I grew up with Collies, had a St. Bernard and now Golden Retrievers. I have loved them all but the goldens are so human. They are wonderfully loving, loyal and entertaining. We lost Ruby over a year ago and I can still feel her spirit in our house. She was our ring leader and since she has gone to the Rainbow Bridge our house is sooooooo quiet. We still have Lucy who is 14.5 but definitely more of a quiet companion. She is getting very frail and can no longer go up the stairs and we think she is losing her sight but she still gives us such love and companionship.