Golden Retriever Dog Breed Review

My own life has been greatly enriched by having the priviledge of owning such a highly intelligent, and genuinely loving dog! Actually, I have owned one purepred Golden, named Shiloh. I have also enjoyed the long-lasting companionship of a neighborhood Golden, named Jake. Currently, I have a Goden Retriever, Yellow-Lab mix, named Autumn. Each of these fine friends has greatly enriched my own life and the lives of all who have loved them.

Shiloh lived to be 13 1/2 years of age. We got her as a puppy when the kids were little. She loved my kids and my kids loved her! She loved all kids, so much that she actually boarded the school bus one day! Oh, boy, she was quite the hit! We have all heard about "Mary's Little Lamb," following her to school one day. Well, Jeffrey and Trevor can relate very well to what it feels like to be so greatly loved and adored by one's pet! Thankfully, the school bus driver, Shirley, thought very highly of this pet and got quite a chuckle out of Shiloh's devotion to her beloved family.

Shiloh loved to "retrieve," living up to her name. She owned an array of balls, mostly tennis balls. Strangely enough, I don't recall ever having actually purchased one of these balls. I do recall her "snatching up" a deserted ball a time or two from a neighbor's yard, however. Her obsession for "retrieving" knew no boundaries!

She also loved the outdoors. Her favorite pastime was camping with the family. Camping always meant hours of romping through the woods and swimming to her heart's desire! It also meant a good game of "fetch" in the water. And, of course, it meant endless "retrieving" for her and a mighty tired and sore arm for whomever had the "honor" of engaging in this never-ending game! I do remember a time or two when Shiloh heard the geese "calling to her" from the pond by our house. "Honk, Honk!" That was all it took and she would dart out of her yard, racing to the pond, in anticipation of a goose to retrieve. Well, that game did not go over too well and we did not allow this "retrieving obsession" to continue at the expense of the neighborhood geese. She was, after all a "retriever" and knew how to live up to her name.

A neighbor two blocks away also had a Golden Retriever named Jake. When I first met Jake, he was about two years old. Shiloh was just under a year. This strange dog showed up at our door one day (Shiloh was in heat) and hung around outside in the cold for a couple of days. After two days of his "serenading" Shiloh outside our bedroom window, I became concerned for this dog's well-being. After all, it was very cold outdoors at the time. And, Jake's "serenading" was a far cry from being delightful "music to my ears." Thankfully, he had dog tags on and I was able to locate his owner by calling the local veterinarian's office. This is how I learned that Jake lived in our neighborhood.

Shiloh was spayed soon thereafter and she and Jake had a relationship that lasted for over 10 years! Several times each week, Jake would find his way over to our house. He had a "short-cut" through the field. Incredibly, Jake learned how to announce his presence by "knocking" on the door with his front paws. Our whole family loved Jake and he was invited in to "play." He'd spend about an hour visiting and then he'd go down by the door to tell us he was ready to go home.

On occasion, someone in our household would be missing a shoe. For the life of us, we could not figure out what happened to the missing shoe! One day, my husband "caught" Jake heading home with a work boot dangling from his mouth. The following week we were walking Shiloh around the neighborhood and happened to see Jake's owner outside. The conversation of the missing shoes came up and Jake's owner showed us a "collection" of shoes Jake had brought home. There was my son's missing tennis shoe! We laughed so hard!

When the news came that Jake had died (he was 12) I cried. I bought a card for his owners and wrote some of my favorite memories of this fine friend to share with them. It was a very sad day and very touching for all of us. Shiloh died a year later.

Currently, we (my husband and I) share our lives with Autumn. Or, more affectionately, known as "Autumn Leaves." Autumn will be 11 years old in August. She, too, loves the outdoors and loves to go camping. Although she does not share Shiloh's love of tennis balls, Autumn greets each visitor at the door with one of her "babies." (These are her numerous stuffed animals.) When she goes outdoors to go to the bathroom, she insists on bringing her "baby" out with her! Sometimes when she goes for a walk, she walks with a "baby" dangling from her mouth!

And, have I mentioned how she likes to reach into my purse and "sneak" a pack of crackers? Or, how many times over the years, that she has tugged on my glove, pulling it off of my hand, then run off in a game of "chase?"

Then, there are the times where Autumn wil grab a slipper or a shoe by the front door. Off she'll go with the shoe dangling from her mouth, hoping to entice you in a game of "chase."

I have numerous photographs of Autumn lying next to my Grandson, Zach, on the floor, when he was a baby. Sometimes Zach would fall fast asleep in his indoor swing and Autumn would lie next to his swing, protectingly watching over him. Once she even "deposited" her bone in his diaper bag. Zach is 10 years old now and he and Autumn are best buddies. They go canoeing together, camping together, and share lunch together. Sometimes, they just snuggle up on the floor and watch TV together.

Yes, owning a golden retriever will mean years of having dog hair shed in your home. You may be missing a few shoes or other personal items from time to time ( I would almost guarantee it!). You will most likely find some "treasures" of unknown origin in your own backyard. After all, "retrieving" is THEIR GAME!

But, your life will be changed for the better in sharing your lives with such a wonderful companion! Your Golden will share in your joys, amuse you far beyond a "belly laugh and "tickle your funny bone" like it has never been tickled before!

Your "Family Gem" will love you, the kids, the school bus full of kids, and even the bus driver! She'll love you even on those days when you are "unlovable."

Compassionately, your "Perfect Companion" will comfort you in your sorrows, and even allow for you to shed a few tears . And, when you are finished, she'll dry your tears from your face with her tongue. 

To Shiloh, Jake, and Autumn Leaves, thank you for all the joy you've given us over the years! Each of you is, and always will remain, "A Real Gem, So Precious and Rare!" Your "retrieving games" left lasting memories for all who love you and continue to love you. In our hearts, your "Golden" names will always remain!