I'm a golden lab. I'm not sure exactly what that means, but my mom is a Golden Retriever and my dad is a Black Lab. My mom, well she's really sweet. She has terrific lines -- all the papers and everything. In fact, she is a champion and wins a lot of ribbons in shows. My dad, well he's a rougue. I guess that's why I'm here today. The family that my mom lives with was waiting to breed her to this other guy. He had papers and everything like her. My dad had other plans. He lives next door to my mom. He wasn't going to wait around for this prissy guy. He just jumped the fence and took care of business.

I guess this kind of sums me up. My human family says I'm really strong willed as well. I am bright like my mom (see my IQ test results here), but I really don't like to listen to people. I just a free spirit -- I guess that comes from dad.

I was born October 27, 1998. I'm just a bit over one year old now and what a life I have. I live in Albuquerque, New Mexico. In general, I like it there but it can be kind of hot. Once we found a swimming pool last summer I was happier. If you don't know, I love the water.

I was adopted by my family in December 1997. They are AnnMarie and Scott. I was their Christmas present. I hope I make them happy. They are really nice and they make me happy. I must admit that I'm very spoiled. I eat well (Iams) plus I get breakfast with Scott. I eat Grapenuts® with him. I have tuna sandwiches whenever he is home at lunch, and I get lean, baked Chicken and potatoes most evenings. I hear some people say that human food isn't good for me. They're wrong. Good food that is good for humans is also good for me. Could you imagine eating "dog food" every day for the rest of your life? Come on, give me some variety.

The important thing is not to let me eat too much. How much is enough? Well, it is just like for you. When I'm active, I need to eat more. If I'm less active, I need to eat less. Personally, I want to be active my whole life. It is hard though in this human world. I'm lucky. I have a family that understands this. They take me places to play all the time (see Parks).

I like to go on walks (off leash), but I especially like to go to the parks. There is nothing better than running in the open grass. Well, I should correct this: there is nothing better than running with other pups in the open grass. I like to run of course, but I really like to play. What I really like is to play chase (see Play).