Breed Spotlight: Goldens!

There's a reason that Golden Retrievers have been in the top 5 of AKC registrations for years. These dogs are beautiful, athletic, intelligent and loyal. Practically the perfect dog right? Yea remember when I talked about Shadow from Homeward Bound? Yea he basically sums up Goldens perfectly, just maybe a little less uptight.So about them Goldens . . . Goldens are very versatile. They can be field dogs, show dogs and companion dogs. Heck, they can be those things all at the same time. They are loving and eager to please, making them very trainable dogs and naturals for obedience. Like any sporting dog, Goldens are energetic and need a good amount of exercise. Goldens love to (guess!) retrieve! Because they were bred for that purpose, they love playing fetch. I believe a Golden would fetch all day if it could. They also like to swim because, like I mentioned before, that's one of the things they were bred for. The thing about Goldens is that if they don't enough exericse (physical AND mental) they will get destructive. Very destructive. So yea, make sure you know what you're getting yourself into if you get one of these dogs. Because of their tractable nature, Goldens can often be seen in the roles of service and therapy dogs. They're naturals at this, and this fulfills the Golden's love of working.
So Goldens are great dogs. They combine brains and good looks, as well as a sweet disposition to boot. To tell the truth, I would really like to have a Golden. Either a Golden or a Labrador Retriever. I know they're incredibly popular, but they're popular for a reason. They really are awesome dogs. *sigh* Do you think if I just smuggle a Golden puppy into my house, my parents will allow me to keep it because its so cute? I mean, look!
Can YOU resist that face? Huh? HUH? I didn't think so! Now if you'll excuse me, I have a bad talking dog movie to watch.

Images from Flickr. 1 2 3

Because all the other dogs are jealous . . .

Yes, I am a little fixated on Buddy. So. What.

Buddy is the dog that I have the most contact with (other than my non-existent one of course!) But I do know other doggies. These two are ridiculously cute. They belong to a really good friend of mine, and I really want to squish them. Like really. Okay.


Meet Max.
He has a glorious mustache.
But sometimes, he has a hard time seeing through it.

Meet Meaty.
Meaty wears a glorious monocle on special occasions.
True story. However! Max does get a little jelly.
Max wants to wear the derby, but Meaty won't share. Its ok Max. We all want to wear the derby.

When you don't walk your dog . . .

He will walk himself. At least, that's what Buddy did this morning. Oh yes, after my lovely boyfriend left the gate to the yard unlocked, Buddy decided to open it and go for a walk. He didn't run away, or get lost or anything like that. He just calmly strolled up and down the street introducing himself to all the other dogs in the neighborhood.

No one realized Buddy was gone until a neighbor knocked on the door and asked if they owned a Siberian Husky. After boyfriend answered yes, the neighbor proceeded to tell him that the dog had been walking about for some time now. Boyfriend was flabbergasted, Buddy was exhausted and I was mad because no photos were taken. Boyfriend's response was: "I was in my pajamas!" My response was: "Honey its not like you were gonna be in the picture!"

Anyway, for the sake of posting some kind of picture of Buddy, I give you this:
I am aware this is not a very good picture. You be aware that Buddy is a fidgety-gibbet and he is very difficult to photograph. I promise you more photos and better ones. It's a big sacrifice on my part, but I think I can manage.

Buddy

It's time for you to meet Buddy. He is a Siberian Husky with a serious cute problem. He knows it, too. He uses his cuteness to manipulate you into loving him and eventually giving him your soul. True story.



On this particular evening, there was a party going on at my boyfriend's house. We had gone out to buy refreshments, and when we came back one of the party guests came outside to help us carry stuff. That guest left the door open, and Buddy took it upon himself to rush outside and jump into the car as we were unloading it. He was in the mood for a ride, I guess. I spent five minutes taking pictures of him as he excitedly bounced and paced all over the car. Time well spent. Cuteness must never go undocumented.
True story.