One day I noticed a golden retriever chained up to a small doghouse next to an old barn. On the ground nearby, was one empty bowl. The sight tugged at my heart. Four long days I watched… wanting to see if she was being taken care of. Was she getting food? Water? Finally… I could take no more. I had to do something. I decided to confront the owner, a man, who told me he had bought Kieta to breed but "she was not getting pregnant", so he "chained her outside to get her out of his way."

I asked the man if he would be willing to sell Kieta. He said "yes" and told me to come back the next day and he would have everything ready. I returned the next day and he handed me the AKC papers, a leash and a chew toy, with the words, "Get her out of my yard." I asked him how much he wanted for Kieta, he said he needed no money. With that, I took Miss Kieta Marie Brits Sunshine home. The next day, during a thorough check-up at the veterinary's office, Kieta was found to be pregnant. I didn't mind the news and knew the puppies would be much better of with me than with Kieta's former owner.

I took her back home and started her on good dog food. Within days she was laying on her new bad, in a new home and seemed to be truly enjoying the love, care and attention being showered upon her. She has formed a special loving bond with her new friend…our male golden retriever Moses.

On December 12, 2001, Kieta gave birth to 11 puppies, 6 girls and 5 boys, all healthy. The puppies were sold to good homes and we had Kieta was spayed. She is now 6 years old, and "One of the best dogs I've ever had".

©Lori 2004
Lori, 31, is married stay at home Mom with one daughter. She lives in Indiana with her 3 Golden Retrievers -- kieta Marie Brits sunshine, Moses Breton & angel Moses, and 3 rescued cats -- Calico, snowflake and little miss whiskers. Lori loves to rescuing animals and trying to find them better homes. So far, she has rescued 6 dogs and 4 cats.