Day 604

These four are SO different from each other! They may all be Goldens, but their personalities are as unique as can be!

Ranger (behind the chair): Confident, demanding, loving

Lilly (on the floor): Matriarch, impatient, empathetic, loving

Gus (eyes only): Sweet, submissive, patient, loving

Sam (front and center): Adorable, needy, energetic, loving

Four Goldens, with only Lilly and Ranger genetically connected, having strong personalities that will not be denied. Each one shares the gifts they possess and recipients are immediately attached to the wet nose before them. The three oldest are wonderful Therapy Dogs and Sammy is following in their pawprints. Still...I wonder about nurture vs nature with their unique and distinct personalities.

Of course, they are all Goldens indicating a breed that is devoted, calm and affectionate. The two oldest have come from the same gene pool, yet their personas are very different from their sibling. Leaning towards nurture, these four should all be identical due to the life they have lived with us. Bending the other way towards nature, perhaps there should be more similarities amongst our Golden crew. Hmmm...

In the final analysis, it must come down to their one shared quality...loving. Regardless of heritage, their lives have been full of love. No dog has been adored more than these hooligans, so when they are full of affection, they seem to mirror the love back at the people around them. The family certainly receives the love and Therapy Dog visits find our Goldens wagging their tails, leaning in, smiling and loving.

Perhaps the common denominator is love for all living things. No matter how different dogs can be (people too), if we love them enough, they will love us in return. What a wonderful gift!