Hi friends, welcome back to my mini series on things we do as a nuclear family. Despite the cold weather in Minnesota these days, one of our favorite things to do is walk and spend time with Goldy—our rescue pup! We call him a number of nicknames, but Golden Dude and Puppernut Squash are our favorites. Goldy, our rescue pup, is about 27 pounds of fluff and love. He is about 9 years old we think, has the cutest curls in his fur, and brings us so much joy. We try to take him for 3 or 4 walks a day during the workweek (morning, lunch, after work, bedtime) and at least 2 on the weekends (a long walk and a bedtime walk). When it is nice out, we go for longer walks and spend more time hanging out at the park with Goldy. We’ll also try to go to the dog park when it is warm out. Unfortunately, it is SUPER cold out, like below zero temperatures or just above zero. So for now, our walks might not happen first thing in the morning (but we still let him out), and our after work walks are shorter than we would like. Our neighborhood is amazing for walks—-full of sidewalks and parks, so it is an absolute blast to walk Godly around the area.

In addition to walking Goldy, we buy him way too many toys and treats. We have chasing play time, where Goldy always wins in the end. We also play tug and attempt fetch. Goldy doesn’t love bringing the toys back though, so fetch turns into chase usually. We also enjoy time outside in our own backyard. Goldy loves chasing sticks and apples, laying in the sun, and getting pets in the grass. Inside, Goldy loves to be in the same room as us, get pets and snuggles, and begging for food. Honestly, even if Goldy is just in a pupperball on one of his beds or a sofa, just being in the same room as him brings a smile to my face and happiness to my heart.

~Natalie