Bella is Moo's 'older sister,' also a rescue dog and a simply stellar golden retriever. She's as sweet and cuddly as can be. But, her main goal in life is to play fetch. She's rarely without one tennis ball in her mouth, often 2, and sometimes 3! She'd fetch all day if she could. This is Jim's hand -- they were negotiating when Bella might choose to release the ball so he could throw it.
Lovely shot and doggy - there is a Labrador we see on our dog walks and he will carry about 6 sticks in his mouth at once, and I'm talking thick sticks too! But they are such a beautiful breed!
Our daughter's Golden does the same thing. You throw the ball, he gets it, but doesn't want to give it back. He probably thinks, they will only throw it again and I'll have to go get it!
I know that tug and negotiation! Looks like Jim has a fit bit too. Sweet moment. My Jim has been reading a new book about the brain "Behave". It talks about how when dogs make eye contact with us we get a release of oxytocin! Thank you Pearl!
Ahhh- the life of a retriever! This is a fun shot because it makes you think about what will happen next. Does she stay out of the water? That seems to be where Labrador Retrievers prefer the ball to be thrown! I wonder if Goldens like it as much.
@olivetreeann Both dogs love the water!! For their last morning here before flying off, their humans took them kayaking so they could swim in the lake and run along the beach for an extended time. Then they reached a beach where they could find sticks and both dogs happily did that for awhile. They should sleep well for the 6 hour drive home after their short flight!
