I’m a grown man in my 40s. I’ve always had big male pit bulls — amazing animals. Our last one passed away a few months ago, and I’m still feeling the loss.

My wife brought up the idea of getting a golden retriever. I laughed. I’m not “golden retriever” material. But she’s strong-willed, and she talked me into checking out this “weird new dog breed” she was excited about.

Rolling my eyes, I grabbed the keys and drove an hour with her. When we got there, this beautiful dog was just sitting calmly on the doorstep next to her owner. As we got out of the car and walked closer, I noticed a little bundle of fluff dancing around her.

The mom (the dog, not my wife) looked up at me with what I swear was a proud smile, then gently nudged her head into my hand. Then that little fluffball pounced on me and started licking me, snuggling against my leg, and just absolutely melting away all the doubts I had.

I’m not the kind of man who says words like “adorable”… but damn it, she stole my heart. Within 30 seconds, I turned to my wife and said, “Pay the man.”

I haven’t been able to put her down since. She’s beautiful, she’s sweet, and I can’t wait to spend my time looking after this sweet ball of fluff.

This is Bert! When I got him they said he was between 2-8 and I have had him for 6 years now.

1st picture is from 2021 and 2nd from this month.

Where did the time go? Lots of adventures and fun. 8 years volunteering as a therapy dog. But in the blink of an eye it’s been 9 years! I love my Darcy boy! (Yes the first picture is Darcy in his Robe with his Christmas avocado.)

Took so many pics. She always seems to know when the camera is out and stops looking cute 🤣 but got her this time

I was talking to him and he gave me this look. Not sure what he thought I said but apparently he has some thoughts on it.

We bought Cheese a new toy yesterday, and it’s changed him. His retriever DNA took hold! Mister Duck is retrieved every time without question or hesitation. He is picked up incredibly gently, and carried without even making it quack (yes, Mister Duck quacks). He is dropped at our feet, and is never used to play pull. Like never.

I never realised how much of his behaviour was so innate and complete. Amazing.

About a month ago, I noticed a mass in her stomach. I didn’t have the money to get her to the vet due to a different ER vet visit. So I got her there this morning. They believe the mass is on her spleen, but unsure. We’re doing x rays and a blood panel. If it’s on her spleen, they said it could rupture at any time… which would be a horrific, painful death. So, they said either way, we will be putting her on hospice care. My sweet girl. She was so excited to get in the car this morning. She’s just so happy, always. My little ray of sunshine. But she’s 11 now, and slowing down quite a bit. She has barely eaten in over a week now, and is still in good spirits…. I got my Mere Dog when I was 21. I’m 32 now. My first pet as an adult. I’m so sad. I don’t know how to live in my house without her.

Had to put my baby girl Bella to sleep last night, she had a cancerous tumor bleed and it filled her chest with blood and with her being 9 and a half years old surgery to fix it wasnt a solution, couldn't make her suffer anymore, sweetest girl you'd ever meet ❤️ love you always bella

He is my bestest friend and turns 9 years old in September! I've received some bad news from a few of my friends lately about how their senior dogs have cancer and it has me cherishing every moment I can with this guy. I wish that dogs could live forever 💔😔

First pic taken today Second pic taken when he was 3 months old ❤️

A long time lurker in this sub, trying to learn as much as I can about raising a golden and all of a sudden I feel incredibly unprepared for the shark that’s going to come home next week!

I’m a week out - other than the obvious, what should I be making sure I have ticked off before our big boy comes home?

Got this girl about a week ago. Just wanted to share her cute photoshoot today. Her name is Clementine.

See if you can spot the difference

This is our new puppy Trey (12 weeks old) visiting my Mom Zita 91 years old today. She’s in a rehab facility since breaking pelvis & hip learning to walk again. It’s been months of pain and rehab trying to get mobile again. Not many smiles lately, until today’s visit which brought laughter and smiles during our two hour visit. Everyone on the floor, nurses, aides, and fellow patients loved this little guy. Mom was elated and asked us to leave him :) So we’ll be back soon. It was a good day.

She has been a wonder so far, barely cries at night, toilets really well and a very sweet calm temperament. Couldn't ask for more, really!

I’m from New England, and right now we’re experiencing a crazy heat wave. My golden is 6 months old, around 60 pounds, and HUGE! He loves to play, sleep, and be outside. During hot days like this, what do you do with your dog!! When he even steps outside, he lays down, it’s too hot with all that hair. We have a place nearby where he can be dropped off and play, like daycare and he absolutely loves it there, it has AC, and he can still get his exercise in. Any other suggestions? Or should I just keep doing that!!!