I also enjoy chasing cats so that species has asked that I not be placed in a home with them! I love toys, especially the hard squeaky kind. I am very affectionate and love being with people...oh, I also LOVE food and will do just about anything for a treat. I am a very fast learner and anxious to please. The people here don't think of me as a "special needs" anymore....just a boy who needs to go home.
BENTLEY
How did a Border Collie mix end up at Homeward Bound? Simple . . . someone thought I was a Flat-coated retriever mix. You would think that they'd know the difference! Duh! But I'm not complaining, considering the alternative! I was brought to a vet hospital in Los Banos with a broken leg, likely the result of an encounter with a moving vehicle. Staff at the vet hospital liked me so much they went in search of a rescue that would take me in when no one claimed me. Homeward Bound arranged for surgery in Modesto then a foster home in Redding. After nearly 2 months in confinement, the pin in my leg has been removed and I'm ready to make my debut. While in foster care I have learned some basic commands (sit, wait, leave it, and of course, NO!), housetraining, and crate training. I get along well with my golden foster sisters, and I walk pretty well on a leash. What I don't do is come when called (I can be a bit willful), so my foster mom has enrolled me in a "recall intensive" training class.
I need a VERY SECURE yard with a 6 foot fence and would do best with an active family who can help me expend some of my energy; agility and flyball would be great activities for me! I love to play ball and am even learning to bring it back . . . my foster mom says if I'm going to "walk like a duck, I need to act like a duck," whatever the heck that means! Oh, and I do have a very high prey drive, so other critters, except dogs, are probably a not a good idea. Best guess on my age is 12 to 18 months. I'm still very puppy-ish and haven't entirely outgrown the need to chew on things, like bedding. I'm still a "work in progress," but I'm also a very smart and loving boy, and I really, REALLY like to cuddle! I'm looking for a special person or family who has the time and desire to continue my training and enhance my socialization skills. If you can overlook the fact that I'm not a Golden and instead, look to my loving personality, brains, and athletic prowess, I just might be the guy for you!
Hi - My name is Sasha. I am 5 years old. I am part Lab/part Greyhound. I am more Greyhound than anything else. I love to run, hike and chase tennis balls. Since I don't have much body fat, I am not a swimmer. In fact I can drown very easily if I am not supervised around water. I will, however, walk in creeks. I get along with most other dogs and cats after I have warmed up to them. I do not like startling noises such as fire crackers, very loud motorcycles, pop guns; they make me very nervous and I want to run and hide. I need to live in a place where I can run around a lot, but also not get hurt. A ranch or a house on acreage would be ideal. I have been known to jump over 6-7' gates when I get bored. I don't want to run away, I just want to find someone to play with me. I'm also a wonderful sleeping companion. In fact, curling up on a sofa is a great way to spend my day. So if you think you are interested in meeting me please give my owner a call.
Contact Kelly Bailey at 916-206-9136.
GOMEZ
Gomez is a male, neutered, pug chihuahua mix that has been living in a foster home after being found as a stray. He currently lives with three labs and gets along with them well. He mostly ignores them but likes to play a game of tug and chase each evening. He can get grumpy when new people want to share the couch with him but with patience and a couple of treats, he will share the space willingly. Since he can be grumpy in certain situations, he would do best in a family without children. He enjoys spending time in his crate, lying in the sun or snuggling on a lap. He is house broken and has probably used a doggie door in the past. His manners are improving each day and he now comes when called, sits for his dinner and is learning that being quiet gets more rewards than barking. Our vet estimated his age at two to three years old. Gomez is up-to-date on his shots and monthly preventatives.
Contact Jamie at 916-642-2854, jpldofoz@msn.com for more info.
The Level 1 dog is a fireplace dog or couch potato that is super easy, has a low energy level, and has no issues. You will find that this level of dog would do well in virtually any home regardless of owner experience.
Level 2 is low to moderate energy, or in some cases high energy. Needs average leadership; generally lacks obedience and/or house manners, but is a nice dog. Dog may be shy and quiet, or may be outgoing, but this is not a difficult dog. This level may have minor issues that are easy to address.
Level 3, moderate, high or very high energy/drive. This dog needs an experienced owner familiar with how to provide direct leadership and proper management. Level 3 dogs typically have a challenging behavior, but are good dogs. These dogs might be dog reactive or dog aggressive, may have to be an only animal in the home, the dog needs daily physical and mental stimulation, etc. This level of dog is not an average pet.
The Level 4 dog has an intense focus to work or extreme energy/drive. It could be a dog that provides search and rescue services, could be a competitive Flyball or Agility dog, or has other sporting breed abilities. These dogs can be strong, pushy and/or dominant. They need an extremely experienced owner that has the commitment to provide the dog with the guidance and training he/she needs to be successful.
