The Golden Retriever Gave the Couch a Complete Makeover
A dark red-gold retriever rests both paws in a mound of white stuffing that has spilled from the sofa behind her. Her coat glows in the lamplight, and her eyes look up with a small, soft smile. A basket of laundry, a glass and a few small items sit on the table beyond. She has clearly spent the afternoon on a thorough renovation of the couch.
Golden Retrievers are famously friendly and eager to please, and they are also energetic dogs that love to carry and chew. They need a lot of daily exercise and companionship, and when a Golden is bored or lonely, she may take her feelings out on the furniture. Chewing relieves stress and boredom in many dogs, and stuffing can be swallowed, which is a real concern. If you think she ate any, call your vet right away.
Long walks, fetch games and time with the family can reduce this behavior, and a sturdy chew toy gives her something proper to shred. Some owners also leave a puzzle toy filled with treats when they head out.
She faces the camera with an honest, gentle gaze. Considering the size of the mess, that is a very polite way to describe a sofa that is now a cloud. Retrievers tend to be quick to say sorry with their whole body, so expect a very wiggly apology.
