Good morning! I have a heartwarming story to share today.

Back in February I shared that my parents lost their golden Sam. We were all heartbroken over the loss but my parents knew that after a grieving period they wanted to adopt again. I don’t ever remember a time when we didn’t have at least one dog when I was growing up. It was usually two and at one point, three (a boston terrier, a golden and a big loveable mutt…imagine that combo!).

I haven’t seen my parents since Christmas so I was very excited about this visit to not only see them but also to meet their new pups. Yes, you read that right…pups plural!

Meet Sam and Missy. My parents adopted them from the Golden Retriever Rescue of Birmingham. They are eight years old. Their owner passed away and his family put them in a kennel for two months before finally deciding to surrender them to the rescue. They lived with a foster family for two weeks before going home with my parents. My parents didn’t plan on getting two dogs but when they went to Birmingham to visit several different dogs, these two stole their hearts.

And how serendipitous is it that the male is named Sam? He’s a big, beautiful boy and weighs about 85 pounds. He’s very loving and playful. He immediately made himself at home with my parents.

It took Missy a little more time to adjust but she’s doing great now. She’s not as forward as Sam about asking for attention but loves it when you give it to her! She’s a big girl and weighs 93 pounds. My dad said at one point her vet records show she was over 120 so he’s been actively working to help her get to a healthy weight.

They have it made living at the beach! My dad walks them at least four times a day…7 a.m., 11 a.m., 4 p.m. and 9 p.m…and usually an extra walk around 1 p.m. It’s great for the dogs and for my dad. I got him a fitness tracker for Christmas and they usually walk 5-7 miles a day total!

My parents live in a condo development on the beach and the pups have quickly become ambassadors of the place. They get tons of attention from both residents and vacationers. (This is Missy.)

I’m so happy for my parents and for these two gorgeous goldens! I am inspired by my parents strength in adopting senior dogs. It’s truly an amazing thing that they do. Just like Sam, these two pups deserve happiness, love and lots of walks and attention and I know they will have a great life with my mom and dad.