I see Goldens

Pop quiz. What’s the best way to make it rain?

• Plan a major event outdoors (wedding, birthday party, graduation)
• Ride your bike to work
• Plan a campout
• County Fair
• Leave the top down on the car
• Turn on your sprinklers
• Wash & wax your car
• Plan a picnic

I may have bemoaned earlier about our current drought. We haven’t had any decent rain since last January and everything is either dying or burning up. I read the other day that we were 30 inches behind on rainfall for the year and it may take years to recover. We have lakes that are 10 feet below their normal levels and creeks have dried up. It’s gotten so dry that the trees have taken to whistling for dogs (old joke).

So, what do you do when you have a serious dry spell? You plan your annual picnic. Golden Beginnings Golden Retriever Rescue (GBGRR) group held its 12th annual picnic to celebrate all the dogs that have found homes and raise money for the cause. Rough estimate is that, in the short 12 years since the group started, they have helped over 2400 Golden Retrievers find their forever homes (~200 per year). Some were pups, some slightly older, some were in their prime and some were seniors. No matter where the dog came from or what happened to it, the group worked to find it a home, even if it was for a short time.

The picnic has become a regular deal for us. They don’t charge a fee, but sell raffle tickets and shirts and various stuff and ask for donations. We even get a local bar-be-que place to provide the grub and even had someone bring shrimp and gumbo. Of course, the main reason we go is for all the dogs. Everyone tries to bring their old dogs who have been adopted over the years. Kind of a Golden reunion. Last year the dogs had a blast playing with each other and chasing balls in the pond and running wild. This year, of course, the skies opened up and dumped about 5 inches of rain on the park. Fortunately, we had reserved the large pavilion and could hang out semi dry underneath. Dogs were not as thrilled at all the rain and thunder, but they did have a good time. Grayson was excited to be with the other dogs, but somewhat skittish with all the thunder and rain. Claire was the proper lady and would have nothing to do with all that wetness, but preferred to hang out under the table.

Grayson & Glaire

 

People will do strange things with their "children"

 

Drought?  What drought?


Of course, there are always one or two “water” dogs in every group who enjoy the rain….

Throw the ball!



Wet and loving it