Like most of you reading this, we got to know and love Honey through her blog. The affection her humans had for her was very evident, and we all loved seeing the photos of the outdoor adventures they shared. We were thrilled that Kristin and Dave were willing to share their beautiful story for the 1000 Goldens Project.

Honey Love...

by: Kristin and Dave Haaf (in Dave's words)

I waited until I had settled into a new life in California, a transplant from the East Coast, and was sure I could have time for a fuzzy dog.  Never in my wildest dreams, did I imagine that the sweetest little golden girl would come into my life.  

Honey captured my heart in 1995, accompanied me everywhere and brought me so much joy.  Honey’s sweet snore under the boardroom table at office meetings; her charming look that granted her treats from most humans who crossed her path; her snout that worked overtime on hikes that only took an hour but which became all day sniffing adventures; her paw pulling my hand back to her belly when I lapsed a few seconds on belly rubs while driving across the United States…she was my support through rough times and my joy at all times.  This little red golden stole my heart.  

Honey and I met my future bride in 2003.  I am sure it was Honey that first captured Kristin’s heart, and I had much to live up to.  Our first ‘date’ was a road trip around the western states, and that was that!  We became our little threesome.  

Honey accompanied us on frequent trips to high Sierra lakes, where she would be Kristin’s kayak navigator and chief stick retriever, and every winter to our favorite ski area, where Honey made snow angels and joined us on x-country ski adventures.  She was patient, loving and fun even at home, where she tolerated us with jobs, errands, and local town parks.  She was always willing to go wherever we were going!

Honey enjoying a stick in her snow boots!By later winter 2009, Honey had incomprehensibly slowed down.  X-rays showed that cancer had attacked her little body, and was creeping into many of her major organs.

The ultimate sad day came on April 25, 2009.  We will never forget that day.  Honey’s love will last forever and she is always with us in spirit.  Miss that Honey Love!