I recently spent a weekend with friends in upstate New York. The air was clean, the food was great and the margarita's were flowing nicely. I enjoyed myself so much catching up with old friends and my sister, but the most entertaining part of the weekend was meeting Lizzie.

Lizzie is a beautiful Golden Retriever owned by the couple whom I was visiting. This beautiful, almost human dog has the sweetest, kindest spirit I have ever come across. I was enchanted over the weekend by the love I felt from this beautiful creature.

When I first entered the home nestled on three beautiful acres, Lizzie greeted me by burying her face on my legs excitedly. She was so happy to meet new people (too bad humans are not like that). Then she followed me around until she was comfortable that I was ok.

When we went outside she ran freely in a grand trot. She was simply beautiful to watch. When we sat around the table outside to talk and have drinks she went from one to the other in the hopes she would receive one of our snacks. Oh I forgot to mention that she is a snack lover, like so many of us humans.

We had cheese slices, which was her favorite treat, and it got to the point that her owner (her mommy) told her no more and forbid us to give her any. I felt badly, because she so enjoyed the cheese and crackers as I was, but I respected her diet and held back...however hard for me to do.

I just loved the sweetness I felt from this dog. She seldom barked and did no drooling all over me, which I really don't appreciate with most dogs. Barking for no reason and drooling annoy me, but Lizzie was perfect. She would often go and lay in a corner and relax. I wish I could just go off and sit quietly and rest whenever I wanted.

While dinner was being prepared, it was rough because we were all munching on different things as we went along and Lizzie again went from one person to another in the hopes of getting a small taste of whatever we were eating.

Later once everyone settled down in front of the TV, Lizzie played with her toys and then at one point just seemed to zone out in her own world. Suddenly she snapped back into what was going on around her, as if she had never been away. I was sitting in a chaise lounge chair watching her intently, when she jumped up and curled around my feet, laying there happy as she could be like we were old friends.

I had the perfect weekend because I felt so good being around this dog and i had to share it. Lizzie was a perfect loving co-host for the weekend. She treated me better than most people do after a first meeting and I felt relaxed and peaceful in her company.

I guess you can tell that I'll be looking for a Golden Retriever when I'm ready to have a dog at home. I left feeling good and I realized that Lizzie was raised and nurtured by very loving and caring people that have taken very good care of her, health wise, nutrition & grooming wise, and provided her with pretty great surroundings to be in. Lizzie is a direct reflection of the people that love and care for her in such a very special way.

Thanks to the special family who owns and loves Lizzie as much as I do now and thank you for opening your home to me and making me feel so welcomed.

Lizzie I can't wait to see you again!!