[RKDinOKC]

Paid 900 for my 7 week old Golden, but she has papers and heredity out the wazoo. Sire was local ad dog, print and tv, and won pet of the year from better homes and gardens magazine. Was high but replaced another golden that my mom would not get out of bed after it passed. She was the only golden available that day, and I checked no-kill shelters. Really woke up Mom's Alzheimer's. Mom started doing and remembering stuff she hadn't in 6 years. Even started cooking herself meals again so she could feed the puppy while she was eating. Puppy stuck to Mom like glue until Mom passed. Made that puppy worth every penny.

Since purchaing have spent under 200 per year on shots/vet and under 100 per month on food, treats, toys, leash, etc. Have a dog bed seat cover for back seat of vehicle, seat belt/harness, and spill proof water bowl for traveling. Don't use a kennel.

Have not spent anything but time on training. She speaks in English...hello, I want out, good morning, feed me, etc. When I take her with me and do drive thrus she says hello out the back seat window and gets treats from the window person because she "is so cute." House broke her by leaving the back door open enough she could get out. Followed her then praised her when she went. Started closing the door and she would bark to get let out. She never once went inside the house.

After mom passed trained her to be my Diabetic Alert dog. Gets my attention pawing and barking when my blood sugar gets down to 70 or below. Most importantly she wakes me up to test my blood sugar so I don't wake up with sweats or worse from a low blood sugar event in my sleep.

Her only downside is she gets way to excited when anyone comes to visit. Doesn't jump on people, but says "hello", wiggles, rolls around, and whines acting like a little puppy starved for attention for about 10 minutes.

Breed is such a personal choice. Have had goldens since I was 22 and am 60. On my third. Had a nephew live with us for 2 years when he was still in HS. Because my first golden was so well behaved, smart, and fun he became a veterinarian.

I would say budget about $100 per month.