The Golden Retriever Carried the Lamb Across the Yard Like a Pro

Perched on a Golden Retriever's back like a tiny queen on a throne, a white lamb surveys the backyard. The dog, a deep red-gold with a soft, kind face, walks forward with his tongue relaxed and his eyes fixed ahead. A weathered wooden fence, a blue watering can and a few shrubs frame the lawn. The lamb, whom we'll call Dumpling, keeps all four hooves tucked together and her head high, and the retriever steps with great care, as if carrying something precious. They seem to have done this many times, and neither one shows any worry. A few leaves cling to his tail feathers, and the lamb's wool ruffles in the breeze.

Golden Retrievers have a well-earned reputation for being gentle, patient and eager to please. They were bred to retrieve game softly, without damaging it, and that soft mouth and kind temperament carry over into family life. They need regular exercise and plenty of company, and they tend to get along with people, children and other animals. Still, it's best to keep any dog-and-lamb time supervised and on the ground, because a fall from a dog's back could hurt a small animal. The lamb's hooves are also sharp, which can be uncomfortable for a dog. Calm, short visits and lots of praise build good manners on both sides.

The lawn is wide and the lamb has the best view in the yard. The retriever's tail wags once, slowly.