Faraway Goldens

Gemma is our first golden, and my first dog! Born April 17, 1997, she is officially Chardon’s Chantilly Lace n’ Levity CGC TDI.

Click here for Gemma’s pedigree.

Gemma’s sire was handsome Arsey who, sadly, died at 8 1/2 years old from hemangiosarcoma. Her wonderful dam Sandy died in Nov. 2008 of old age– at 3 months shy of 16.

Gemma is a very independent-minded, strong-willed, and affectionate golden. She has suffered all her life from a serious and incurable case of IGS (Irrepressible Greeting Syndrome). She has absolutely no sense of anyone not liking dogs or not wanting to see her up close and personal — wags, licks, and all. Not what one thinks of as “biddable,” Gem prefers to please herself — the rest of us are on our own. Her mottos include: 1) “Show me the biscuit!” and 2) “You talkin’ to ME?” She acts like a stereotypical dumb blonde when it suits her, but is deceptively smart. Gemma also enjoys incredible hearing– she can tell when we are coming home from a block away or when the lid of the cookie jar is lifted, and she learns commands and tricks easily when a treat is involved!

Another motto of hers is: “Call me anything, but don’t call me late for dinner!”

Gem has her quirks: she’s never been a fan of puppies or small dogs and will correct them very firmly yet efficiently when they get into her face — rather like an army drill sergeant! Otherwise she is extremely good with other dogs and is very adaptable as we travel around in our minivan, enjoying every adventure. Her very favorite thing in the world is her blue ball, and her very favorite activities are hiking and swimming!

And Gem adores cats; she thinks they show a lot of class. They can rub up against her and she doesn’t mind a bit.

But Gemma’s greatest strength and most endearing quality is her gentleness with older folks. Raised in part by my in-laws, she is amazingly gentle and tender, never jumping or pawing those with delicate skin –presenting her head to be petted for as long as the “human” is so inclined. She is a true therapy dog for the elderly, providing a loving calm.

But she can be a wild child too!

The years have turned her face a snowy white, and she sure likes her naps.

But given the opportunity, Gem can still turn on her Inner Puppy!

We love our darling Gem Gem!

Please visit Gemma’s original website with lots more photos and fun pages!