Friends

Here are some of my friends and family past and present!

Bailey

Denver the golden laying with his head resting on a lighter golden retriever laying on a bed.

Bailey was my adopted sister for 2 years. She was adopted from an animal shelter in Ohio years before I was born. Bailey taught me lots of skills like how to guard the house but most importantly, how to play tug of war.

When I first joined the family, Bailey was unsure of what to do with me invading her personal space. But over time she let me get closer until I was able to snuggle next to her. Still, as the younger brother, I was always eager to tease my sister till she was ready to play.

Bailey passed away in May 2025 and is sorely missed. She will forever be my annoyed older sibling. Some memories of Bailey are captured on the @myblondebabybailey Instagram.

Three golden retrievers in a kitchen looking up, presumably at a treat. One is a puppy, the two are older
Ellie and Bailey taking young me under their wing.

Ellie

My grandparent's dog Ellie is one of the few dogs who can compete with me on a love of tennis balls. Ellie's new stomping grounds in northern Washington are a favorite place for me to explore with this Auntie. But I can't handle the heat of the dessert as well as Ellie.

Denver the golden laying with his head resting on a lighter golden retriever laying on a bed.

Oski

My litter-mate Oski is the sibling I'm closest with. We love to go to the beach together and play keep-away with our toys, though I usually win. Oski's claim to fame is being a champion show dog. I've event cheered him on at one of his competitions! You can see Oski on our breeder's Instagram @shadesofgoldgoldens.

A german shepherd and a golden retriever puppy in a disorganized scene in front of Denver the golden retriever who is in a kiddy pool.

Ulla and Aspen

My friend Julia introduced me to her service dog friends Ulla and more recently Aspen. Ulla taught me both how to play fair and how to work hard. Learn more about Julia, Ulla, and Aspen on Instagram @ulla_eds_sd

Four golden retrievers awkwardly standing together. One dog is missing a front leg.

Sushi, Horizon, and Levon

I love my friends in Ohio. We've had so much fun with the four of us. Unfortunately Sushi left us in 2025 but I can't wait so see Horizon and Levon again soon.

A small black lab and a golden retriever sit side-by-side looking at the camera in a wooded area.

Willow

Willow is my friend Caleigh’s service dog. We had a great time together on a trip to Washington exploring the creek. Caleigh is a wildlife biologist so Willow gets to go do field work with tortoises and other wildlife. But we'll also get together around San Diego, often with Ulla and Aspen. Find out about my work on Instagram @wildlifewillow_sd

Two golden retrievers walking on a sandy beach.

Sven

Sven is a local San Diego friend who has lots of adventures. Find Sven on Instagram @socal_sven

Denver the Golden rolls on the ground in front of a barn in the woods while a black dog jumps next to him playfully.

Ollie

Ollie dog is a friend from Washington. He knows the best hangouts out in the woods and by the water.