Champ... “Exuberant” is one good word to describe Champ! A real looker with a shiny blonde coat, 1 1/2-year-old Champ is full of good spirits and is a typical strong, high-energy young Golden Retriever. In fact, his first home found him to be a little too much—mom and dad worked all day and left Champ to grow up on his own in the yard, and they just didn’t understand what a teen-age Golden without enough attention would be like. Thanks to his youth, increasing strength, and no training, he was knocking tiny children over and performing cannonballs into the family pool at every opportunity, much to their dismay! Champ soon found himself in Gold Ribbon Rescue foster care.

He has really flourished! He has attended a basic obedience class and is a quick study. He is happy, sweet, and affectionate: “a real cupcake,” says one of his good human friends! He loves everyone. Since he had never spent any time out of his yard before, his foster family is working on acclimating him to new places and to riding in the car. His first reaction to something new is very tentative—but he adjusts quickly and is going new places daily (any Golden’s idea of heaven!). He is moving on to more advanced obedience and we know he will be a “champ” in that sphere, too.

Champ gets along with all animals, but he IS a teenager and can come on a little strong. He is energetic and expects everyone to be the same way! He may take a little time to integrate into a household with other dogs, but he’ll ultimately be fine: he is currently living in foster care with four adult dogs (and a cat) and has successfully fit in. Champ loves children but is so full of energy he can be overwhelming for the smaller kids.

Champ's energy, exuberance, smarts, good looks, and happy, sweet temperament are definitely the things that everybody wants in a Golden. He can sit, down, retrieve, and come when called; he is learning to walk very nicely on a leash, and he loves playing with you. He likes water and loves toys. He is housebroken and crate-trained. He sleeps through the night and even takes the occasional nap during the day! He is a real companion dog – he wants to be with you at all times. What a treasure!
 

Update 12/09/05:

Champ is definitely a lover...he loves people and wants to be with them constantly. He is VERY eager to please...especially if he thinks there is a "retrieve the ball game", toys or food in the offering. He is 1 1/2 years old and his obedience skills are excellent. He walks on a loose leash, crates (he likes his crate) easily, sits at the door, downs, comes when called (he lies in wait for someone to call him). He wants to be with you. He prefers people to dogs which is nice. As much as he loves people he has to "warm up" (it could take days...or he may never be able to be loose with certain dogs) to other dogs. There are some dogs he does not care for at all! Champ currently lives in harmony with 4 adult dogs, but has his eye on the leadership role, which is currently held by the humans. Champ is a high energy (pick me, love me, play with me) dog, he really runs (he's so pretty) and needs daily exercise. He does takes several naps (he has an off button and is well behaved in the house) during the day (and of course sleeps all night) but is always ready to go. For a family with good leadership skills he's wonderful and loving!

View Pictures Here