The animals that I have loved most have been dogs, cats and horses. I have had all kinds of dogs ranging from the Heinz 57 variety to Dobermans, Alaskan Malamutes,
Shetland Sheep dogs, Yorkshire Terriers and Rotties and
Of course, my present Golden Retriever.

The dog that I enjoyed the least was the Shetland Sheep
Dog. They bark all the time and tend to herd people if
no goats or sheep are available. My favorites were
Muffin, a pet quality Yorkie and Rex. I did not find the
big dogs in the least vicious but people are not comfortable
around them. Muffin was like a child to us and had the
advantage of being small enough to take on trips.

Golden Retrievers are known for their beauty, charm and sweetness
rather than braininess so it is surprising to me how smart
Rex is. We communicate very well and he is house trained
with never an accident. He tells me when he wants in or
out, I can ask him to come in by rapping on the back door,
He tells me when he has eaten his dinner by seeking me out
and smacking his lips so that he can get the praise he feels
is due him and if he feels hungry he stands in the dining
room and looks into the kitchen. He is polite to other
dogs when he is boarded or goes to the vet but he doesn't
want other dogs in his house or yard. He is not terribly
obedient when walking and he sits down and refuses to
go when he has had enough. He is too strong for me to
walk but this is his only flaw.

He adores children and he still plays although he is six
plus. One of his most endearing traits is to lay his head
on your knee. He is right up there with Muffin on the
favorite dog roster.