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: 05/14/2012
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
ODDIE MAY
I am a ten year old girl and you can just call me May. I have excellent house manners, get along with other dogs, and will terrorize the cats! I know it's not a good thing to scare the poor kitties but it's better if we just get that out of the way then no more cats have to endure "the chase"! I am cute, active, and an all around great companion. One issue I do have that might make some homes not suitable is that I am afraid of loud noises. So if you live on or next to a firing range, next to the train tracks, or anywhere that loud booms might occur I would not be happy there. I can go in my crate and feel safe for the Fourth of July but not for a year round event.
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!
I am Lisa, a five year old girl and the first thing you should know about me is that I do not like other dogs! I do not go to dog parks, have play dates, sleep over or family reunions with all the family dogs! I am over the top in love with people and I enjoy just hanging out with them. I have excellent house manners, know all my basic commands, great on a leash, love to swim and am willing to fetch! I can actually tolerate cats but as for dogs, I want to be the one and only. Other than the dog thing, I have a very gentle nature and love kids.
My name is Moses and I am still looking for my "promised land". I am about four years old and a pretty big boy. My promised land would be a home with lots of people around especially little people….I just love kids. I am ok with other dogs but prefer dogs that don't get in my face, like the older ones or the really mellow dogs who know how to respect a guy's space. We don't need to waste our time at dog parks because I have no desire to romp around with a bunch of knuckleheads! I have excellent house manners, love to go for rides in the car, and walk well on a leash. I will chase cats; everybody's tried and sometimes I am really good, until they run...then the chase is on! With people, I am very affectionate and enjoy snuggle time. I also love to be brushed and petted.
I love to play ball! I wanted to get that right out there so if you don't like to play ball I would take up any of your time reading about me. I am a boy and about sixteen months old. I love being with people and have a happy attitude. I haven't had a chance to be around the other dogs or cats so that is still to be determined. I did try to go after the chickens so farm life is not for me. I do need learn about walking on a leash and that other basic obedience stuff but other than that I am good to go!
TRAINING NEEDED! Does not know any boundaries. Jumps up all the time. So much energy, that he is overwhelming. Now if you are still reading, let me tell you my side of the story. I am only ten months old and it's true, I have never had any training, I have never been allowed to be in the house with the family; just left out in the yard by myself. So, how come everyone expects me to be this well-behaved, obedient dog when I have never had anyone show me how? They do say that I am pretty cute and, once calmed down, very affectionate. I like to go for car rides and I like to chase balls, toys, and cats. Yes, one more flaw...I chase the cats. I like to play with other dogs but they need to be playful dogs or I just wear them out. What I would really like is a dog smart owner who can see me as the dog I can be not the one I am now. I have started Homeward Bound's "Boot Camp" so maybe I will have a bit of a clue when you meet me.
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!!!!
I am a five year old girl and am best described as a companion dog. I love to be with people and 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!
Update: I guess I should re-phrase the "fine with other dogs" thing. I don't mind other dogs walking by me or in another yard but I do NOT want to live with another dog and I have no desire to hang out at dog parks.
My name is Sonic, short for Super Sonic! I am a three year old boy and I am looking for a home in need of a very active dog. I love to play ball, l love to run, I love to go for walks and I am really enjoying working on my training lessons. If I had known school was this much fun, I would have done it a long time ago! I didn't get much attention when I was young so I never learned how to interact with other dogs or even cats so I would be happiest as the one and only. I thought that I was all Golden Retriever until someone said that I have the eyes of a Chesapeake Bay Retriever. Maybe its the "Chessie" in me that makes me enjoy having a job to do. I would like my new family to like learning all this obedience stuff because it would be so much fun to do together. I am probably too active for small children but not for older active kids who like to play.
Update: Check out my new photos at the link below--I'm gorgeous!
Yes, I am a Princess! I am three years old and with my regal breeding, both Golden and Lab, I have not felt the necessity to partake in all that silly obedience stuff. I am extremely intelligent and could do any of that stuff if I was so inspired but…I'm not! I do have several skills and can entertain people with tricks I have learned, but as far as "house dog" material...well, there is some room for improvement. I do enjoy the company of people and really enjoyed my time doing Homeward Bounds evaluation...that is until I read the report! Ok, I jump on people, I pull on a leash, I don't care for other dogs, I chase cats, and I have never been allowed to live in the house. But, you must remember that I am a Princess although, I now believe that I am a Princess in exile. Please help me restore my royal status as the ruling Princess and I will partake in all that obedience stuff.
They call me the "wild child" and at first I thought it was pretty cool, then I realized that no one was interested in meeting me. I am only about two years old and pretty cute for a boy dog! I figured it was time to change my ways so I enrolled in Homeward Bounds "obedience for dummies" training class. Not that I am anybodies dummy it just means I was a dummy for not doing this when I was a puppy. I just got neutered so I haven't been allowed to play with the other dogs so I still have to do a get along with dogs test. I did take the get along with cat test and failed that one....unless the object of the test was to catch the cat! No...I am just kidding, but I could have!
I am about two years old now and this time I am ready to go home! I tried the adoption thing earlier this year but I just had too much to learn and the family said I was just too "mouthy". When I came back I was immediately enrolled in "Boot Camp" where I was told that my mouth was not to be put on the people and that I would learn to walk on a leash and not leap at the people. It's been a tough road but I am getting there; I still have lots to learn but the process has started and I think I finally "get it"! I will still chase cats but am fine with other dogs. I don't really care for toys and tennis balls, I would rather chase butterflies!
I am a nine month old boy and I am so grateful that Homeward Bound came to my rescue. They took me in not knowing that I had blown my knee out and was barely able to walk. The people actually did a fund raiser to help raise money for my knee surgery! I have one more week of crate rest and then I am ready to GO HOME! I can't wait to try out this new knee, it has been so hard for me to be confined to crate rest, especially as I got to feeling better. I love kids; they say that my eyes light up when I see them, I like other dogs but I am a confirmed cat chaser....matter of fact I think that's what I was chasing when I blew my knee out. I am used to living in the house and I settle down nicely once I have had my play time!
I am a three month old little girl with very big feet! My mom was a Golden and my dad was a big guy with pretty black hair, just like mine! The people say that I am a very sweet baby and am going to be a very big girl if I grow into my feet. I don't have any likes or dislikes...right now my world is a perfect place.
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. I have been here for a few months so that Homeward Bound could get my meds figured out. They have done great! I haven't have any seizures and I am no longer a zombie dog. I feel just wonderful and can't wait to have my furever home with a loving family who understands about caring for a special guy....like me!
*Special Needs----No Adoption Fee* Now that I have your attention I need to tell you that Homeward Bound does not mean that I am a "free dog" it means that they want to reward the person who will love me and care for me just because it's me. I am only about six years old but already I am having trouble getting around. Guess it would help if I could shed some of my 110 lbs but I do love my cookies! I don't play fetch, run marathons, or even want to go on long hikes. My dream family would be homebodies who enjoyed petting, brushing and telling their boy how very beautiful he was! I like other dogs, not sure about cats, and love to go for rides in the car. I don't like being left home alone by myself so it would be nice if my family was home a lot.
You may have already guessed that my name is Fred and that I am a Lab! What you don't know is that I am about two and half year old boy and the most fun any Lab could ever be! I don't have a long wish list for my new home but a couple of things are really important and just not negotiable. I don't want to be an only child and I will require another dog to wrestle and play. The other most important thing is that my person MUST be experienced in giving belly rubs! I am housebroke but still holding on to my puppy chewing skills so my foster mom says that I am best not left without supervision. I love to eat and I like toys that I can chew on. Another thing you should know is that I am a Labrador not a Labrador Retriever.....that retriever thing just doesn't work for me. I like kids but my foster mom thinks that I might be to grabby with toys for kids under twelve.
I bet you never thought you would find me in a Golden Retriever Rescue! I am a Portuguese Water Dog! I am only about a year old and in desperate need of training. I come from a very proud breed of dogs, my ancestors were elite water dogs and often members of fishing boat crews. They worked at retrieving fish and fishing gear, as guards and sometimes even as rescue dogs. Because of our superior swimming skills we were used to carry messages from boat to boat and boat to shore...we even served as courier in time of war. My breed is good with children and I personally would be the ideal choice for the water sport enthusiast who can give me daily exercise and the training that somehow eluded me. I hope that I have dazzled you with enough history that you will see me as the great dog I could be and not the knucklehead that I have been allowed to be.
I am a one year old Labby boy and I need a family that understands the needs and desires of a LAB. I come from champion hunting stock but because my talents have not been utilized for anything other than hanging around a back yard I have taken to hunting cats and tennis balls. Because I get very focused on a task at hand I was evaluated for Search and Rescue but failed because I lack in social skills....now whose fault is that! I am a very high energy dog so will not be suitable for someone who just likes my looks. I need someone willing to buy into the whole package and bring out the dog I was meant to be.
Update: I finally got to meet the "test dog" and what a cool dude he is! He gave me his paw of approval that said I was fine with other dogs.
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!
I am a three month old boy and I was sent to Homeward Bound as a "Golden Doodle". Now that I am here it seems I am not a Doodle but more likely a Jack Russell/Poodle/Lhasa Apso or something curly with short legs! So far I like other dogs and would like to have a home where it doesn't matter what I am.
Courtesy Listings
These dogs are not at Homeward Bound, please contact the owner/foster directly
SASHA
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.
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.
