“The true champions—those defenders of rescue like author Holli Pfau—are my heroes, as I find myself moved by their compassion and emotional resilience. This wonderfully written and captivating book reveals the importance of these special Golden souls, life made pure by their presence. As Holli’s life has been so enriched by her six Golden Rescues, let’s hope more will follow her lead to securing long and happy lives for our homeless dogs in need.”
– Rochelle Lesser, School Psychologist & Founder, Land of PureGold Foundation, Inc.
“Pure Gold shares the love and joy Holli has with several outstanding representatives of the golden retriever breed. Her intelligent prose and sensitive insight into the soul of these dogs guides us to a broader understanding of this incredible species. Holli reminds us how fortunate we are to share this earth with these wondrous creatures.”
– Julie Paige, Certified Pet Dog Trainer, Association of Pet Dog Trainers
Blessed with the animal-loving gene, Holli shared her early years with a menagerie in southern California. So after an 18-year career in marketing, it’s no surprise that she returned to her roots, inspired by her first golden retriever, Nikki. Credentialed by her second college degree, in therapeutic recreation, she co-founded PAT at Huntington, a program of animal-assisted therapy that became a national model. But the Rocky Mountains lured, and she now lives with her husband in Colorado. Holli continues to be humbled, challenged, charmed and entertained by two frisky golden retrievers, Daisy and Chatter.
Nikki – Follow your heart.
The most perfect of dogs, Nikki’s wisdom and spirituality led Holli to her new career and a deeper understanding of the powerful human-animal bond. Kind and generous, open to everyone, Nikki graced the halls of the hospital as a therapy dog and earned a special place in the hearts of patients, staff, friends and family.
Bodie – Go for it!
Although most comfortable racing down wilderness trails to dive into high alpine lakes, Bodie brought his own special brand of companionship and joie de vivre into the hospital. With a “hail fellow well met” style, he could coax a smile from just about anyone. His huge flag of a tail waved to all and was a hallmark of his playful spirit.
Tucker – What’s your hurry?
Mellow and laid back, Tucker moved through life at a peaceful pace, a kind and gentle giant of a golden retriever. He, too, loved a stroll in the woods, after surgery on both hips assured him of many pain-free years. Social and sociable, he was a genial host, in town, around the pool, or in his new world in Colorado.
Sophie – It never hurts to flirt.
Blonde, petite and sprightly, Sophie had a perpetual twinkle in her eye and was nearly Bodie’s equal in her enthusiasm for wilderness and water. Once rescued from her first year spent in a kennel, she became the perfect hostess alongside Tucker. Sweet and spunky, Sophie spread joy around her like fairy dust.
Daisy – The faster the better!
Wild, energetic and egocentric, Daisy presented a whole new vision of the breed. Smart and eager to learn, Daisy needed a job from the get go. Rally obedience and agility barely channel her over-the-top enthusiasm. Chipmunks, ground squirrels and anything in the Colorado wilderness capture her attention and allow her to display her robust athleticism.
Chatter – Love conquers all.
Suffering from benign neglect, this tender little sprout missed out on nurturing in her youth, and she’s still trying to fill those empty spaces. Sweet, kind-hearted and friendly, Chatter wants and needs nothing more in life than constant companionship and attention. And a refreshing swim after a game with the tennis ball.
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