CATHERINE, Age 9
Grade 4, Sacramento, California
Best Friend: Mandy, 7 week old Golden Retriever
December 20, 2001

      Mandy makes me happy she is like a sister to me and she will be a friend to me forever. I first got her on Christmas 2000 and since then she has slept with me in my bed and waits for me at the porch to get home from school.
    My brother likes her and my cats like her and my other dog likes her, what's not to like. Did I include that she likes all my friends but most of all she likes me. She likes to play fetch in the park and you should of seen her yesterday she was chasing two squirrels up a tree and she jumped down and landed on me it was so cute.
    Her favorite fetching ball is the one I got her for her b-day. She will always be a water dog and a fetching dog and a loving dog. She also likes birthday parties oh she goes wild at birthday parties, and also she likes my aunt but most of all I could not get a better Christmas present then her.

CRISTIN, Age 12
Grade 7, D. D. Eisenhower Middle School, Berlin, New Jersey
Best Friend: Rocky, 2 year old Golden Retriever
December 12, 2001

      Rocky is my second Golden and he is just the best!! I would never trade him in for any other dog. He waits for me when I'm at school, he lays next to me when I do homework and when I'm on the computer, he also loves to play with his sister Sparkle and his best bud Champ!!
    He also has a horrible illness that broke our heart when we found out that he has a heart murmur. We are giving him the most love until the time comes when he has to pass over the rainbow bridge. He is the best friend to me in every way.

SAMMY, Age 9
Grade 4, Home Schooled, Milltown, New York
Best Friend: Buster, 8 month old Mixed Breed
November 14, 2001

      When we first got Buster he liked me very much from the very first day. Buster is my FAVORITE pet because he knows what I feel like. Whenever I am feeling sad and sitting on the steps Buster will come over and give me a BIG kiss. Then he will run around and get me to play with him.
    One day we were taking a walk down the road, and Buster wanted to go with. That was a problem, because other dogs might want to fight with him or he might get hit by a car. My mom tried to make him go home, but he kept sneaking back. This made me laugh. My mom didn't laugh. And that is my baby Buster.

EMILY, Age 12
Grade 7, Center Middle School, Monaca, Pennsylvania
Best Friend: Dasher, 9 year old Dachshund
September 29, 2001

       I love my little buddy, he is always by my side.
      And when I feel really cruddy, he will always be my guide.
      I know time is passing and he is getting old,
      but he will forever be my heaven, light, & pride.
      But when he leaves I will stand bold,
      and say to myself he will always and forever be in my heart,
      He is my dog.

DARIANA, Age 14
Grade 9, St. Agnes, College Point, New York
Best Friend: Shadow, 5 year old Golden Retriever
September 24, 2001

    Ever since I was 7 years old, I always wanted a dog of my own. After saving up for two years, my dream came true. We had to think about what kind of breed we were going to get. My mom was leaning toward a Dalmatian, and I was fine with that. I just wanted a dog! Just a few days before we were to order our pet, me and my mother sat down to watch "Homeward Bound", and when it was over, the Golden Retriever had made its way into our hearts. A week after my Birthday, we ordered our pup. Soon we got a letter informing us that the puppy was born, and two months later, he had arrived. I was in school, and as soon as I got home, he was waiting for me in the kitchen. I was so happy!
    We named our dog Shadow, in honor of the Golden in "Homeward Bound". As Shadow grew, he learned more and more. Nowadays, he is a happy and healthy Golden who never leaves my side. He knows tons of tricks and everyone loves him. He watches over our house and cheers us up when we are down. He is my best Golden buddy, and he always will be!

COLLEEN, Age 11
Grade 6, Chapel Hill Catholic School, Ontario, Canada
Best Friend: Malik, 4 year old Golden Retriever
August 30, 2001

    Hi, my name is Colleen, and my best friend is my dog. He is a 4 year old Golden Retriever named Malik. We got him at age 1 from the Canadian Blind Society. After they had discovered ''hip displasia'' in one of his hips they put him in a kennel along with about 50 to 100 other dogs already trained. At that time we had called in about two days ago looking for a Golden Retriever and they put us on the waiting list with hundreds of other people, with lots of information. As soon as they looked at the waiting list they decided Malik was the right dog for us. (And they were right!) We picked him up about 1 week after, from the kennel, and ever since he has been my best friend!
    From then on Malik would never give up on us. He protected the family in many ways, and many times, rarely ever disobeys any command given, and on walks he stays at your heels (or at least pretty close) at almost any time. For example, while the family was in Nova Scotia on vacation I was walking my dog and he saw another dog ahead. He started to pick up his pace to catch up but I said ''No, Malik, Heel!'' He was off leash but he did as I had told.
    For another example we were at the park with some other dogs Malik had never met, and one of the other dogs started to bark and growl at him. Malik looked like he was starting to get aggressive so I told him to come. He looked at me as if to say ''But I'm trying to protect you." But once again he did as I said, he came and sat at my heels. After he had obeyed several more commands after those and many more, I realized that we were true best friends!

ERICA, Age 10
Grade 5, Indain Trace Elementary School, Weston, Florida
Best Friend: Penny, 1 year old Golden Retriever
August 16, 2001

    I found my Golden Retriever at a pet rescue. Her name is Penny. And now I would like to share with you my story.
    The day I got home from sleep-away camp, my mom said joyfully,"Erica, I know you wanted a dog for eight years." And then she made me close my eyes. Two minutes later I felt a lick on my cheek. In an instance I saw a beautiful Golden Retriever. Since then, she's been like a baby sister to me.

LAURA, Age 11
Grade 6, Grayst Public School 6S, Hamilton, Victoria
Best Friend: Maccy, Golden Retriever (died in 1996)
August 16, 2001

    My Best Friend is Maccy.
    He is really Wacky!
    He's My Best Friend,
    'Cause he will always end
    Up at my feet, wagging his tail,
    Knowing that our friendship would never fail.
    But when he died
    I cried and cried.
    But knew our friendship
    Would never be fried.
    He's my Best friend,
    it doesn't depend
    On anyone.
    Really, I'm not dumb.
    Just because I cut my thumb.
    I would even run
    A million miles to get my dog back,
    I'm not slack,
    When it comes to my dog,
    He's my best friend,
    It'll never end,
    'cause he's my friend.
    "I love you Maccy,"
    I will send
    up to heaven.
    G-d, look after him,
    Because he is my friend.

VERONICA, Age 10
Grade 6, Temecula Valley Middle School, Temecula, California
Best Friend: Pepper, Mixed breed
August 14, 2001

    Pepper isn't actually my dog, but she is my cousins' family dog. She is very loyal. Plus she watches over the young children in the family. She is really cool.
    One day the family went to the park with Pepper and the two children ran ahead and got lost. The parents didn't realize that the children were gone, but Pepper did. She whined and barked to get the parents' attention, but all they said was,"Shut up Pepper".
    So Pepper went off by herself to find the kids. She did. Pepper barked at the children and they came to her. She rode the two year old on her back and the three year old held on to her tail, and Pepper brought them both back to
the parents.
    Pepper got praised and got extra dog biscuits for three days. She was my cousins' hero from then on.

AMBER, Age 13
Grade 8, LMS School
Best Friend: E.T., 14 year old Schnauzer
July 27, 2001

    My best friend was my dog E.T. He was a great and loving dog. But, he is not
with our family any more. He died in 1996. That day I was at daycare at my school and my mom had just come to pick me up. I went and got my bookbag and headed towards the car. When I saw my mom and she looked like something was wrong. I was thinking about E.T. and if he was ok. I had a weird feeling about it. Then my mom told me he had died and I burst out in tears.
    From that day on I seemed to love E.T. even more than I did when he was alive. I cherish the times we had together and love him very much.

BREANNA, Age 10
Grade 6, St. Goretti School, Saskatoon Sask., Canada
Best Friend: Molly, 1 year old Golden Retriever
July 19, 2001

    It was August 5th, 2000. Me, my mom, my brother and sister were going to pick out my very first Golden Retriever! I was so excited! When we got there, there was 6 or 7 little puppies running around and play fighting. At that moment I wanted to take them all home! As I stood there watching all of the puppies playing, I felt something leaning up against my leg. I looked to see what looked like the smallest puppy out of the litter. It just looked at me and I right away wanted her. I said to my mom. "I want this one Mom." My brother and sister agreed, so we got that one and named her Molly.
    Right now she's my best friend because she always follows me around and
listens to what I say and I love her and I'm sure she loves me back. So far I've taught her 13 tricks and her favorite one is play dead. Every morning she comes into my room to wake me up. I want to grow up to be like my dog obedience teacher Donna because she's cool and she has 10 dogs! I always wanted a horse but my dad says we have to get rid of Molly if we get a horse but I wouldn't give Molly up for a field of ten horses!

STEPHANIE, Age 11
Grade 5, Hamilton Elementary School, Amarillo, Texas
Best Friend: Mac, 2 year old Golden Retriever
July 14, 2001

    Mac is a beautiful 2 year old Golden Retriever. I got him as a replacement for
my family's 12 year old Golden Rigby. Rigby had been there for me all my life. I was horrified to watch her being put to sleep because of cancer!
    I was very sad at the time, thinking about Rigby every second of the day. Mac was always there though, that cute little puppy face! At first, he wasn't at all that great because he wasn't Rigby, but in a couple days we became friends. We became very best friends!
    Mac is 2 years old now. He's taught me not to cry when I think about Rigby, he's taught me to look on the bright side of things! Now, going to be I don't cry, I smile and think "This has been a wonderful day!" When I think of Rigby, I think of playing ball with her, and her sleeping on my rug. I love Mac, and no matter what happens we will always be together in our hearts!

ERIN
Grade 6, Colister School, Boise, Idaho
Best Friend: Otis, 9 year old Shi Tzu
July 6, 2001

    I love my dog Otis because he will sit,cuddle, and just plain love you. Even
though he is small he has the heart of a lion! No dog could replace him. You can't say he's the smartest dog in the world, but you can say he's the best cuddler in Boise Idaho.
    Even if I don't win that's ok. Otis means more to me than this contest.

REBECCA, Age 15
Year 10, Moulsham High, Essex, England
Best Friend: Maisie, 1 year old Golden Retriever
July 5, 2001

    Maisie is my best friend because from the day I saw this very naughty 3 month old puppy I knew we would get on like a house on fire! We collected Maisie on a Sunday afternoon and she had to sit in the back of the car on my lap. She cried when we were taking her a away but about 5 minutes down the road her little nose was against the car window seeing where she was going.
    My favourite thing about Maisie is her bottom. She is so funny, I am sure she wiggles it on purpose. Also Maise is very photogenic, whenever she sees a camera she runs to you because she wants to be in the photo!!
    Maisie is there when I get home from school and as soon as she hears my key in the door she runs, and licks and licks me to tell me how pleased she is that I am home! Maisie knows when I am upset because she will jump up onto my bed and lays by my feet, she licks them because she knows I have a foot fetish! She knows I laugh whenever she licks my feet!

ANGIE, Age 12
Grade 7, LMS, South Carolina
Best Friend: Hannah, 1½ year old Golden Retriever
July 3, 2001

    A week before Christmas, on a Saturday, my family and I went to Greenville to go pick up our first puppy! She was a Golden! We met up with the breeder at a McDonald's. He opened the passenger's side door and out jumped the most beautiful and cutest puppy you had ever seen! The moment I saw her I fell in love with her! I knew we would be best buds for life!
    Hannah is now one and a half years old. She's always been there for me when I was sad or lonely and I'm always there for her. Hannah is the best dog in the world! She's so sweet and would never hurt anyone.
    Hannah is my best friend and she's my sister. And it will be like that forever. Even in heaven! I love her so much! And she loves me. And that means we'll be best buds forever!

MAUREEN, Age 10
Grade 5, Lincoln/Roosevelt School, Landing, New Jersey
Best Friends: Clover, 6 week old GOLDEN & Mopsey, 1 year old Shih Tzu
June 3, 2001

    My dogs are so wonderful because they care. They really don't even bark.
Everybody loves them and says they're so sweet. They both don't bite.
    I'm sure if you saw how cute they are you would not blame me for loving them so much. Their faces are the cutest thing you would ever see. Trust me everyone says they're so sweet. And I will always love them.

CASSANDRA, Age 12
Grade 6, Silver Lakes Middle School, Tamarac, Florida
Best Friend: Belle, 4 year old Border Collie
May 22, 2001

    Belle is just so sweet. She likes just about everyone she meets. She is very good, she listens and everything. She is also a very active dog.
    One thing that she does is play fetch. She would play that game twenty-four hours a day seven days a week. Belle stares at her ball until someone throws it. Everybody says she is neurotic about her ball. She really is a great dog!

SARAH, Age 13
Grade 8, Lyman Moore Middle School, Portland, Maine
Best Friend: Daisy, 3 year old Golden Retriever
May 13, 2001

    I think that my dog is the best dog there ever is. The reason I think that is
because Daisy protects me when I need her. She obeys when told. She is really good with our family and she is really good with people or little children she does not know.
    Daisy is just so sweet and loving she makes me want to hug and squeeze all the time. Every body knows her in my neighborhood because she comes out and greets whomever is there. So the conclusion is that Daisy is really sweet and reliable. I love her so much!!

MARGARET, Age 10
Grade 4, Hammond School, Columbia, South Carolina
Best Friend: Katy, 3 year old Golden Retriever
May 11, 2001

    My dog Katy is the best dog ever!! We go to the lake and play in the water. I
always want to be with her. I want her to sleep with me but my mom says she smells.
    I wish I could bring her to school!! I taught her her to jump over jumps and I taught her to shake.

JESSICA, Age 12
Nellie Meir School, Oregon City, Oregon
Best Friend: Keisha, 4 year old Golden Retriever
April 26, 2001

    Keisha is my best friend because she greets me and is always happy. She is very loyal, and lovable.
    Keisha is a very good listener, and a good talker. She always tells me what she is thinking. What a sweet dog!! I am so proud of her :)

TORY, Age 12
Grade 6, Canter High School, Beverly Hills, California
Best Friend: Buddy, 2 month old Golden Retriever
April 23, 2001

    I have a young Golden Retriever named Buddy. He is only 2 months old but I know already we will be life long pals. He has a light gold body but his ears
are medium gold. He will be a darker shade of gold when he is older. He is the cutest and sweetest thing ever.
    Buddy is my best friend. He gives me licks when I'm feeling blue and a hug when I'm feeling happy. I hope he loves me as much as I love him. We will grow old together and be best friends forever.

SHANNON, Age 6
Grade 1, Barrack Heights Elementary, NSW Australia
Best Friend: Buddy, 3 year old Golden Retriever
March 30, 2001

    My dogs name is Buddy and he is a Golden Retriever. His birthday is on the 16th of may 1998 and it's one day before my birthday. We named him Buddy after Air Bud the movie with the Golden Retriever in it.
    Buddy loves the beach and to swim in the water. He also loves to play ball. He protects our family and our house from bad people.

ERIN, Age 10
Grade 5, Konawaena Elementary, Kealakekua, Hawaii
Best Friend: Melanie, 10 week old Golden Retriever
April 1, 2001

    My puppy Melanie is my best friend because she is a mellow Golden Retriever which is very uncommon. She will play with me when I want to play and most times stay in place when I am tired. She will not get jealous when I want to play or read and not giving her attention.
    She will also be friendly with other people and wag her tail and give them a bundle of warm kisses. She will also kiss my family members too.

BRITNEY, Age 14
Grade 8, South Middle School, Joplin, Missouri
Best Friend: Ginger, 11 month old Golden Retriever
April 1, 2001

    The day I got Ginger was the best day of my life. I picked her up and without
looking at any of the others thought "this is the one." She was dirty from playing with her brothers and sisters in the mud, but that didn't bother me a bit. I gave them the money for her then later took her to the vet. She slept through the whole examination the vet gave her, even when she got the shot. But now when I take her to the vet's she will hardly sit still.
    I had been wanting a Golden for years and I am so glad that I waited because if I hadn't I would have never got so lucky as to get Ginger. She means the world to me. She might not do tricks real well or be a good guard dog, attacking everyone with slobbers and kisses. But she truly is the best ever. I Love Her So Much.

KIRBY, Age 10
Grade 4, Saseenos Elementary, Victoria, Canada
Best Friend: Tiea, 2 year old Siberian Husky/German Shepherd
March 18, 2001

    My puppy Tiea died, because we moved to Nova Scotia and we had to move
back but we couldn't take Tiea with us. We decided to when we get to B.C. we would get enough money to get a kennel we would ship her out! A few days after we left, the guy who was taking care of our house saw a coyote and Tiea ran out to chase it away because it was trying to eat our ducks. And we never saw Teia again! Now we think that she got taken down by the coyotes, but
we hope not!
    I still have my duck,but not my dog. P.S., we had great times together. I was very sad when I found out. So I tried to do this to win so Tiea knows we're thinking of her, and so that we never forget our sweet pup.

BECKY, Age 9
Grade 3, Gulledge Elementary, Plano, Texas
Best Friend: Maui, 11! year old Golden Retriever
March 7, 2001

    My dog Maui has been with us since I was born. When I was very little, he was always by my side. When I would eat, he would always wait around for me to drop some food. No matter what, Maui always looks like he is happy and smiling.
    A couple of weeks ago we had a real scare. Maui had an operation. The doctor told us it went very well and Maui should live a normal life. I am thankful that my parents obtained the best medical care possible for Maui.
    We love Maui and the Golden Retriever breed.

CARRIE, Age 13
Grade 7, Western Greenbrier Junior High, Rupert, West Virginia
Best Friend: Casey, 6 year old Golden Retriever
March 5, 2001

    My dog Casey and I are very best friends. We do almost everything together.
She protects me and watches over me and keeps me safe from any harm.
    In the summer we go on walks everyday. In the winter we play in the snow and go sleigh riding. My dog makes a better friend than any person ever would because she never tells any of my secrets and she never gets mad at me.

DEVON, Age 12
Grade 7, Berlin Community School, Berlin, New Jersey
Best Friend: Champ, 4 year old Golden Retriever
March 3, 2001

    My best friend is my dog Champ. He is always there for me when I feel sad or lonely. He protects me and my friends when we play outside. When there is nobody to play with he is always there to play with me.
    His favorite thing to do is go for long walks with his friend Sparkle and my friend Cristin. Sparkle is also a 4 year old Golden Retriever. He also enjoys running around with his friend DJ who is a German Shepherd.
    Champ and me will be best friends forever. We are always there for each other no matter what. Champ is the best dog I'll ever have!

ALEX, Age 9
Grade 4, Northside Elementary, Pilot Hill, California
Best Friend: Ses, 12! year old Lab Mix
February 14, 2001

    Whenever I'm playing with someone and we start getting rowdy, Ses will come over and protect me. She never hurts anyone, but she barks and will keep herself between myself and the other person.
    When I'm sad, she comes over and gives me a nice lick. She likes to go along on bike trail rides. She will go ahead or get behind, but always finds me. I couldn't have a better dog!

RACHEL, Age 11
Grade 6, Tuttle School, Miami, Florida
Best Friend: Bubba, 1 year old Golden Retriever
February 13, 2001

    I think Bubba is the best friend ever. He scored 199 points on your test. He's my best friend and he listens, knows when you're down and comes over to give you a lick.
    And no matter what you do he's always there by your side. He's the best friend anyone can wish for.

DANIELLE, Age 12
Grade 7, Holy Family School, Rockland, Massachusetts
Best Friend: Riley, 9 month old Golden Retriever
February 7, 2001

    My dog Riley will never tell anyone I throw my Veggies under the table because I don't like them. He will never complain about the time I came home smelling like the dog next door. He will never worry about where I take him as long as I leave a spot for him on my bed so he can sleep next to me or roll down the car window so he can stick his head out and pretend he is flying.
    I love my dog so much. I love him so much that my screen name is named after him and his birthday. Riley is a registered Golden Retriever for the AKC and has already won 3 best in show awards and 6 agility awards and the best thing is I am his trainer and handler.
    Sometimes when I am away I literally cry because he is not with me. It is simply said that dog is man's best friend and he is mine.

CRISTIN, Age 11
Grade 6, D.D. Eisenhower, Berlin, New Jersey
Best Friend: Sparkle, 4 year old Golden Retriever
February 11, 2001

    My dog Sparkle is my best friend because she is always with me and she cares about me and would protect me if I ever needed help or protection. She always is there if I have a bad day she loves me no matter what.
    She always plays with me and my friend Devon & her dog Champ. She is also going to have puppies soon. I love my dog and she loves me. That's why my dog is my best friend.

JUSTIN, Age 6
Grade 1, WH Rhodes, Milton, Florida
Best Friend: Norton, 2½ year old Golden Retriever
January 19, 2001

    My name is Justin and I have a two year old Golden named Norton. We were
raising him to become a dog to help people in wheelchairs. When I turned 5, we were told that Norton would not make the program, because he has a bad hip. My mom gave him to me for my birthday! I went to obedience classes with him and speak to him with sign language sometimes. Now he goes to nursing homes with my mom (she got him AAA/AAT certified).
    The best part about my best friend is when my mom brings him to school. All my friends think it is cool, that we can bring my dog to school. He teaches other kids about being good owners and what they can teach their dogs to do. My mom even brings cookies for the kids in a shape of a bone for us. I love my Golden, he is the best present ever.

KARLEE, Age 12
Grade 6 St. Marys, Ontario, Canada
Best Friend: Dixie, 4 year old Golden Retriever
January 10, 2001

    Dixie is 4 years old. She loves to be cuddled and patted. She also likes playing fetch. She's had 2 litters of puppies! We like to take her swimming, or running in the field behind our house.
    Dixie is very loving and understanding. When I tell her things, it's like she's actually listening to me, and understanding. Whenever I'm sad she comforts me. She's really a great dog.
    Now that we have two more dogs, I can't give Dixie all the attention that I used to. But I'm sure she understands. I love her very much.