Meet Mhershey - Our Beautiful and Smart English Cream Golden Retriever

My husband and I are both dog lovers and we wanted our child to be the same. Besides, kids who are exposed early to dogs are known to grow up as more responsible individuals. Who wouldn't want that?

Getting a New Dog

I was 3 months pregnant when we decided to get a new dog for our child. My husband's 1st choice was a Great Dane. But when we did our research, we found out that this breed's average life span is only 7 years. That was only half of the life span of other breeds and we're scared of the potential untimely heartbreak.

Next breed that we considered was my dream dog - a Newfoundland. It's known to be the friendliest dog breed, and is reported to be perfect for families with young children. Unfortunately, it would cost us Php 80,000 to Php 150,000 to get one. Although we can afford it, the price is a bit ridiculous for us (no offense meant!). Getting a Newfoundland is still on my bucket list though, but not now.

We did a more extensive research and that's where we realized that a golden retriever would fit our lifestyle and goals. We considered everything - from our budget to our daily routines. Indeed, a golden retriever would be a perfect companion for our child.

Meeting Mhershey for the First Time

It was July 9, 2013 when our veterinarian friend called to inform us that he knew a reliable dog breeder with a golden retriever puppy. We immediately called the breeder and that same night, we went to his house to see his last puppy.

When we got there, we were immediately impressed with the kennel's condition - it's very clean and organized. It didn't have that kind of smell most of you would probably imagine when talking about "dog kennels". The cages were properly placed in a manner where each has a proper ventilation. They were all placed in a large adjustable tent with an air conditioner.

There were also three adult golden retrievers there, one of them is the puppy's sire. His name is Parker - a very handsome golden retriever who's obviously a conformation-type. Actually, we can tell that all the adult goldens in that kennel are all perfect for conformation shows, judging by their appearances and the way they were taken care of.

Then we finally saw the golden retriever puppy. I immediately noticed that her snout was a bit longer than a usual GR pup, but we didn't care anymore. We instantly fell in love with her! There was this "sudden positive connection" when she looked at us.

Her coat was close to white, a much lighter shade compared to many golden retrievers we see on magazines and televisions. They call it "English Cream" - which is not very common in the Philippines. But during that time, we didn't know this yet. The affection we felt for that puppy was pure. From the moment we saw her, we already knew that she's the one.

We never had the chance to name her. Since she's already turning 3 months, we just decided to stick with the name on her PCCI Registration - Mhershey.

After asking the breeder a few questions about her dam (he doesn't own the pup's mother), we already settled everything because we're really excited to take her home. Inside the car, she was just quietly sitting on my lap and her head was resting on my 3-month pregnant tummy. This "car habit" continued until my growing tummy and her body could no longer fit on the passenger seat.

Meeting 2-month old Mhershey for the first time

Mhershey's First Night at Home

Yes - Mhershey loves fans eversince!

Mhershey used to sleep between me and my husband until she got bigger.

Mhershey and her first toy - a stuffed golden retriever puppy

Princess the hairless Shih-tzu and Mhershey the 3-month old golden retriever - their first and last photo together

Because Mhershey doesn't like rough floors. :)

Mhershey resting on my pregnant tummy. I bet she was listening to her baby bro.

We started her dog training as early as 3 months to prepare her for the baby.

"Leave it!"

"Shake hands!"

(From sitting position) "Lie down!"

Life with Mhershey

There are no precise words to express how fortunate we are for having Mhershey. She's the sweetest and smartest dog we ever had. She became not only our son's best buddy, but also his big sister and most reliable babysitter.

Mhershey and our son's first photo (2013) 

Mhershey guarding her baby brother at a park (2014)

Partners in Crime: Mhershey and her baby bro checking out a vacant room (2015)

Baby bro trying to wake up Mhershey (2016)

Baby bro suddenly approached Mhershey who was about to be groomed by Daddy. He thought his dad was about to do something "bad" to his sister. (2016)

Mhershey also impresses people by showing off her cool tricks during dog talent shows. She already won a number of contests and made her name be known to a few big people in the field.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Looking Back

Now as I look back... I'm thinking that, maybe, she was the last puppy sold from the litter because she didn't have all the characteristics of a show-type golden retriever. When we traced her bloodline, almost every dog there is a title holder. Her younger half-brother is also a handsome conformation dog and is only a few points away from becoming a Philippine Champion.

Mhershey (Right) and her younger half-brother Casper (Left)

If that was the real reason why she was the last puppy of the litter, I hope she doesn't know it. Or at least, I wish that she thinks that God made the first buyers not to choose her because she's really meant for us. She may not have those qualifications for being considered a "show dog", but for us, she's the prettiest and smartest golden retriever of them all.