Last spring, Glennah Self of Girl Scout of Troop 584 began an exciting journey to earn the Bronze Award, the highest award a Junior Girl Scout can earn. The Bronze Award requires that a Girl Scout do a special 15 hour project and is designed to build leaderships skills, give girls an opportunity to improve their community and become the best they can be. Glennah built her love for dogs into the requirements of this special award and it put her on an exciting path that lead to Homeward Bound and also to a very happy, surprise ending!

Glennah began her project by researching responsible pet care. She learned how to properly choose and care for a dog and also about the cost and lifetime commitment of dog ownership. Since one of Glennah's family dogs is a Golden, her internet research naturally led her to Homeward Bound's website and it was really exciting to find out that it was in her own community! This was a great fit for her Bronze Award project and after talking things over with her Girl Scout leader, Glennah decided that she would have a garage sale and donate the profits toward some of the items listed on Homeward Bound's "wish list." But, first she would need to take trip to see Homeward Bound for herself. 

Glennah visited Homeward Bound in August. She received a grand tour of the grounds, met the volunteers, and, of course the Goldens. An especially sweet, shy little Golden, named Wendy caught Glennah and her mother's eye. Wendy was smaller than most Golden Retrievers and lighter in color. Judy, the volunteer gave a little history of this beautiful little lady who was rescued from a life of non-stop breeding. She could only go to a home with another dog... to help her learn how to BE a dog. Now, a couple of weeks before this visit, one of Glennah's family dogs died. Their remaining dog, Jack (a 100 pound Golden Retriever), was especially devastated to lose his beloved, long time friend, Elmo who was a very old Brittany with a multitude of health issues. His death, although very sad, was not unexpected and her family was planning on getting another dog soon after. So, when Glennah and her mother saw Wendy, both their hearts brightened - they knew this was a special dog and a special day! Wendy (renamed Codie) had a new home, a new family and a new dog friend!

Glennah's garage sale took place in September and was a great success! She was able to purchase a kennel, dog food and a leash and she presented her donation to Homeward Bound in October. It was an especially proud day for her. There is nothing like stepping up to help your community - especially when it involves helping Golden Retrievers!

Codie is so happy to be a part of her new family and is dearly loved! She and her new buddy, Jack, are like two peas in a pod. The backyard is big enough for the daily romping and rolling and thank goodness the living room has enough space for both to stretch out and sleep afterwards. Homeward Bound - we are forever grateful to you for giving our daughter her first chance to give to her community and we are even more grateful to you for rescuing Codie - she needed us and we love her!!!!!!