nolte

Hello, and welcome to my page! My name is Nolte and I'm a Golden Retriever. Mom says I'm the most gorgeous debondair fella she's ever met. Until a few weeks ago I was Mom's guide dog. I had to retire because I've been getting too stressed out doing guide work and it has effected my health. Mom, my vet and my trainer all feel it's best that I just be a couch potato from now on and not have to worry about being Mom's guide and keeping her safe. I've been Mom's guide dog since we met at The Seeing Eye in Morristown New Jersey. Mom says I'm not just special cuz I was a guide dog but also because I was specially trained to work on Mom's right side. Most guide dogs are trained to work on the left side of their person, but my mom has a disability in her left hand and arm that makes it too hard for her to work a dog on that side. So my trainer Janice trained me special for mom. I live with my mom and my 3 brothers and 2 sisters who are Dachshunds... Bennie, Gunther, Georgie, Fawn & Maizie.. They're ok, but sometimes they are sort of bossy. But I don't really mind, because I know I'm the real special one in this house.

Mom & I used to visit schools a lot. This was our visit to Boulevard Elementary School where my Aunt Donna is a Kindergarten teacher. Mom talked to the kids about guide dogs and sang songs about me. I just laid next to her and listened mostly, and later the kids all came up and petted me. That was my favorite part.

Here's me with Mom in the hospital. I worry a lot about her when she's sick and want to cuddle as close as I can. In the other pic is me with my friend Dr. Wendy. I love her lots, and she loves me too.

This is me on the plane on the way home with Mom from The Seeing Eye. Mom said I was a perfect gentleman all the way home. And then there's me lounging on the couch my first night home. Yup, I made myself right comfy in my new place!

Here I am workin'...

This is my cousin Chelsea ... she loves to kiss me. And this is my cousin Georgie. She loves me lots and when Mom and me were in the hospital Georgie came & took me on long walks and stuff so I wouldn't get too bored.

"The Golden In My Life" - by Karen Ann Young