Oh, I do know all those rules and probably wouldn't EVER buy a puppy. But they are so adorable and I wouldn't trust my heart to say "no"! That is why I thought up the pumpkin "escape clause".
Max is a rescue dog from Golden Retriever of Wisconsin, but he was near adulthood when I adopted him; and I could see what I was getting. Although no one prepared me for a dog that doesn't bark (hardly ever) and that possesses a 12 hour bladder -- both real assets at my office. (He's a workin' dog. He schmoozes with all the clients and vendors.)
I just hate for someone to have the Retriever breeds spoiled for them by a bad experience! (a friend - actually our family real estate agent, she sold all our houses! - had a terrible experience with a chance-bred neighborhood Golden that turned out to have bilateral hip dysplasia and cost $6000 for surgical repair. And then the dog developed heart trouble -- and what a tough experience for her two sons, who were 8 and 10 at the time.) Of course, there are no guarantees, but the fact that my pup's mom's hips are rated OFA Excellent and her daddy's Good tips the scales in our favor.
GRRW is one of the best rescue organizations, they do a splendid job. Big article awhile back in GRN about their new high-class facility, which was inaugurated just in time to save a large number of Goldens from a puppy mill. Actually, if you're not going to go with a top drawer breeder, a rescue organization is just about the best choice because they foster the dog with a knowledgeable person before they place him.
He sounds wonderful! I love Golden Rescue. Our golden club here is planning a grooming thing next month, with the proceeds going to our local rescue. They do a phenominal job finding homes for these dogs. It's a real special mission in my opinion.
susie