Blonde hair and soft brown eyes.  A smile that exudes the zest for life we all should have.  A large wagging tail that thumps the ground each time you walk by, a gentle mouth…and the kisses!!  Oh the kisses!!

Here’s to one of the most popular dog breeds, The Golden Retriever, and why we love them. (in no particular order)

1.  They have lived in the White House.

Gerald Ford and “Liberty”

2.  They were at ground zero.

New York, NY (Sept. 15, 2001) God Bless America

3.  They lead the blind.

4.  They visit the sick or wounded.

5.  They are owned by celebrities

Oprah and Luke, Layla and Gracie

6.  They are celebrities:

7.  They are great with children

8.  They make the cutest puppies

9.  They love to cuddle..

10.  Oh! And they retrieve things..

They are gentle, loyal and attentive to their humans.  They don’t discriminate.  They love everyone. They are our best friends, our helpers, and our heroes.

The only negative aspect to owning a golden retriever is their fur, after it has come off of their body.  It never ceases to amaze me how my boy will make it his life’s work to come and rub up against me as soon as I put on a pair of dark colored pants.  The lint brush is my friend.  Oh the joys of watching that big blonde ball of fur go rolling across the kitchen floor, almost always when you have company.

Oh, and the holes they dig, and the things they chew, and the overly exuberant welcomes….I wouldn’t trade it for a thing!

If you’re still not convinced, here’s a great video from Animal Planet…

(Please please buy from a good breeder who raises his/her dogs indoors, are bred for temperament first, under a non-breeding agreement, and registered by your national kennel club)  (AKC, CKC, etc) or better yet, RESCUE!!!!!!!!!!  Don’t even think about a pet store.

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