Welcome Our New (Furry) Family Member!
I teased our new addition on The Weekend Dish on Saturday, and here she is… !
Say hello to Judith! She is a 16-month-old Golden Retriever, and officially joined our family on Friday.
If you follow me on Instagram, then you already got a glimpse of her sweet face; be sure to follow along because I’m sure I’ll be sharing tons of pictures and videos on stories!
She is such a sweet, sweet dog and so far she and Duke have gotten along really well. He’s definitely getting a little bit in the way of karma; he nagged and picked on Einstein so much when he was young, and now he’s getting it back! She still has a lot of puppy in her and loves to play, but is super smart and a really good dog. Joseph is a big fan, and loves playing ball with her; he threw it over and over and over again on Saturday. Dominic is still taking some time to warm up to her, but he made some great progress yesterday!
I got a lot of questions on Instagram about whether she’s a rescue… we adopted her! She’s actually a fully trained therapy dog but at the end of training was found to be a bit too high energy for the job. So instead, she gets to live in a house full of kids and with another dog, which we think will serve her well! ❤
We’re so excited to have her as part of our family… below are a few pictures from over the weekend!
p.s. actually the reason I began an email the first time…….and of course, I got to thinking about her…..and I forgot. I wanted to say, I can’t believe you actually have Duke in a Halti. I tried one on Lucy in her first year, boy was that a MASSIVE disaster. I kept trying for almost a week and we would spend EVERY walk, the entire time, with her trying to get it off with her paw. She HATED it with every fiber of her being. If she hated it THAT badly I just had to move on to plan B and that turned out to be perfect. It was more of a harness. The leash hooked on a ring about the center of her back. The harness was a corduroy (pink of course) material padded and lined with almost like a flannel or something. From the moment I put it on her she was the PERFECT dog when we walked. She never pulled again, she heeled perfectly. It was THE best thing I ever purchased for a pet. She went through two. She outgrew her first one. If I knew where that halti is I’d give it to you. If you think about it, it would be REALLY annoying to have something across your nose the entire time you’re walking. It would drive me buggy. Whereas it going around the chest and the hook in the middle of the back is FAR more comfortable. I had everything in pink, her collar, her harness, her leash, and people STILL asked me, “how old is he?” and “what is his name?” I gave up.
I shouldn’t have looked at the golden pictures. It’s still too hard. I know you went through this with Einstein. That amazing boy was with you before EVERY other thing in your life. I can’t imagine how difficult that was for you. It had to be even worse than Lucy for me and that was almost more than I could bear. I’m JUST slightly beginning to not feel quite so guilty and horrible. I felt physically sick for a week. And yet, I couldn’t bear to see her continue to suffer seizures and suffer through what they said would happen. I believe she really pushed herself the last year, to kept going for me. I had to let her be at peace. But I’ve never felt so horrible about a conscious act in my life. AND….it happened on my birthday AND my parent’s wedding anniversary. Needless no one did ANY celebrating. When my family had my birthday dinner 2 days later I couldn’t have cared less. You were able to do what I wanted desperately to do, to have another furry little one there to help, but, thanks to several selfish, inconsiderate, rude, tenants who caused such damage I had to suffer I didn’t have the funds to purchase another golden. Oh sure, I could have gone and found a poor pup from a puppy mill, but I would never support one. Help shut one down, but never buy from them. So now I’m waiting until spring. But holy cow the time is dragging. It feels like FOREVER. I’m also going to get two if at all possible. I’m glad Duke has a new sister. All animals need at least one animal friend. She’s just perfect for you.
Awww. So cute!
I am SO happy to see you finally got another golden to be with Duke. I don’t see how you lasted so long. I used to write you some about my Lucy back when you only had Einstein (I still think that is a brilliant name for a golden retriever as they ARE so incredibly intelligent.) Well I lost my Lucy about 3 weeks ago. And of all things it was on my birthday. As awful as it was I think it was meant to be. She came on my birthday. I’m still not doing well. How do you adjust? I don’t have another one to help. I had wanted one but life didn’t work out. I think of going somewhere and for an instant my mind thinks, should Lucy go along? I hear a noise and think for an instant, oh its Lucy. I think being there with her through that is THE worst thing I’ve ever had to do. I feel sick inside when I start to think about it. I wish I could have a memory erase done of that evening. But I wish your family MANY happy and wonderful years with Duke and Judith.
Oh Pamela, I am SO sorry to hear about Lucy’s passing. Sending you so many thoughts, prayers, and hugs. It was awful for quite a while, but the blessing was that Dominic was born 3 weeks later, so a distraction from my grief to say the least! And yes, still thinking about that afternoon is absolutely heart wrenching.
What a beautiful little sister for two adorable “big” brothers to love! So glad you’re doing well. I enjoy your site and recipes. And love your GOLDENS! We are also a “Golden” family – 13 yr old Sophie and 14 yr old Golden mix Elwood.
Congratulations on the latest additions to your lovely family! The boys are getting so big! Isabelle is gorgeous and Judith is awesome. Sending hugs and best wishes to you and yours!
The dogs are adorable but my question is which do has the leash around their mouth & why? You did a wonderful thing by adopting Judith when she didn’t quite make the grade for therapy. She is so sweet & Judith will thank you 10 times over for the rescue. I bet Einstein is happy his buddy has a new friend. You have a kind heart. If we lived closer I would gladly volunteer as dog walker for you. I also know that baby makes five. She is beautiful but she will have two brothers that will look out for her always, I speak from experience. Well God has surely blessed your family with some blessed events I add my congratulations & may God continue to bless you always.
Hi Jan, Duke has on a gentle leader… it’s not a muzzle, but incredibly helpful for dog walking when the dog gets excited or pulls ahead. Just a simple little tug of redirection is all that’s needed, and no pulling on collars, etc. Such a huge difference!
Congratulations on Judith! Duke seems overjoyed.
Hate to be a kill joy but please be careful with her wearing a collar and playing with Duke. It can be dangerous for both of them. Sorry to be a bummer.
I can’t believe I missed this announcement about Judith. So exciting! Love the muzzle to muzzle sleep pic. Awwwww.
So glad to see Judith..I am sure Duke must be super excited along with your cute boys..
He’s loving having a friend again! And the boys adore her (especially Joseph!).
Such an awesome feeling..I remember when you posted about losing Einstein, I was shedding bucketful of tears reading your post along..Felt so happy when you got a buddy for Duke :-) Great work Michelle..I love your blog and every bit you post!
That new pup is BEAUTIFUL!!!““““Can you share with me the name of the organization you got her from?
Judy(Judith)!!!
Thank you so much Judy! The organization actually asked for anonymity because they typically do not adopt out dogs and this was a pretty rare circumstance.
Congratulation on your newly beautiful addition. Thank you for sharing these fanstatic pictures.
Thank you, Ivory, and you’re welcome of course! :)
They are both so sweet!
Thank you Gina!
Hi Michelle,
Congrats on Judith!! Shes so beautiful.I just have one question, does she need to wear a prong collar? Aren’t those cruel?
Thank you so much Katie! As for the prong collar, it’s actually a misconception that they’re cruel. It doesn’t hurt them and you just need a small amount of pressure to correct. It replicates the sensation of the mother tugging at their neck to correct them when they’re puppies. It’s just used for short corrections, and is the collar that was used during her training, so we’re keeping things consistent here!
Congrats on Judith! She is beautiful! You are a very lucky family – it sounds like she was in training to be a service dog, not a therapy animal. Service dogs are working dogs, highly trained to perform specific duties for a person with disabilities. A therapy dog is a family pet who’s been evaluated for temperament and training to visit in the community such as hospitals , etc. and bring comfort. If your dog has had a “career change” from training for service to becoming a pet, Your family has gained a dog with lots of time and training invested in her already so she is going to be amazing.
Thank you Gwen! And yes, she’s been in training since she was about 8 weeks old I believe, so there was a lot of time invested in her and she is SO smart and knows so many commands (more than we ever used with our dogs, so Duke is learning!).
Congratulations on the newest member of your family!!! I am so happy for all of you…especially Duke. He must be so thrilled to have a new playmate. It is SO wonderful that you adopted and gave her a loving new home. Einstein is definitely looking down and is truly happy.
Thank you Jana! We were so thrilled to give her a home, and Duke has been doing so much playing this week, I think he’s enjoying having a buddy again!
Congrats, Judith is beautiful! Golden’s are the best, and the only dogs we have had in 24 years. I bet she is a very smart girl!
My daughter has a male that she got from a service organization, he too didn’t quite make the cut. He is the best family dog though! It won’t be long before you will be adding another little girl to your family. It is a very exciting time for you, enjoy!
Thank you Marcia! We are total Golden lovers here, too!
so glad you got judith. . . although i don’t know about the name… because duke always looked so lonesome when einstein was gone. congratulations and good luck. you are gonna have one very large happy family. :)
Thank you Elizabeth! We have a busy house, that’s for sure!
Judith is a beautiful dog and a great addition to your home. How could anyone not love those two dogs. Your children will enjoy them so much. Love your blog and recipes.
Thank you Cecilia! We absolutely seeing our boys love on the dogs!
Judith is beautiful! Congratulations!
Thank you Sandy!
This is wonderful! Congrats on your new furbaby!
Thank you!
Congratulations on your new addition!! This is certainly a big year for you and your family!! So happy you decided to adopt; the pup is beautiful and looks like she will fit in perfectly!!
Thank you Carol! We were 100% dedicated to adopting, and I’m glad we’re able to give Judith a home :)
Congratulations on your sweet girl. She is very lucky to be adopted into such a loving family. As someone mentioned before, Duke always looked lonely since Einstein passed away, so I’m happy he’ll have a playmate to keep him company.
You are so awesome…two dogs, two toddlers, and a baby on the way!!! What vitamins are you on? lol
Thank you Annie! We’re happy to give Duke a friend again :) Haha apparently not good enough vitamins since I keep catching Joseph’s colds, haha! Honestly though, I don’t know, my husband and I did comment last week we might be insane, but we have so much fun and each time there is an adjustment period and then we find a new normal :)
What a beautiful girl! Looks like Duke loves his new sister already. <3
Thank you! He does, they’ve been having fun together!
Michelle, she’s beautiful! And she looks so comfortable – i.e. “This is my new home and family, and I LOVE it here!” – lying there next to her new big brother. She fits right in. What a great addition to your ever-growing family.
Thank you so much Betti!
So proud Duke has a friend now. Great that she and Joseph are having fun.
Duke definitely has a pep in his step now!
OH, she’s beautiful! I’m super impressed! Two boys, a baby, and two goldens! How do you keep up with all the toys, hair, and love! :P
Thank you Teresa! HA! Well the toys are just everywhere all the time (but we have “clean up time” before bed!), the hair is unwieldy but a Roomba and Swiffer help, and there’s always lots of love to go around :)
Judith looks so sweet and like the perfect addition to your family!
Thank you Sally, she is such a sweet girl!
Judith is a beautiful dog and sounds perfect for your family! Soon Duke and she will be best of friends! I can picture Joseph and her playing together….soon Dominic will be doing the same. So happy for all of you! Keep those pictures coming!
Thank you Char! Dominic has made tons of progress this week and hasn’t had any issues for the last few days, so I think he’s finally gotten comfortable!
I am so happy for all of you! I’m sure Duke loves having someone else who looks like him in the family again!
Thank you Robin! Duke has been doing a lot of playing this week, so I think he’s very happy :)
I was hoping this was the news. Not like…a cat or something :P
Hahahaha! I am… not a cat person. Like, the kids would have to reallllllllllllly want one and really sweet talk me, and even then… lol.
Aww! Beautiful!!! Congratulations! ♡
Thank you!
She is absolutely adorable. I am so happy for your entire family, and for Duke. He and Judith (a sweet name) will be best buds in no time!!!! Congrats.
Thank you so much Jane :)
Congratulations, that’s awesome! And already potty trained!
Haha yes, that is HUGE!
She’s beautiful!
Thank you! :)
Omg! Congratulations sooooooo wonderful! She is beautiful. Thanks for sharing! Love the last picture with the two sleeping next to each other! 😘
Thank you so much Dawn!
When I saw your “teaser” about a new furry friend I suspected that you’d gotten a new Golden Lab. I know you miss Einstein so much & I’m glad that you’ve found a new pal for Duke. Since she’s a female, can we expect puppies? That would be fun & I bet your readers would happily find them homes. Welcome home, Judith!
Oh gosh, no, no puppies! Duke is neutered and Judith is already spayed :)
What a great addition! She is beautiful! This makes me want to get another Golden like yesterday. Tell how it is getting a 16 month old pup vs one at 8 weeks. Do you miss the cute tiny-ish bundle of fur stage? I would think the big advantage is having the house training complete. I’m so happy that you have this new one with you. Can’t wait to see more & more of her and hear about it al.
Thanks Michelle! Honestly having a dog that is house broken and knows basic commands totally trumps any ball-of-fur cuddliness. Puppies are HARD!
BEB was my first click this morning when I logged on. I was so curious and excited to see your new addition. Judith is gorgeous. She looks like such a sweet girl and I bet Duke will be totally smitten in no time…as will both boys. The pictures you posted certainly indicate they have already become good friends.
I would love to hear more about her story and her journey to your family at some point The fact she is a fully trained therapy dog is so interesting. I am wondering if you connected with her through the Golden Therapy dog group you have mentioned on a number of occasions.
So, congratulations! I look forward to seeing Judith pop up on the BEB site.
Thank you Nancy! She is super sweet!
Adorable! The pups look so sweet together!
Thanks Megan!
I already gushed on IG to you but omg… the photos of the 2 of them snuggling and sleeping together are killing my heart. Can’t handle the cuteness!!! I can’t wait to see how Judith is with your new baby, too. She’ll be such a proud big sister!
Thank you Angela :) She’s such a sweetie!
Judith is beautiful. So lucky she found a good home wirh you & your family. Now Duke has a playmate. Thanks for sharing.
Aw thank you Linda, so sweet of you!
Congratulations on the new addition to your family. Judith is beautiful!
Thank you Lisa!
Judith is gorgeous! Congratulations on your new addition! Guess I will be writing this again very soon!!! Ha!
Thank you, Donna! :)
<3 She is beautiful!! Wow I bow down to you…a new dog with a baby on the way!! You go girl!! I know, I can't resist a dog either, I love them so much! And with this being the Year of the Dog, I feel so stinkin lucky like this is going to be our year! I hope so, last year wasn't :/…
Thank you Maria! I hope it’s your year, too!
She is beautiful. The girls are slowly making it even around the house! Best of luck to you as you await your newest member of the family….another girl. 😘
Haha, yes, almost evened up!
Congrats Michelle – when I saw her pic on IG, my heart burst for you! I know she’ll never be a replacement for your big man, but what a gift for you to give Duke….we know Goldens do better in pairs :)
Thank you Kristin! Einstein was one of a kind, but there’s lots of room in our hearts for more doggie love :)
Congratulations on your newest family addition! So happy that Duke will have a new companion and cohort in crime. I’m certain that Einstein is watching and wagging his tail in full approval. Wishing all of you many happy years to come.
Thank you Sheli! I like to think Einstein is happy, too :)
Congratulations on your new fur-baby! Judith is such a beautiful girl! I’m truly ecstatic for you. I’ve never forgotten Einstein. Since he passed, every picture I’ve seen of Duke, I always think how lonely he looks. I’m so glad he has a new girl in his life. ♥️
Thank you Aly… aww we’re happy for Duke too, I think a buddy is good for him :)
Aww, what a sweet little girl! She’s one lucky puppy to be adopted by such an awesome and loving family! :)
Thank you so much, Deb! :)