Julia was born on November 15, 2009. I took her home at eight weeks old.

Upon arriving home, she bonded with our other golden retriever, Logan. We did puppy class and basic obedience training. She enjoyed walks at the park, hiking in the foothills by our house, and playing with tennis balls and frisbees.

While my other pets always brought tremendous joy and unconditional love, I’d never experienced that “once in a lifetime” companion before Julia.

Julia started nosework training in Altadena, California at eight months old. She was pretty darn good and we had such fun we continued. She obtained her National Association of Canine Scent Work odor recognition test title at one year and four months. Julia was the 31st golden retriever in the USA to receive her NACSW NW1 title in 2011, and the 10th to receive her NACSW NW2 title in 2012.

After that, we put trials on hold. When Logan passed away in 2017 we continued trialing with NACSW. We also started trialing with AKC and USCSS. Julia loved everything about it. The road trips, hotels, friends and fun.

In 2020 Julia was diagnosed with sarcoma. Once she was healthy again we got back on the road and trialed more. She finally captured her NACSW NW3 Elite title in January 2022. Her last trial was an Elite Trial in Tampa, Florida on November 19, 2022.

We met lots of lifelong friends at competitions, logged lots of miles, and shared hotels and pizza. I cherish those times. Julia retired with 28 titles and lots of fun. She passed away on February 16, 2023 at 13.

I’ve had other pets but Julia and I were on another level together. We truly were soulmates. I’ll never forget her.

While Julia and I had fun with nosework, the times I truly miss are those we shared at home, spending time together doing nothing. It’s so difficult trying to get through this without her but I’ll live with the memories until I see her again.

“Kennel up” in my heart for now baby girl. I miss you!