is a golden retriever from field lines. She was turned in to Rescue at about seven months, this picture was taken a week shy of her eighth month.

Penny was sold to a couple who had never owned a dog before, and who were not prepared for the amount of work involved in raising an active puppy. To "teach" Penny, they appear not to have spared the rod, so to speak. Consequently Penny became desperately afraid and disoriented at the word "no." She cringed and flattened when she was reached for, and was afraid to go through doorways. She became so disoriented by the messages her owners were giving her that they started interperting her behavior as deliberately vicious, and took her to a vet to be put down! As first time pet owners, they had no idea how to manage a puppy... and the people who bred Penny washed their hands of her as soon as the check cleared. Thanks to some neighbors who spotted the problem early on, Penny made it into Rescue.

If you've never had a puppy before, a good breeder is an invaluable resouce. She's there to tell you what is normal, what isn't, and how to teach a puppy good house manners... without ruining your relationship with the dog. Anything less, and you may find yourself having a very sad conversation with a vet, or a Rescue.

Penny turned out to be a typical field golden, in that she is an active, smart, and agile dog, with serious agility or hunting potential. Field Goldens are not mellow couch potatoes. They are high powered athletes who want and expect stimulation and exercise. If they don't get it... they'll amuse themselves by getting into mischief. And you'll come home to find your house disassembled.

It is unlikely the couple who purchased Penny would have been pleased if the breeder had told them "this is not a good dog for you." They would have been offended, after all, their money is as good as anyone else's. But the truth of it was, a Field Golden was a very poor choice for them.

If, in your search for a puppy, a breeder suggests that her dogs might not be an appropriate choice for your household, listen to her. She knows her breed, and this may not be the right breed for you.

Penny is now very, very, happy in a home that is right for Penny. An active younger couple who have the time to spend bouncing with a young field golden.