Made the big decision....
getting a golden retriever puppy this weekend. 11 weeks old, last of the litter. The lucky bastard will have the run of the house and will have plenty of room to explore the property (under supervision, of course). There will be training of course...I hope I pass the course. 
Been 3 years living the monastic life...time for some 4 legged companionship.
= new reply since forum marked as read
I keep flunking. 
Congrats! Goldens are the best.
Congrats! 
May you share many warm and happy times together! 
So I'm quite familiar with "accidents".
We’ll need pictures 
I, too am a feeder of the birds.
He doesn't know it yet, but he's hit the person lottery.
How wonderful for both of you!
I LOVE me some puppy breath and nothing is sweeter or fuzzier than a buppy (baby puppy),
But, there’s something magical about bringing an often overlooked, seemingly washed-up, senior puppy into your home/pack. Senior is defined in many shelters as age 7 years and older. They are often already house trained, know basic commands, and past the fiendish chewing/destruction stage. Shelter staff is most likely aware of any behavioral or medical issues and support adopters with appropriate referrals for support. I’ve been rescuing dogs for nearly 30 years, mostly bassets, bloodhounds & St. Bernards, and in my experience, the seniors are just as easy to train as the buppies
The eldest was Barney, a cocker spaniel who looked much like the dog I grew up with. They said he was 10 or 11, wasn't housebroken and hadn't lived with people. I knew he was the dog for me. He was rescued by his amazing foster mom from a "puppy mill," he'd been a "stud dog" and they were done with him when he got too old. She did a wonderful job with him, he was the sweetest dog with the best temperament and was the best dog I ever had for not "going" in the house. And I was grateful to have him for eight years.
