All this week we are taking a stroll down memory lane to celebrate the 8th Anniversary of LivingwithaGolden.com. Today we go all the way back to where it began with my first blog posts, as I prepared for Asa’s arrival. Alright, I admit I was a lot less talkative back then, so I’m combining these posts today. I hope you enjoy these early introductions.

Hi, I’m Chuck Billy! (January 12, 2015)

I’m a Golden Retriever who started this blog because two important things are happening at the end of this month.  First, I’m turning three years old.  And second, I’m getting a puppy.  Oh sure my parents insist that the new addition is my brother, and not my pet.  But one has to admit the timing sure looks like he’s a present for me.  Either way, as the top dog in the family, I feel it is my obligation to guide this little guy through the twists and turns of life, while going on grand adventures along the way.  I hope you and your dogs join us on this journey.

My World (January 14, 2015)

My parents thought I should tell you a little bit about myself.  I’m a Golden Retriever living in Maine with my Mom and Dad.  I like hikes in the woods, romps on the beach, cuddling by the fireplace…and all those other cliche things humans write to describe themselves.  I’m their second son.  Sadly, my big brother Lemmy passed away last year after a brave battle with Cushing’s Disease.  We all miss him.  But I have to admit he was a bit of a curmudgeon.  Let’s just say that my puppy enthusiasm tested his patience…a lot.  But as a loving big brother with a heart of gold, Lemmy tolerated my antics and along the way he made sure I learned important life lessons.  Life lessons that I plan to pass down to my new little brother, along with a few new ones.  But I promise I’m going to do it with way more fun and zest!  So get ready for some tail wagging adventures little guy, because I’m ready and waiting for you!

Great Expectations (January 21, 2015)

So my parents are currently in what I like to call the “Great Expectations” phase in preparing for the puppy.  They now spend their days talking about their hopes and dreams for their new addition.  But I have no doubt that sometime within hours of taking their future rocket scientist home, he will inevitably poop on the carpet and then try to eat it.  Ah dreams…  I can’t blame them though for having great expectations for him.  After all I set the bar pretty high by being flawless when I came home.  By the way, in case you are getting as impatient as my parents are with all this waiting, the puppy will make his big debut this weekend!

Introducing… (January 26, 2015)

Introducing Asa!  Asa came home on Saturday during the snowstorm.  I was very excited to finally meet him.  Perhaps a little too excited, I accidentally scent marked him…three times.  But luckily for me, Asa is an easy going little fellow, who quickly forgave me for my indiscretion.  My parents were totally distracted by his cuteness, and were too busy oohing and aahing over his every move to be of much help this weekend.  So I have been busy showing him around his new home and yard, and of course playing in the snow with him.  Boy puppies are a lot work!  Perhaps I will follow his lead and take a nap now…oh wait, where did the little guy wander off to while I was typing!  Living with a Golden certainly will be an adventure!