This is Buford. He is our return to fostering even though he was only with us 2 days and a night. We marked what would have been Spencer’s 11th birthday by transporting Buford up to Northern California so he can stay at Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Sanctuary until he finds his forever home.

Buford was rescued from a shelter. He was overweight, matted, covered with feces and urine and suffering from eye and ear infections. His paws, belly and jowls were raw and inflamed. He was extremely depressed at the shelter. Dogs like Buford, in his condition and at his age, have a very poor chance of getting out of shelters alive.

Buford had most likely lived in a home in another life. He is a gentle giant who loves attention and is house trained. Our first order was to get him cleaned up. He seemed to enjoy having a bath. After that he ate a good meal and crashed out on a bed, like he hadn’t had a good night’s sleep in a very long time.

After a good night’s rest, Buford was a new dog. He was very eager to go in the car and traveled like a perfect gentleman. He needed some help getting in and out of the car due to some bad arthritis but he was very happy to make a pit stop in a field of almond trees in blossom.

Buford is settling in at Homeward Bound now and we hear he likes to spend the day lounging in the grass watching the chickens around the sanctuary.