Howling Good Time at the Iditerod

I love to howl... but the only things I pull are the covers when I roll over and the occasional toy when Mom's feeling feisty for a game of tug-0-wore.

The Iditerod is fascinating, and these kids look like they mean business. And you gotta love the shoes!

2004 Sam Perrino’s dogs howl at the Takotna checkpoint during a short break. Awesome photo by Jeff Schultz. Check out other beautiful photos he's taken!

The Twelve Hats of Christmas, Twelfth Day

On the Twelfth Day of Christmas,

my true love let me rest...

but we found these great holiday gifts!

Merry Christmas Eve, Ya'all!
If you're wondering what I'm doing,

I'm baking cookies

and chilling a cool bowl of water for Santa!

Serendipity Studios is the source for cool Golden gifts...
but they've got cool stuff for other breeds, too!

The Twelve Hats of Christmas, Eleventh Day

On the Eleventh Day of Christmas, the weather was clear, crisp and cold, and my true love snapped a couple of my strking poses on the patio!

The Twelve Hats of Christmas, Tenth Day

On the Tenth Day of Christmas,

my true love began to realize...

I'm over the hats... and photos.

Bring on the Big Day!

The Twelve Hats of Christmas, Ninth Day

On the Ninth Day of Christmas,
my true love gushed lovingly over my elf ears.

The Twelve Days of Christmas, Eighth Day

On the Eighth Day of Christmas,

my true love piled gifts under the tree

and strapped this hat back to my head.

The Twelve Hats of Christmas, Seventh Day

On the Seventh Day of Christmas,
my true love reminded me about Santa's list.

The Twelve Hats of Christmas, Sixth Day

On the Sixth Day of Christmas,

my true love sweetly suggested that I look happy...

and at the camera.

The Twelve Hats of Christmas, Twelfth Day

On the Fifth Day of Christmas,

and though we're out of hats and antlers,

my true love still had batteries in the camera

and Christmas carols on the stereo.

I'm all about good humor and holiday traditions,
but can I just have my dinner?

The Twelve Hats of Christmas, Fourth Day

On the Fourth Day of Christmas,

and as my good fortune would have it...

my true love ran out of hats.

The Twelve Hats of Christmas, Third Day

On the Third Day of Christmas,

my true love pushed the limits of good taste.

And those are not my real ears!

You think it's funny?
Chin straps should be outlawed!

The Twelve Hats of Christmas, Second Day

On the Second Day of Christmas,

my true love called me in from the yard to dress me

in this spirited and slightly oversized hat.

The Twelve Hats of Christmas, First Day

On the First Day of Christmas,

my true love made me wear this festive red hat.

Political season is upon us.

Butch up and display your party affiliation with great art!

"Fear the Golden Retriever!" declarations show your reverence and respect for breed, and will quickly convince family, friends, and co-workers to prepare for the Golden Retriever Revolution.

"Many scholars predict the return of a "Golden Age" when the Golden Retrievers will launch their world domination plot, and turn mankind into mere servants.

You are either with the Golden Retriever, or against it! When the
Golden Retrievers launch their diabolical World-Domination plot, will you be spared as one of 'the lucky ones?' ".

5th of July!

I love an extended holiday!

Pictured here,
I'm preparing for my "Anti-Monsoons" dance!

Ask Miss C

Duchess from Durham, North Carolina writes...

You are always talking about rain, rain, rain
and your flooded backyard.
Where exactly do you live?

Miss C replies:

I live 'On Golden Pond'!
:::snicker:::

Golden Retriever Thoughts for Today

1. Shoving pillows around on the sofa is fun indoor activity.
2. Why does it rain every weekend, while week days are gloriously sunny?
3. That squirt-in-da-mouf stuff is starting to taste pretty good!
4. Mom works too hard for too long. I don't like it when she doesn't have enough brain left for me!

A Golden Retiever's Thoughts on Impending Dental Care

I started taking mystery pills today,
anti-bionics or some such thing,
and the last time this happened,
I found myself having my toofies cleaned.

1. My breaf couldn't be THAT bad, cause Mom and I often sleep nose to nose. The only complaints I've heard from her was about "murder" on my breaf!
2. My toofies are clean enough for a pretty smile. And if you don't think so, turn your head.
3. My toofies are strong enough to crunch through dry kibbles, Buddies biscuits and Dingo bones.
4. This may be the true test of our monarchy, as the formal edict from the queen reads... "Down with Dental Care."
5. I believe this violates number 10 of 'The Ten Commandments', which reads in part, "Thou shalt never leave me behind." Ok, I know this falls within the exceptions, but you can bet I'll look over my shoulder and make Mom feel bad about this one!

The Ten Commandments For Living With A Golden Retriever

1. Thou shalt love me with all your heart, as I will love you.
   
2. Thou shalt accept and understand that I will strive to become you, and to have you become me. As a puppy, sometimes I'm challenging and sometimes I'm challenged, by where you start and I begin. Hang in there with me, though, my intentions are noble, though my actions may be mischievous.


3. Thou shalt spend every possible moment of every day with me, and be as grateful for it as I am.


4. Thou shalt talk to me always and all ways. Thou shalt talk to me openly and often, and know that I love you, unconditionally. A little singing endears you to me even more.


5. Thou shalt laugh and play with me. Let yourself go, and laugh and play as you would never would with anyone else. Our bond is sacred. I'll never tell your secrets. Your guard is safe with me. And you can bet I'll always respond with surprised spontaneity when you allow your tender, childlike side to be exposed to others.


6. Thou shalt understand that my love of fun and mischief is trumped only by my love of pleasing of you. And it takes a lot of time for me to understand the differences between the two, to understand the difference between 'good girl' and 'no no sweet girl'!
   
7. Thou shalt feed me the appropriate amount of good and wholesome foods. As a golden, I am born with a voracious appetite and an avid joy for eating. Thou shalt take it upon yourself to monitor the quality and quantity of my intake, as (I'll admit it) I can't be trusted with that decision!


8. Thou shalt groom me: clear my eye boogies every day, brush me often, bathe me regularly and keep my teeth clean and my nails trimmed. More than the great pride I take in my appearance, I appreciate the attention from you. And I will return it 1000 fold!


9. Thou shalt be willing to put all your resources on the table for me. Though I may SEEM a bit selfish at times, it's really just that I'm accustomed to receiving so much, and (heehee) it's my little way of telling you how much I like it all. You should know, though... I would lay down my life for you!


10. Thou shalt never abandon me. And thou shalt never leave me behind. I know there are exceptions... like when you are going places that I wouldn't prefer to staying home. Just know that being with you is everything to me, and I will trust your decisions.

A Golden Retriever's Thoughts on Veterinary Care & Routine Maintenance

Took me a trip today... to one of my favorite places!
Doctor B's Office!

Yep, you read that right! I know, I know... I just might be the only dog in the world that loves to go to the vet's office, but I do! I really do!

I should, however, qualify that statement by saying... I've never been hurt, and I've only been sick once (though there have been a couple of times that Mom flipped out over something that was nothing). Here's how it went today:

1. Great car ride with tons of cold air blowing on my face, and songs sung about me!
2. Got there twenty minutes early... hopped out of the car and tried to p in a big bunch of blooming flowers. I guess from Mom's reaction... that's a no-no.
3. Took a walk down the street where I grew up! Kinda fun... kinda fulla memories... and a major 'Thank The Good Lord' moment that I now have my own backyard!
4. Met a really nice lady who mistook my "eeeeeeeeeeeeee" as an 'I don't want to be here' shriek, rather than my anthem of shear joy. Got some good lovin' from her!
5. Loved all the 'girls' behind the big counter... them that had two legs and them that had four. Miss L gave me a handful of liver treats, and talked to me about many meaningful subjects, including how pretty I am (if a golden retriever could blush... I would have. Instead, awww shucks, I squinted and smiled.)
6. Doctor B checked me over thoroughly... twice (gee thanks, Mom), gave me a quick shot to the back of the neck (didn't feel a thing) and some nose spray. Ok, that's the one thing I don't like...
7. Got a pedicure, and I liked that best when I got home... better traction on the hardwoods, less on the comforter!
8. Gal who operates the computer at checkout might be occasionally dyslexic... She typed my weight as 66 pounds (instead of 69!)... and you gotta love her for that! Unfortunately, Mom noted that she was dead on with the invoice amount. Yikes. Mom said I might have to get a job.
9. Mom made an appointment for me to go back to see them next Wednesday! That seems a bit odd, so soon... but it's ok. I've got many other 'bits' in my repertoire!
10. The trip home was great, too... lots of cold air and resting my head on Mom's shoulder. And awaiting me at home, was a cool bowl of water, a yard full of squirrels... and a nice afternoon nap. Life's good!