Foster Update:  Jake has been with our family for a couple weeks now and I can't say enough good things about him. He is well-mannered, completely housebroken and just a fantastic dog overall. Jake is labeled as a senior dog, but he does not act the part. Jake loves to be outside in the yard whenever possible playing with our two dogs. He is incredibly fast and can outrun both of them. Jake is very strong and does pull when walked on a leash, but responds well to correction. He absolutely loves to take walks and will walk for miles if given the opportunity. Jake shows his affection for his people by bringing a gift when someone comes in the front door or wakes up in the morning. Jake's favorite gift seems to be socks. The other morning he had lined up four socks next to my bed which he had obtained from the hamper. He doesn't harm any of the items he brings, but they do get quite a bit of dog slobber on them. However, it's so cute to watch that no one really cares about a little slobber. Jake greets everyone with the same warm welcome when they enter the home, but he is also the first to bark to alert us that someone is nearby. Jake loves his people and deserves to have a forever family that will return that love. We have truly enjoyed having him in our home.

 

Jake is such a sweet boy!  He came to us from some people at the Florida Hospital that found him.   We call him the "leash stealer" because every time he sees a leash on top of a table or crate, he will pick it up with his mouth and then stand next to the nearest door!  It's so funny!  We laugh all the time about it!  Jake is a strong boy, it takes someone with a lot of strength to walk him!  Jake likes people and children, and loves a good squeeky toy! 

 

According to www.dogbreedinfo.com, the Golden Retriever was first developed in the British Isles, probably from crosses between a yellow Flat-Coated Retriever, light-coated Tweed Water Spaniels, other spaniels, setters and even the Newfoundland and possibly the Bloodhound. In fact the breed was first shown as a Golden Flat-Coat. The Golden is one of the world's foremost family companion dogs. Many of the top obedience competition dogs in the country are Golden retrievers. The Golden is also a fine bird dog on both land and in the water. He has an excellent nose and has been used not only for hunting and tracking, but also for narcotics detection. Because of his great desire to please and capacity for love and learning, the Golden Retriever is also used as a guide for the blind, therapy dog, and service dog for the disabled. These are lovable, well-mannered, intelligent dogs with a great charm. They are easily trained, and always patient and gentle with children. Loyal, confident, sweet and eager to please. It is active, loving and an outstanding family dog. Golden Retrievers enjoy pleasing their masters, so obedience training can be fun. They excel in obedience competitions. Friendly with everyone, including other dogs, the Golden Retriever has very little, if any, guarding instincts. While unlikely to attack, Goldens make good watchdogs, loudly signaling a stranger's approach. This breed needs to be around people to be happy. If isolated from human contact, or left alone for long periods of time, the Golden Retriever may become mischievous. They can be over-exuberant and distractible. Some of the Golden's talents are hunting, tracking, retrieving, narcotics detection, agility, competitive obedience, and performing tricks. These dogs also love to swim. They have a life expectancy of 10-12 years.