Our latest Golden hails from the great white North! Her Mom's story really touched our hearts, and we hope it will do the same for you.

Claire

by: Amy Vervoort

Our Golden Retriever, Claire, was a long awaited member of our family. After waiting years to adopt her, when I knew last year we were settled enough to have plenty of time for a dog. She was born on November 6, 2008, and came to us on December 30, 2008. 

She has brought so much fun and joy into our lives, and we would not be complete without her.

I was a single mom, with my now almost twelve year old daughter, enjoying working at our local university in the English Department. I had pretty much given up finding a partner, and had been quoted as saying, "who needs a man when you can have man's best friend". That was when I decided to adopt Claire, and made arrangements with a local breeder for a female puppy from their next litter. In the time between making those arrangements and when the pups were born, I met the most adoring man, and Australian living in northern Canada - who happened to love dogs. Not long after we started dating, I sent him an email with pictures of a new Golden litter and told him one of them was mine. 

My daughter chose her name. She said, "a beautiful dog should have a beautiful name". By the time Claire came to us on December 30th, everyone was excited for her arrival. Everything revolved around our puppy's schedule and needs. My partner and I would walk her every evening, and every morning she would join us in bed for morning coffee. 

At first she couldn't jump up on the bed, and would have to be lifted, but soon she was able to make a run for it and jump to the top. There were a few spills along the way, but once she got up she was Daddy's girl, and enjoyed her morning belly rub. Her love for Daddy was evident every time he was out of town, when she would sulk when he couldn't be found, and when he returned was greeted with the most enthusiasm.  

We all live together now, and Claire has been the center of it all. She has a new dog run in the back yard, her own ottoman in the living room, and takes priority in the bed. Recently, we decided to adopt a baby brother for her, a Basset Hound named Gromit. She's not too sure what to make of him, but he makes her bounce on springs. She's started a blog to follow her life with Gromit, and tell all her stories of dog parks, tree farms, and stuffy ducks.

We all look forward to a long life with Claire. She makes every day a joy, and is the sweetest soul I have ever known.

Editor's Note: Amy is new to the blogging community, so please help us give her a warm welcome! Here's a link to Claire and Gromit's blog.