My family had numerous dogs when I was growing up and I loved all of our pets…cats, rabbits, hamsters, and gerbils…..but our dogs were always the most special. Our Collie "Rusty" was a year older than I and died when I was in high school so we essentially grew up together and he was a wonderful companion. After college when I had secured my first job and house, I knew I wanted to get a dog and had always loved the look and temperament of a Golden Retriever.
Like so many first time pet owners, I purchased Mandy from a breeder who I found through the local newspaper. I didn't know about the health issues in Goldens and unfortunately Mandy was severely dysplastic, had chronic ear infections and also became hypo-thyroid. In spite of the health issue, Mandy had the most wonderful temperament and was my introduction to this very special breed - Golden Retrievers.
