Golden retrievers rank among the most popular dog breeds, as reported by the AKC, and their popularity is well-deserved. These cuddly and endearing canines not only make fantastic companions but also the most loyal of furry friends.
Brooke Nicole had her heart set on owning a golden retriever for a very good reason. She had a deep affection for this breed, and for a lengthy six-year span, she consistently pleaded with her boyfriend to welcome a furry friend into their lives. In her own words:
Speaking exclusively to ‘The Goldens Club.com,’ Brooke shared, “My boyfriend and I have been in a relationship for six years. Throughout this time, I’ve persistently urged him to bring a dog into our lives. He didn’t initially grasp the extent of my willingness to have a dog, but now he most certainly does.”
After persistent persuasion, her boyfriend finally relented, and the decision was made to bring a puppy into their lives. Brooke, overwhelmed with joy, initiated the search for the perfect puppy, stating, “Finally, in the fall of 2019, my boyfriend agreed that we could get one. I literally shed tears of happiness. I’ve always dreamt of having a golden retriever, so I embarked on my search.”
After several months of searching, with Christmas approaching, Brooke found a breeder with golden retriever puppies available. When the day came to select their new furry family member, Brooke was unable to attend due to work commitments, and she entrusted her boyfriend, Josh, with the task of choosing the ideal puppy. She said, “After months of research, I found a breeder with a litter of golden retrievers ready to come home just days before Christmas. On the day we were supposed to pick out our forever puppy, I couldn’t make it due to work. So, I relied on my boyfriend, Josh, to make the choice. I told him to follow his instincts and choose the puppy that felt right, and he unquestionably made the right choice.”
They brought their precious Christmas gift home and named the adorable puppy Banks. Brooke instantly fell in love with the little fellow and was delighted with her boyfriend’s selection. Fate smiled upon them, as they welcomed Banks just in time before the pandemic struck, causing lockdowns and closures. Brooke now found herself with an abundance of time at home, providing the ideal opportunity for bonding and training with the new puppy.
Brooke remarked, “During Banks’ early puppy days, we were all under quarantine due to COVID, and I had been furloughed from work. I was genuinely thrilled to spend even more time with Banks.” During this period, Brooke took full advantage of the opportunity to bond with Banks. She taught him numerous tricks, and he filled her days with joy and, of course, his irresistible cuteness.
“This also meant more time for training. We worked on his tricks, his behavior, and enjoyed plenty of playtime and affection. I can’t imagine how I would have coped without Banks during the chaotic quarantine and COVID period. He unquestionably kept me engaged. As a fun fact, he’s bell-trained! Whenever he needs to go potty, he’ll ring the bell to let me know he has to go!”