Our family tradition was always to adopt a dog in need: generally a stray or the product of an unplanned breeding. We had several Golden Retriever mixes, and each one convinced us more strongly that Goldens are the highest life form. This was the comfortable and established situation when I volunteered to drive on a CUR (Canine Underground Railroad) run for an irresistable Golden boy traveling between Pensacola and Austin. From the time I dropped off that gorgeous boy, I couldn't help but peruse the Internet listings of needy Goldens, despite already having two beautiful and healhy Golden-mix sweethearts.

And then came the day that I saw Elliot. Elliot grew up in the wine country and was used for stud several times, despite his loud heart murmur. In a car accident he lost ennervation of his right eye, which sunk back into his skull. No longer marketable as a stud, Elliot was relinquished to NORCAL Golden Retriever Rescue where he was placed in loving foster care.

They said he had a serious heart condition that could take his life at any time, even though he was only 3 years old. Unfazed, he gazed into the camera with a rakish tilt to his head, much like the model with the eyepatch in the old Hathaway shirt ads of the 1940s. A beautiful and loving purebred young man who might never be placed, simply because of human fears.

The challenge was one I could not resist--even though we had doubts about how well he'd get along with our older neutered male, Alex; even though we lived far away in Louisiana; and even though our home seemed quite satisfactorily filled by 2 dogs, 4 birds, and a five-year-old child. We knew that since his heart condition prevented neutering, that keeping him celibate was a serious responsibility.

Elliot flew cross-country and joined us on October 29, 1998. Although he and Alex have had their differences, Elliot has won our hearts. He always greets us at the door, singing loudly, with either one of our shoes or one of Katie's toys in his mouth. The E-Man loves to chase tennis balls, and he shows no signs of heart disease in his stamina or behavior. He takes no medication. He is a big, goofy baby who lives to snuggle. I call him Elliot, King Silly of Hump Land. Every day he reminds us of how happy he is to be alive and why we should be, too.

Gloria, Joel & Katie
Alex, Goldie, & Elliot
Solomon, Eli & Elyssa
Metairie, LA (near New Orleans)