Sol
Let's rewind a bit shall we. This is a picture of Sol. He was my first golden. This picture was taken in 1982, I was 11. Sol was my steadfast friend throughout my childhood and we had many adventures. He was a "neighborhood" dog and everyone loved him (I use the word neighborhood very loosely as I lived on a narrow dirt road out in the boonies). He constantly carried a rock around with him and would never tire of retrieving it. We would amaze people by taking his rock and throwing it far into the woods behind my house. Sometimes it would take him twenty or thirty minutes but he would always come back with it. Some naysayers would doubt that it was the same rock so we painted one one day and hurled it out there. Twenty minutes later he came back with the same rock.
He was extrememly smart and we even won a trophy for obedience. Needless to say I have many stories about Sol and very fond memories of him. He was a good friend to a lonely little kid.
I just thought I'd show some of my past goldens and give a short excerpt about them from time to time.
7 comments:
He is beautiful. The kids want a dog and Mike told me his dream dog is a golden. I am assuming they are very good with kids which is what I have heard over the years. What about shedding? Is it bad?
Goldens are EXCELLENT with kids. They have unlimited patience and gentleness. I have never worried about my guys with kids, whatever their age (the kids, not the dogs).
Shedding: Well goldens require a bit more maintenance (brushing, grooming, etc...) than say a greyhound but I think the positives far, far, far away outweigh the negatives. Just get used to "hair bunnies" as I call them and you're good to go.
I encourage anyone before they get any breed of dog to get a book on their particular breed of interest and educate themselves on the pros and cons. Knowledge is power and in the case of dog ownership could save lives, ie: people wouldn't get the "wrong" dog then dump them on the pound or just abandon them (not saying you would do this of course).
I'll get down from my soapbox now.
I have started reading a bit online, mostly to find breeders. My golden experiences are limited to Tanis and Zak, so all my experiences have been great with them. The kids have told me for years that they want a dog and will do all the neccessary grooming and walking....which I guess will last about a month and then it will be mom's dog :) After first reading this blog I thought abuot adoption but I am worried about getting a dog with baggage. I have my little nephews over all the time so I have to be careful. I didn't think you were "soapboxing"....I truly appreciate your insight as I see you as a "Golden Expert". Thanks for your help.
Well I try to encourage people to adopt goldens (well any dog actually) as opposed to getting them from breeders as so many awesome dogs need good homes. You can usually screen out any dogs with baggage. The group I work with has a strict policy that any dog with any sign of aggresion won't be picked up. There's just too many great dogs that need help.
That being said, Tanis was from a breeder and Zak was a rescue.
Your call.
I thought you might say that. I will probably let the kids decide as it will be their dog. I guess folks want a puppy, just like people are more apt to adopt babies, not older children....tough call.
Well you can find puppies as well as older dogs through adoption services.
oh, I didn't really know that. I will let you know what happens. I am in the info gathering stage right now - the dog won't come until closer to Christmas. Thanks for your advice, I appreciate it.
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