A few words from our fearless leader and founder, Emmylou Harris . . . "Thank you to all, who I know dug down deep for Bonaparte's Retreat this year. We are SO grateful for your support." Because of YOU , Bonaparte's Retreat raised OVER $9,500! YOUR generosity enables us to serve our senior and medically needy dogs as well as the overlooked and neglected dogs—all of whom we work so hard to rescue, nurture back to health, and place in furever homes. Hosted by The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee , The Big Payback helps nonprofit organizations – just like us – raise funds and bring awareness to pressing needs in our community. With the recent disasters in our region – the tornadoes, COVID-19, and the unfolding economic downturn – this year, your generous gifts mean even more . For more information, contact us or visit www.TheBigPayback.org . Thank YOU for your support!

After retiring from the U.S. Marine Corp, Vietnam veteran James worked swing shifts for over 25 years and found he had difficulty sleeping. Since Pogo became his sidekick, however, James sleeps more soundly these days. Pogo signals when it’s bedtime and they hit the sack together every night. With the arrival of colder nights, James reports that Pogo even sneaks under the bedcovers. Pogo goes everywhere with James—and he’s a front-seat rider (no back seat for this pup). And Pogo’s looking forward to a summer road trip to Oklahoma to visit James’s grandchildren. When not on 5-mile walks down by the river or other outdoor adventures, James and Pogo hang out inside or on the back patio. That’s where Pogo can keep an eye out for his neighborhood friends at the dog park—or for the squirrels, birds, deer. All our gratitude to James for his military service—and for giving Pogo his forever home.

Amazing volunteer Jane recently lost her own adopted dog, Ginger. When she was ready, she offered to give Diego a few days in her own home. We soon realized that Diego wasn't coming back to us and had found his long-awaited forever home with Jane. With a big back yard for running and playing fetch, a sofa for snuggling, and a whole house full of places to lie down while mom crochets or makes jewelry, Diego couldn't have found a more loving and perfect home. Smart boy that he is, Diego returns the favor by letting Jane know when it's time to take a break. He'll pick up something. bring it to her, and grab her attention as if to say, "hey there, time for a break and some Diego time." It works like a charm every time. Who rescued who? We believe "Jane + Diego" are meant to be.

Darla loves her new home. New mom Patti took time off from work for Darla’s first couple of weeks to devote to quality bonding time. And even though Patti wasn't sure she was ready to adopt again having lost another dog not so long ago, when a co-worker showed her a photograph of Darla, Patti knew she had to meet her. Darla is an expert at the “zoomies!” She runs from room to room, down the hall, from window to window, chasing squirrels and cats from the comfort of her own home. And when Patti returns from work each day, the two of them take walks, Darla gets lots of belly rubs, and at bedtime, it’s time for snuggles with mom. There is no better gift than a forever home.