August 30, 2004: Sophie is a gorgeous female golden retriever who just arrived today into GRRF.  Sophie is about 18 months old.  She had a litter of puppies 8 months ago and her family gave her to the relinquishing family along with one of her puppies (Lab looking). 

This family has treated her very well and she has been loved.  However, they run a daycare out of their house and Sophie and her son had to be on long pulley runs outside.  They have been allowed in the house in the evenings and Sophie has some good manners for her age.  Sophie is exceptional with children and lived with an autistic 2 year old child and was so good with her. 

But being outside and by the front door, Sophie has started to bark and be protective about the yard.  With a daycare and parents coming and going it just wasn't fair to all involved.  Sophie is what we at GRRF like to call a "supersized" Golden.  She is very large for her age and not an ounce of fat.  Sophie loves to ride in the car and is playful but also settles well.  She knows some commands and just "sponges" for love from people.  We will be evaluating her over the next few days, getting her hips x-rayed and getting her spayed and checked out.