If you think about it, everything is a work in progress, isn’t it? So, this should be a challenge open to endless possibilities –Anne-Christine can’t wait to see what I think when I hear this phrase.

Warning super cute Golden Retriever alert! My In-laws had an antique sign up in their kitchen for the Original Elixir Moxie. This is how we decided on her name.

Moxie is a work in progress, and I am fully devoted to her. Each and every day I think about ways to keep her mind stimulated, and her body strong and relaxed. Moxie, my Golden Retriever is “Golden”.

We met at 5 weeks, and I was ready for puppy time. I had 3 weeks to get ready.

Moxie has outgrown her collar, but the tag now adorns another. My next purchase was her Snuggle Puppy with a heartbeat. Moxie loves this puppy, and to this day carries it from her crate in the morning, and returns to her crate after first locating and carrying Snuggles back every night.

Puppy first comes home

Mom Phoebe and Dad Bailey live across the street, so there was no long car ride home. Now Phoebe and Bailey have Alfie, Moxie’s 10 month old brother. She visited them when I went to Pacific Grove a few weeks ago. She may have been surprised to encounter 9 four week old siblings, and 2 cats also. Moxie was gentle with the cats who are very used to Goldens, and accepted her as part of the pack.

Training Days

Fun Time

At the dog park, Moxie is fully focused on retrieving. She selects the ball of the day, and won’t be deterred. If another dog gets to her ball first, she will bide her time until the dog gets bored. Then back to “her” ball. I catch her watching television, especially if there is dog action. Food is formost in her mind. Not a picky eater, but she does have a sensitive stomach. I carefully watch what she eats. She loves peanuts. A frozen Kong occupies her time.

Moxie’s sleeping positions

Moxie and I head out to explore the world

I am still working on Moxie remaining calm when we are out and about. This is a serious work in progress since I want to be able to have her with me when I travel. She is calm in the car, but trucks and motorcycles make her anxious.

Photo Shoots for the holidays and celebrations

Moxie’s many facial expressions

Moxie thinks she is a lap dog, but this summer it is too hot to sit in my lap.

I continue to have fun with my Moxie. I am always finding new ways to spend time together. We play “Find it”, a game where she sniffs out treats. Grooming takes place every other day on a grooming table. She learned to settle down in my room while I am on the computer, and she will tell me when it’s dinner time. Five o’clock! And later today I have arranged for Rosie, a Golden friend, to visit Moxie.

One thing you can learn from this post is that owning a dog is a lifetime commitment that gives me lots of pleasure. It does take a lot of effort and is always a “work in progress!”