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For several years now, we have been chasing a dream. Our dream was to build a permanent Sanctuary to house the Goldens waiting for adoption, those on the mend from injury/illness, and the senior Goldens that are deemed by society to be unadoptable simply because of their age. The Sanctuary of our dreams would have ample room for the Goldens to run and play, a shelter over their heads protecting them from the elements, and a warm bed at night. The sanctuary of our dreams would have grassy areas for them to simply lie in the sun if that is all their tired bodies would permit. 

Incredibly, our dream has now been realized. This past January, we were approached by Pam Miller, an ardent supporter of Homeward Bound and proud owner of three Goldens adopted from the organization. Pam mentioned that her mother, Norma Latham, owned property, which might be suitable for a Sanctuary. Jody was so excited she conducted her first drive-by of the property in the middle of the night, followed by several subsequent daylight visits. After meeting with Norma and her family, we were given the green light to move in. 

The property is ideal, encompassing a total of eight acres, with a large dwelling and 4000 square foot shop building. It is situated in rural Sutter County, surrounded by farmland. However it is centrally located, just a 30-minute drive from Sacramento and perhaps 20 minutes from Roseville. 

The shop building is the perfect location to house the Goldens. However, before we could begin the much-needed renovation of this structure, we first had to complete the arduous process of applying for a special use permit to operate a kennel facility. Thankfully, the Sutter County Planning Commission approved our permit application on August 7th and we can now begin implementing our plans for the renovation. 

Although we will be insulating the 30 foot high ceiling and interior walls of the shop building, and covering the interior walls with sheet rock, we want to make certain that the Goldens are fully protected from the harsh summer heat. Therefore, we will be constructing a separate 1600 square foot kennel structure within the shop building. The kennel building will also be completely insulated and sheet-rocked and will have its own dedicated air conditioning system. The remainder of the shop building will accommodate restroom facilities, a kitchen area for food preparation for the dogs, a laundry area, a bathing and grooming area, and a lounge area for Homeward Bound volunteers. 

12/30/02 Update: Insulating and sheet rocking of the 
kennel structure is underway!

Due to a very generous donation from Andrea Lewis & Jeff Fuller, we have already fenced in two separate, spacious yard areas for the dogs. These areas have large shade trees and four strategically placed wading pools to help the Goldens cool off. We are also in the process of fencing in another one-acre exercise area that will be planted with grass and shade trees. Ultimately, the entire eight-acre parcel will have to be fenced. There will be a total of five exercise areas, one of which will include a Golden Pond reserved exclusively for Goldens wanting to swim a few laps or practice their aquatic retrieving skills.

Although we are elated about the creation of the Sanctuary, as are the Goldens, we now have to come to grips with funding the improvements that must be made. We are actively seeking donations of cash and building materials for the various projects soon to be underway. Some of the more prominent expenditures will be the purchase of lumber, insulation, fence material (posts & wire), trees, shrubs and sprinkler systems.

Finally, words cannot describe our gratitude to the Sutter County Planning Department for their cooperation and patience during the permit process. Their requirements were tough, but fair, and their guidance was invaluable. We also want to publicly thank the Sutter County Planning Commission for their understanding and compassion. Thanks to these benevolent public servants, our incoming Goldens will be treated with a true measure of dignity for once in their lives.

7495 Natomas Road, Elverta CA  95626  |  TEL  916-655-1410  |  FAX  916-655-3410   |  Tax ID #68-0442702