I’ve always loved dogs. I gravitate towards them, even in a room full of people. As I was growing up in Chicago, we always had a dog. It all started with Sam when I was just a couple years old. He was a cute mutt my parents adopted from the local humane society. He was so lovable and patient, witnessed by the countless videos and photos of us dancing together and basically letting me treat him like a little brother.

Then there was Curly, a small white toy poodle that my step-dad brought into our newly blended family when I was just starting high school. She was cute and spunky, with a love for White Castles (her annual treat on New Year’s Day). It was so interesting to watch these 2 dogs deal with living together in the same house after being the only pet in their homes before.

Sam was the one who changed the most. He was still loving and quiet, but became protective over his food. When he was an only dog, his food would sit for hours without him even taking a bite. But with Curly around, he would want his food and hers as soon as it hit their bowls. Needless to say, my parents would separate them and give them their food at the exact same time and would watch until they both finished. Other than that, they got along great and had lots of fun together. They both passed while I was still in high school and it hit our family quite hard. It was so strange to go from a house of 2 dogs, to none.

It was a couple of years before my parents decided it was time to adopt another pooch. I was away at college when my parents decided to adopt a golden retriever puppy. Ryno, named after the Chicago Cubs Hall of Fame 2nd baseman Ryne Sandberg, was the light of our eyes! What a wonderful dog! He brought more smiles and happiness to our home than ever before. It was then that I fell in love with the breed. Goldens have this way of looking right into your heart. I knew one day when I was more settled, had enough space and a yard, I would adopt a golden retriever. I had no idea the impact my first golden retriever would have on my life.

How did your love for dogs begin? I love to hear from you in the comments section.