Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue and Sanctuary, Inc. -- RESCUE, the compassionate alternative.
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ADOPTION FEE       

Youngsters   Up to 3 years old     $350
Adults   4  to  7 years old     $300
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.

    
 

Last Update:  02/08/10


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!

Special Needs Goldens

Available Goldens

MACY
My name is Macy and I am a 14 year old girl…..and yes I do mean girl, not old girl, old lady or as my friend, Deanna, refers to me "ancient one". I mean if a girl takes care of herself, watches her diet and gets plenty of exercise she can still have fun. I have excellent house manners and am very social. I would like a companion who is good natured, enjoys quiet nights by the fire reading or watching a movie and who still knows how to laugh and have a good time!
General Adoption Application


HOLLY
I am an 10 year old girl and a few weeks ago I got to know what it feels like to be a soccer ball! I know I looked both ways before I crossed the street but once I got to the middle there were cars everywhere! At least two of them hit me and punted me back out into the street. The only one that stopped was the nice person who picked me up and took me to the hospital. The dog doc was really surprised that all I had was some small cuts and nothing broken. I got sent to Homeward Bound and they wrote that I was a very sweet light brown Golden....until I got my bubble bath! Now they will tell you that I am a beautiful white Golden. I don't what happened to my family they just left and never came looking for me. I like other dogs, cats and kids......not necessarily in that order!
General Adoption Application


BOSLEY
I'm what the people refer to as a "sweet ole soul" and that's fine with me. I am on the other side of 10 years old with a bum rear foot. I get around well enough, not good enough to be an active hiking partner but I can hold my own when it comes to sprawling on the sofa with a good movie! I normally have long flowing hair but someone thought I would look good in a summer "puppy cut". Yup, every ten year old guy wants to look like a puppy!
General Adoption Application

Bosley


BAILEY
I used to be a "second story" guy but now I'm looking to be a "ground floor" guy. Before you start thinking I am some kind of old burglar I had better tell you that I am a 10 year old boy who has lost his depth perception. My family has a two story house and I keep falling down the stairs. They are just broken hearted but feel before I get broken we should find me another home. They told me that someone with a one story house will be getting the greatest dog ever! I am very loving and have never met a stranger. 
General Adoption Application

Bailey


GINGER
I think 9 years old if the perfect time for a girl to retire and live the life she has always dreamed of. I would like to be an only dog and that's only because I have always lived with lots of dogs and I am ready to be the one and only. I am very affectionate and just want to be loved. I am learning to go for walks on a leash and that is way for fun than I ever thought it would be! 
General Adoption Application


MURPHY
I'm back again! I tried that adoption thing and the people here think I need to be a bit more specific about my needs. I am a nine year old boy and a whole bunch of fun to have around. The problem I have, is this thing about toys…..I tend to eat them! I guess I am looking for an adult only home where my diet can be monitored and no foreign substances allowed. I am ok with other dogs as long as they don't have toys. I have yet to meet another dog who is happy about me eating their toys! I do have to take a couple different kind of pills each day but as long as you throw them in my with my food I'll eat them....I think I mentioned, I'll eat just about anything. 
General Adoption Application

Murphy


SHAGGY
I am a 9 year old boy and somebody decided my name should be Shaggy. Ok, I do look pretty shaggy but what happens when I start looking good again, will you rename me "Handsome". Actually I don't care what you call me; just don't call me late for dinner! I have a really good sense of humor, enjoy quiet walks, meaningful conversations (you talk, I'll listen) and evenings curled up on the sofa with my favorite person. I like other dogs but am basically a people person.
General Adoption Application

 

Shaggy


HOWIE AKA WALDO
I am an 8 year old boy and I have been hanging out at a "fat farm". Someone decided that I was packing a few more pounds than I should so off I went. I am down to 89 lbs and my foster mom says I can make my pitch! I am just adorable and love to be petted and hugged! Ok, I guess you want to more a little bit more....how about I am very low maintenance and get along with everybody. I do like to eat so someone will still need to someone to monitor how much I eat and that I don't try to steal someone else's food. I like to go for walks but what I really like is to go for rides! When I was at Homeward Bound the people would take me out for a walk and I would just sit down and wait for the golf cart to come by then hitch a ride back. My foster family has a car and boy is that ever fun! I don't care where I am going as long as I'm going. I like other dogs of all ages, donkey's and ducks are also cool...so I guess a cat would fall somewhere between duck and donkey! Oh, and I love children of all ages.
General Adoption Application

 

Waldo


DORIS DAY
I am a 8 year old and I know you must think that I am a movie star! I admit that I am pretty enough to be one but what I really wanted to do with my life was be a major league ball player! I don't know why it's only the guys who get all the breaks….what I'm saying is that I can field a tennis ball with the best of them! I like other dogs and think kids, who like to play ball, are the greatest! 
General Adoption Application

Doris Day


COBY
You probably won't notice this unless I tell you so lets get it out of the way…I only have three legs. I am an 8 year old boy and still weigh in at 93 lbs. I am a really friendly guy and willing to do just about anything for a laugh. Actually that's how I ended up losing my rear leg! When I was just a young pup a group of us guys got together with nothing better to do than cause trouble. We were hanging out at this farm and my buddies dared me to go out and see if I could "tip" one of the cows. Farmer John got the wrong idea and blasted me with a shot gun! Yeah....that was a lot of laughs! Needless to say I have grown up and no longer do every stupid thing that pops into my head. I get around great and like I said, most people don't even realize I am a "tripod".
General Adoption Application

 

Coby


MS MOLLY
I don't think 8 years is old for a girl but I just heard someone refer to me as "a puppy in old lady clothes"! I guess it's because sometimes I move a little slow but will jump right in and wrestle with big boys....I do love a good doggie wrestle! I am told that I have a very tiny stubborn streak that comes out when you might want to do something or go somewhere and I prefer not to. I don't growl or anything like that...I just roll over on my back and smile at you! That could be what my foster mom called my "wicked sense of humor"! I don't do real great with stairs, I would rather have the flat and level. I like other dogs, am fine with cats and think kids are fun. 
General Adoption Application

 

Ms Molly


FRESNO BUDDY
You can just call me Buddy and I hope you do cause I am looking for a "buddy" of my own. Girls are ok but I just seem to like the company of guys better. I am 6 years old now but still have all my game! I like to chase the ball, fetch the ball and watch ball games on TV. I also like to go swimming, go for rides in the car and just plain hang out with the guys. Too bad fraternity houses don't have dogs, cause I would be in hog heaven (or in my case, dog heaven) in a place like that. I like other dogs but don't care for cats.......it's that chase thing; they run...I chase!
General Adoption Application

 

Fesno Buddy


MAXWELL 2
I know that noise can't hurt me and that's what I tell myself every time I hear thunder or fireworks…….I say that the whole time I am trying to find a place to hide! I am 5 years old now and still a big sissy about loud noises. I like other dogs and kids but am not to sure about cats. I am very good on a leash and love to take long walks....long quiet walks! I like to play fetch but need to find a partner to play with, it's one of those games that is just not as much fun to play alone.
General Adoption Application

 

Maxwell 2


GLEN
I am 4 year old boy and I have been here for awhile. I came in with a group of Goldens and none of us had spent much time around people; our sole purpose was to produce other Goldens. It has taken me awhile but now I'm feeling, that with the right family, I could go home and live a normal life. I will need another dog or two to live with, it's just too scary on my own trying to decide if something could hurt me. I am learning to live in the house and play in the yard just like a regular dog. I had no idea what a "regular dog" was until I came here and I got to tell you.....it's fun!
General Adoption Application

 


CINNAMON
I am a 3 year old former beauty queen! Ok, so maybe that's not quite true but it sounds a whole lot better than a single mom with no marketable skills. I have excellent blood lines with even a champion thrown in but all that really means is that I am beautiful and have a very loving temperament. I need someone to teach me the ways of the family dog. I really think that was the life I was meant to live, why should I be the one to supply the world with Golden Retrievers when I could be a cherished family member! I like other dogs and would like to have another one to live with. I have always had other dogs around me and I think I might miss them.....plus it would give me a built in "life coach".
ADOPTED!! 

 

Cinnamon


MOLLY
I am a 3 year old girl in search of a kind, patient family. I have been learning what it's like to be a house dog and I don't know what I was so afraid of! It's really nice to be inside with the people. I like other dogs but prefer to take my meals by myself. I like kids, sandboxes and playing fetch. I agree with the dog who thought chasing cats should be an Olympic sport.....I would be a Gold Medalist!! I could use a refresher course in Dog 1A, I missed a lot of things the other dogs take for granted. But most important I need someone to love me and make me feel safe.
General Adoption Application

 

 


JACK
I know 2 year old boys are supposed to be energetic and playful, but I am just a quiet kind of guy. I guess you could say that I was just shy and slow to warm up but the truth is that I just prefer a quieter lifestyle. I love other dogs and would like to have one to live with. Oh, and I can be playful and very affectionate I just don't see the point of running around with my leash on the ground making a fool of myself!
General Adoption Application

 

 


CUB
I am 1 year old son of Cinnamon! My mom is really cool and a lot of fun to play with but the people here think that we get into to much trouble when we are together. I think it has something to do with the time mom was teaching me how to garden and a large whole ended up right next to the fence.....well what's a dog supposed to do? We have spent my whole life in a pen and all of a sudden the road to freedom appears! If someone doesn't come along and adopt mom and me together then I want to go to a home with another dog so I have my someone who understands my language and can teach me the ways of a house dog. I am learning about walking on a leash and it's not that hard now that I understand I don't need to have both ends of the leash! 

Update: 
I was adopted but not with my mom; first time in my life I didn't have her with me. I really loved the people but got jealous of the other dog. I guess I need a dog my own age to play with or a family with lots of time for me....oh, and the people think school might be a real good idea!
General Adoption Application

 

Cub


FINNEGAN
Wanna play?? I do, especially with my favorite rope toy! I am just a year old and all boy. I have lots of energy but know how to settle down in the house. I like other dogs and think kids are a bunch of fun although it would be best if the little ones know how to bounce. I have chased a cat or two but never hurt them...the fun is really in the chase! I love water and will dig or climb to get to it so maybe a swimming pool would not be the best thing for me, unless you don't mind a wet dog! 
General Adoption Application

Finnegan


Available Goldens Plus

NICHOLAS
The people here say that I am a "fixer upper" so I am looking for a handyperson who can fix me up! I am ten year old boy on the smaller side. They say I could stand to gain some weight so a home with lots of food would be good. I am still waiting for my evaluation test but so far I don't have any problems with the other dogs or the cats.
General Adoption Application

Nicholas

Nicholas


KIRBY
I am a very spry 10 year old boy looking for an "all about me" kind of home. When I first got here my hair looked like a patch work coat and all the other dogs made fun of me. Now that my hair is growing out and I am looking pretty good I have decided those other dogs can just stay here and I will be the one going home with people who will love me and never make fun of me! The people say I am a smaller Golden Mix, but they're not too sure what I am mixed with...my guess would be smaller than a Golden, cuter than a bug and smarter than the average bear!
General Adoption Application

Kirby

Kirby


STANLEY
Boy did I ever blow it! I was placed with a wonderful lady who wanted nothing more than to spend the rest of our live together. We were out for a walk and I got mad because another dog was on my sidewalk. I took out after him to let him know it was MY sidewalk. That was bad enough but my lady fell down and decided that we really weren't a perfect match. I am a 9 year old jerk looking for a second chance. I can be placed as a Senior Touch dog but best with a homebody who doesn't care about taking the dog for a walk. I am a really good people friend, it's just those other dogs who get to me.
General Adoption Application

Stanley


WILSON
I have a had a hard life so I look older than my 8 years and this arthritis doesn't help much either. I am looking for a quiet home where I can just kick back and not be expected to go out and run marathons. I am very easy going and good natured guy and I get along with everyone. All I really want out of life is a chance to enjoy my "Golden " years......I'm sure there is some Golden in me somewhere!
General Adoption Application

Wilson


SHELBY
I am a 7 year old lady and very well behaved. I keep my clean room and would do the same with your rooms. I am very good natured and love being with people. I don't care for other dogs and can "trash talk" with the best of them. oh, and I really don't like cats, but I love birds....to chase! I think my main purpose, after chasing things, is to be someone's best friend. I like to go for walks or just curl up on the sofa for some chat time. I enjoy my own company and don't mind spending some time by myself but, like I said, I really would like to be a best friend and at the end of the day not have to go to bed by myself.
General Adoption Application

Shelby

Shelby


HOLLY
I am a lovebug!!! Ok, guess you need just a bit more information than that. For starters I am a girl lovebug and I am around 7 years old. I had a terrifying experience as a puppy and for the rest of my life I will sport only half of a tail but that's not the tale you need to know right now. I was adopted after the "tail incident" and lived as a housedog. My mom couldn't deal with a shedding dog so I was moved outside and now my family feels they don't have time for me so I am here looking for a new home. I still remember how to be a housedog and if you don't mind a little dog hair that's where I want to live. I am a happy girl and most people think it's a good thing that I don't have more of a tail to wag because it never stops! I love children and would be a great "nana dog" or just an all around wonderful companion....LOVEBUG.

Update: 
I’m in a foster home now and just discovering the things I like, so I’ll have to get back to you on that. I did meet a cat last weekend and thought he wasn’t worth a second look! My foster mom and dad are always telling me how sweet and loving I am, and that my house manners are absolutely perfect. 
ADOPTED!! 


JACKSON
I am a fixer upper. First time I heard that I thought there goes the likelihood of me finding a new home; I mean who wants someone they have to fix? I am a 7 year old boy and mostly Golden. The more I have been thinking about this fixer up thing the more I think I might have a chance. Think of the reward of taking in a skinny, scraggly dog and transforming him into a healthy, beautiful boy who no one recognizes. That's the stuff hero's are made of! All of you friends and family will be so impressed AND you will have my unconditional love, for the rest of my life. I am a real easygoing sort of fella and I get along with everyone.
General Adoption Application

Jackson


CINNAMON
They call me Cinnamon! I am a Golden mix girl about 6 years old. I am very good natured and love everyone. The people say that I need a family who will fix me up with a weight loss program and a personal fitness trainer….Ok, the trainer was my idea, just thought if I had to be on a diet it would be fun to have someone to work out with.

Update: 
Thought I had better check in and let you know how the weight loss program is going....69 pounds and looking really good! I am able to play longer and feel wonderful. I am going to be at the Adoption Center next week end and I am hoping to meet some families. I bet my old friends won't even recognize me!
General Adoption Application

Cinamon

Cinamon


RAVEN
Hi, I'm Raven, a 5 year old Flat-Coated Retriever, and pretty smart - like ravens. I'm a Humboldt County kinda girl - you know, laid back, easy-going, fog-loving, etc. I'm recovering quite well from hip surgery (femoral head ostectomy) and really like how I can now walk on my left leg. Far out! I like other dogs but I'm not much into the chase and romp games yet because I've never done that before - my leg hurt too much. I'm also not into playing with toys - yet. I pretty much ignore cats; they're just too weird and hard to read. I'm quite fond of curling up on the couch and don't mind being brushed or going to the groomer for a bath and having my nails done. And I really, really like massage. Oh, you should probably know that there are two things that really bother me. First, I have separation anxiety and would rather not be left alone - or even with some, but not all, dogs. I'm OK if left alone with the family alpha dog but not without her. My foster dad is helping me overcome this minor behavior issue. Second, I'm terrified, really terrified, of loud sudden noises, especially fireworks and probably thunder (it doesn't thunder much in Humboldt). And, like many Humboldt dogs, I'm a 'raw-fed' girl. That means that I eat like a real dog: raw meat and raw meaty bones. My vet and foster Dad say the real food diet has likely sped my recovery and improved my overall physical condition. By the way, if you don't already know about feeding real food, my Foster Dad will coach you. He's kinda passionate about that, and so am I. It's really good food. I would do best in a home with another dog - preferably a benevolent alpha - and no young children. It's not that I don't like kids; it's just that they are more likely to forget about my bad hip. I need someone to continue my physical therapy program so I build muscle strength in my leg - since I haven't used it for years..

Update: 
My foster dad finally figured out that I’m really comfortable around men - men are attracted to me. So, for you eligible single women out there...Separation anxiety is becoming less of a problem. I’m willing to be home alone for short periods of time with minimal barking, and I no longer feel the need to customize the door molding. (P.S.: My foster Dad still loves me) When I’m on walks, the neighbors all recognize me as “the Homeward Bound foster dog!” Of course, I stop so they can pet me and feel good about themselves. Meanwhile, if they were good listeners, they’d hear me singing, “I’m, too sexy for my coat. Too sexy...” I volunteer to help with the bark-fest when the house dogs and I watch Squirrel TV in the back yard. Unfortunately, if I get too excited, my voice cracks. Very embarrassing. “4-on-the-floor” means for me to slow down so all four feet touch the ground. Geez! What fun is that?
General Adoption Application

Raven

Raven


TINA
It's a brand new year and I feel like a brand new dog! I even changed my name to go with my attitude. This is the year that I am going to find my furever home, I just know it! Everyone says that I am such a pretty girl with my black, shiny, curly coat but I want them to know that I am more than just a pretty coat. I am two years old and have a PHD in "sit". I can slam my butt down with the best of them! I enjoy learning new things and would like a family who has time to spend with me and further my training. It's not that I don't like cats I just can't resist the chase......and chase I will!
General Adoption Application

Tina

Tina


MAX T
Yup, I'm back. I guess good things really don't last forever. I was adopted and had the perfect home, I learned to go hiking and I don't even need a leash! I got to play fetch also as much as I wanted to and even got to help clean house...the kitchen floor is my specialty! I was concerned when my guys started being gone longer and longer but they still tried to spend whatever time they could with me. Then one of them got a really good gig but he would have to travel all the time the decision was made to bring me back and hope that there was one more perfect home for me. I didn't know at first that I was coming back, I just thought we were on a road trip with a friend and that it was really cool. As soon as we pulled up to Homeward Bound I figured it out, I tried crying and holding on but all that did was make everybody sad. I went back to my old kennel and threw myself on the floor. I was here a long time before my perfect home came along and I expect I will be here a long time before I get another chance. Don't get me wrong, this is not a bad place to be but once you have been home, there is just no place like it. I am about 2 years old now and still a boy. I am a little timid around other dogs and small children and I am going to have to refresh my memory on the cat thing.....seems to me I could take them or leave them.
General Adoption Application

Max T

Max T


DEANNA
They say that I am an old soul in a young dogs body! I am only 2 years old but I feel like I have the wisdom of the ancient ones. I have been told that I am not like a normal two year old girl. Everyone here is so amazed how calm and gentle my temperament is; I started to worry that maybe something was wrong with me. I finally asked one of the older dogs, who prefers not to be referred to as an ancient one, if she thought I was really that different. She told me that most two year old girls are so busy giggling and acting silly that they don't know how to settle down. I guess that's what "old soul" means.....I know they don't like the term but I have to tell you the ancient ones have so much wisdom!
ADOPTED!! 

Deanna


ROCKY
I am a boy, about 18 months old and having the hardest time finding someone who wants me. I am not a bad dog, matter of fact several people have told me that I am pretty cute. Ok, I won't lie to you, there is this one tiny little thing…..I like to chase you around and bite your ankles! I guess I have some unresolved herding issues. The people here are trying to channel my chasing into dog play with other dogs but dogs are not all that fond of having their ankles bit either! Calling all dog trainers.....get me out of here!
General Adoption Application

Rocky


BAILEY
I am an 18 month old boy looking for a family with an active lifestyle. I am a busy kind of guy and like to be on the move and have fun while I am at it! If you are looking for that laid back, slow moving, couch potato kind of pooch ..….it aint me. I am in a training program and am learning how to walk on a leash, sit and stay. My coach says that I am very smart and that I adapt well to training. I prefer people to other dogs and think that chasing cats should be an Olympic event!

Please click the link below to watch a video of Bailey!
Click here to watch


General Adoption Application

Bailey


MARCO
They say I am the best of both worlds…..half Lab and half Golden Retriever! For a 1 year old boy without a lot of dog skills the best of anything sounds good! I am on the large size and am trying really hard to figure out that walk on leash thing. I here I thought it was a good thing to show the people what a big strong boy I am and that I could pull them right along with me! 
General Adoption Application

Marco


PUPPIES
Mommy is a Golden Retriever and Daddy is anybodies guess! The outside looks like Dad so the Golden side must be on the inside. Born 12/19/2009.
General Adoption Application

Pups

Pups

Pups


Fool's GoldFool's Gold

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 we have decided to give them their own page to tell their stories. Each dog has a "Rescue Buddy" to promote them and act as a contact for that dog. 


RENO
I am a victim of the economy. My family not only lost our home but also, could no longer afford to have me. I am 10 years old now and still very playful. I know must of the basic obedience stuff and I am very good on a leash, I love going for walks. I don't really care to live with another dog, I am happiest being the one and only. It seems to me that I used to like cats so I will have to see how friendly the cats around here are. The people here think I am a Golden\Sheppard mix.

Update: 
I am also looking for someone who knows the difference between a boy and a girl....I am a GIRL!
General Adoption Application

Reno


HERSHEY
Kind of funny how a couple of Chocolate Labs would end up at Homeward Bound! I am no relation to Dutch other than by breed. I am 10 years old and just want somewhere to hangout. The only issue I have is a leash thing...do not put a leash on me! A long time ago I learned to take the leash away from whoever was on the other end. It was really cute when I was a puppy, not so cute now that I am a big old boy and I always win! The people here thought they could teach me not to do it but like I said, I always win. We have decided that I am a nice enough guy and that I should just be allowed to live out my life leash free. 
General Adoption Application

Hershey

Hershey


FREEWAY
Ok, maybe my approach was different and slightly dangerous but I am here and that's all that matters! I will tell you right off; I am not a Golden Retriever nor could I ever play one on TV. I am about a year old and best described as a gold colored wirehaired terrier mix boy. I was living on the streets and fighting to survive when I heard the "barking chain" talking about a transport going up Hwy 99 to Homeward Bound. Now, all dogs know that the best part of being a Golden Retriever is that Homeward Bound will take care of you when no one else will. I was out of food and out of options; if I could just catch this transport I figured I could talk my way in and once I was in they wouldn't throw me out. I was pretty close to the freeway and decided it was now or never. I started running between the cars trying to get them to slow down so I could find the transport. It didn't take long for me to get all three lanes stopped but I couldn't find the Homeward Bound vehicle, this one man was trying to help me but I knew all that would do was buy me a trip to the pound. All of a sudden this lady stops her vehicle and starts running across the highway, what really caught my eye was that her truck was full of Golden Retrievers! Yippee! This was the transport and I made a dash for it....darn the doors are closed, only thing I could do was dive under the truck! I figured if nothing else I could just run along underneath the truck all the way to Homeward Bound. By now quite a crowd had gathered and they were all trying to put a leash on me an pull me out....I came this far and I wasn't ready to give up so I just stayed in the middle. All of a sudden this lady, who smelled a little like a Golden Retriever, dives in under the truck and pulls me out. What a shock, there are crates of Golden's all along the road and one empty one just for me! I was so relieved to have caught the bus and sure enough they let me stay! I would like to thank everyone who stopped on Hwy 99 so one poor pooch could find his way home, but mostly I want to thank the two brave ladies who "saw the Golden Retriever in me". 
General Adoption Application

Freeway


7495 Natomas Road, Elverta CA  95626  TEL  916-655-1410  FAX  916-655-3410   501(c)(3) non-profit organization - Tax ID #68-0442702