In June, 1996, Chuck and Wendy decided their family needed a mountain climbing, back-packing Golden so off they went to see Norcal Agent Jennifer Workman and a dog named Spirit. Their first meeting was not auspicious. Underweight and lacking confidence, Spirit met them by the front door, rolled over and peed. Not a good start to a long term relationship! Not deterred by a poor first impression, Chuck and Wendy saw something special in Spirit and took him home.

A year later with healthy doses of food and love, Spirit is fit, full of confidence and a world class camping dog to boot! Check out his hot red backpack. We hear that Spirit likes nothing better than strapping on his pack (filled with food and toys?) and heading out for some solo camping with Chuck.

Wendy thinks Spirit's long full tail tail is one of his best features. She calls it his rooster tail. One thing I know for sure, this Golden sure has a new life worth crowing about!