A wild night on the town

To have a golden retriever is to have the funniest little sister in the world. When I was 13 years old, my mum picked me up from the bus stop, with the best surprise of my life. Her name was Sammy and she was the prettiest girl in the world. She jumped straight on my lap and I instantly fell in love with her. Her beautiful golden coat, her tail that reminded me of a feather duster and her big brown eyes that could melt your heart with one look.

It wasn't long before her personality started to shine through! Between running around like crazy, digging holes and sneaking through the cat door in the early hours of the morning. I would often wake up by getting licked up my face, when i awoke I saw her big smiling face. How could I get mad?

Once she finally matured, maybe at 4 years old? (it was a very long process) Her cheekiness only got more sophisticated. A new neighbour moved next door with a Labrador named Marley and instantly Sammy and her were inseparable. Living on land they both had the freedom to explore as they pleased. Every afternoon her owner would come over with Marley's lead and call her home. Seeing them together was like seeing two long lost friends being reunited. They loved each other, for no other reason than they had fun together. It is still the most purest friendship I've ever seen.

As the years went on, the stories of Sammy kept going. She would come home covered in mud and water from swimming in the damn across the road. Her sense of adventure and wonder was something to admire. Everyday for her was a chance to explore, smell or find something new. She loved to wonder the bush and bring back little presents, like a large branch or a kangaroo tail.

We would go on walks together, she never needed a leash. She usually was the one showing me new spots, trails and short cuts. She could of been a kilometre behind you, and with a few short cuts through neighbours yards she could just as quickly be a kilometre in front. She was known as the golden retriever of our street. Everyone knew her, loved her and admired her. She was truly in a league of her own.

One night in particular, I was home with my partner and my parents were away. It was around 1am in the morning and we were watching a movie. All of a sudden we heard a knock at the door. We both froze, who on earth was here at 1am? I answered the door thinking it may have been a family member and low and behold there is Sammy, being held by two police officers. "Hi, is this your dog? We found her way down the road going for a walk." I laughed, they laughed. I said yes, she was ours. She came running inside and pancaked on the floor as if she was exhausted from her venture. The police officers simply said "What a beautiful dog" and went on their way. Even I myself, have never been in the back of a police car. Pretty impressive Sam.

I had to say goodbye to my Sammy at the end of last year. It broke my heart, but I know she lived a life better than most people. She had freedom, adventure and so much love. I miss her every day, but in my heart she will forever be my pretty girl. She will always be my Sammy.