VERO BEACH — I love golden retrievers. Goldens have a personality much like that of us springers – happy go lucky, tail always wagging, loving everybody and having a super zest for life.
When I met Gabriel, a Central Beach golden, I was psyched. I knew we would have much in common – or so I thought.
“My mom Sheri Anderson and I read your column every week, Bonz,” Gabe told me. “You featured my dog buddy Tina from the dog park recently. You nailed her personality perfectly.”
“Gee, thanks, Gabe,” I said. “So I guess you hang out at the dog park?”
“Yep,” Gabe answered. “You could say I’m the ‘official’ greeter at the dog park, Bonz. Everyone knows the smiling golden toting the Frisbee is me. I just want to give everyone a hug.”
“I’m all about hugs and slobbers, Gabe,” I said. “Tell me more about yourself.”
“Sure, Bonz,” Gabe said. “I wasn’t even a year old when I learned to catch the Frisbee. I also completed beginner and intermediate agility training classes. When Mom and I came to Vero, I continued agility at Paw Prints and loved every minute of it.
“I also became an AKC canine good citizen and a therapy dog. As soon as my paperwork clears, mom and I will start making visits to adult assistance facilities.”
“My mom’s a runner,” Gabe continued. “I’ve joined her in three 5Ks- the Fast and the Furriest, the Furry Scurry and the 5K9. In one of the races, I got to carry my Frisbee the entire race. And in March, I will be the spokesdog for the Mardi Growl 5K benefiting the Blue Ribbon Charitable Foundation.”
Good grief. I thought I’d have a lot in common with Gabe, but this doggy dude has a pawtasic resume.
Gabe noticed my tail had stopped wagging.
“Hey, Bonzo,” he said, “is everything OK?” “Well, Gabe,” I said, “congratulations on all of your accomplishments. Don’t take this the wrong way but I kind of feel like a slacker compared to you.”
“But Bonzo,” Gabe said, “you’re a canine columnist. You and I do a bunch of the same stuff.”
“Like what?” I asked sulking.
“Like spreading the love, being happy and pleasing our humans,” Gabe said. “As you know Bonzo, humans wouldn’t know what to do without us.”
“You make a valid point Gabe,” I said feeling a bit better.
“Oh, I forgot to tell you about my mom getting married to her fiancé, Adam Searle, in April,” Gabe said. “Since mom’s dad passed away three years ago, I’m going to be walking her down the aisle.”
Seriously? I give up.
At age 8, Gabriel has a few years on me – but he sure seems to be the perfect dog buddy.
Till next time,
The Bonz
