Have you ever visited somewhere and it felt just like home? Well, that’s basically everywhere for me because I’m a dog and I can do what I want. However, there is just something about the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. It’s a place where people smile while walking through the Upper Quad and strangers link arms to sing the Alma Mater. It’s a place where for four years, it is your home.

The other day, I received a email. Yes, I know what you’re thinking: “Holden, you can’t receive emails.” Ha, humans. They know so little. Anyway, I was asked to come into the George Watts Hill Alumni Center, where people wanted to talk over a few things. Little did I know, I would meet one of the most beautiful, loving ladies ever at the Reception desk. I was greeted with several kisses, “I love yous”, and handshakes. You can imagine how happy I was. I think the feeling was mutual.

After a phone call was made, several wonderful people came down to greet me. I felt like such a superstar and my tail couldn’t stop wagging! What did I do to deserve all of this love and attention?! Everyone made me feel so special, I couldn’t believe it! What happened next was one of the biggest honors I have ever received. I was granted the gift of being an Honorary Tar Heel For Life.

Life couldn’t have gotten any sweeter. Until it did like two minutes later when they gave me so many yummy treats I thought I was going to explode with excitement!

Everyone at the General Alumni Association made me feel like I was the King of the University. They made this wonderful place which I call home for only the next two and half months feel like it is my forever home.  I am beyond thankful for this experience! My name is Holden the Golden, and I am a Tar Heel.

Now off to continue the bucket list.
Stay tuned.. big things are happening!

With bully sticks and argyle socks,
Holden the Golden

I have a sweet tooth. They say I must take after my mom. But who is to blame us? I mean my diet consists of brown pellets of who knows what, so sorry I like to clean up the floor when people “accidentally” drop yummy things. Recently, someone dropped this thing called ice cream. *drooling*

How could I have never known what ICE CREAM is? Doesn’t the saying go along the lines of ‘I scream, you scream, we all bark for ice cream’? Regardless, I knew I had to get my paws on some more of this delicious awesomeness.

What better place to go get ice cream than the beloved Yogurt Pump in Chapel Hill, NC. Everyone knows what YoPo is: the best frozen yogurt in town. I’ve been hearing about this for quite some time now, so I thought I better go try it out for myself.

I walked right on in to YoPo, although I think it was against the rules (but yolo at yopo am I right?). I had to figure out which flavor I would get. I wanted to get them all, to be honest. I don’t know why, but Mom wouldn’t let me get chocolate. Apparently it does bad things to puppies, so naturally I was like ugh mom please let me get it. She gave me that “look” so I knew I better stay away.  YoPo had all different kinds of yummy flavors, but since I’m a dog, I decided to go with the puppy Vanilla.

OM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM. That’s really all I have to say about that. It was the best decision my dog brain has ever made. Other than getting a biscuit at Sunrise and getting a kiss from my homedog at Kenan (aye, whats up Bailey!?), of course. Having checked off yet another item on my UNC Bucket list, I am excited to see what is coming up next. To all of my friends, I woof you.

With sprinkles and waffle cones,
Holden the Golden

As a dog, pretty much everything is awesome. Waking up and licking mom’s face first thing as the sun rises: awesome. Pooping wherever I want: awesome. Getting hugs by strangers and making people happy: awesome. I love being a dog, and trust me, you would too, but you’re a human (lol at you).

Sometimes, however, in a world of awesomeness, there is sadness. There is pain. There is suffering. These are things as a dog that I have a hard time understanding, because I want people around me to be happy at all times. Unfortunately, this past week has been one of those times.

Let me begin with the backstory. My mom’s grandmother Pat Pat, had been struggling with Alzheimers and Parkinson’s disease for three years, however this never stopped her wonderful love for others and grace. Now this is where I come in.

On my first day with my new family, the first stop we made on our way home was to see Pat Pat. I didn’t know where I was, or who anyone was, but that didn’t stop me from spreading love (even at eight weeks old). I was sitting on Pat Pat’s lap and this is when my mom knew that I had a gift with the elderly and fragile. Look at that huge smile on her face! I put that there! Que happy moment.

As time progressed and I grew up, Pat Pat became more and more affected with the disease. Every time we were home from school, we would go see our beloved grandmother.

Every time we would visit her, I was so happy because I knew the joy that I brought to so many people. I would walk up to all of the nurses and give them kisses, greet the other residents at the nursing home, and of course stand by Pat Pat as she rested.

But, we knew the time would come. About a week ago, Mom received the news that the time for Pat Pat’s beautiful stay on Earth would soon end. We drove home to be with the rest of the family, and of course see our sweet Pat Pat. In our stay, I was with other members of the family and everyone’s faces lit up when I walked into the room. I’m not sure why people love me so much, but I sure do love them.

A few days later when we were back at school, I had just gotten done eating my dinner and Mom was on the couch. She received a phone call and I could immediately tell something was wrong. She was crying and I didn’t know why. All I knew is that I had to help. My best friend was sad and I knew exactly what I had to do. Don’t ask me how I knew these things, but dogs are awesome, remember? We know when you are happy. We know when you are sad. It is our job to be able to show you our unconditional love that we have for you at all times. In these moments, however, is when we truly shine.

The bond between a human and their dog is unlike anything else in this world. In happy times, troubling times, and in every day life, we will be there for you if you give us the chance. If you’re reading this, you probably realize that this is much different than what I usually post. I am posting this today to show the love I have for my mom, my family, and anyone I come in contact with. My mom calls me a special dog, but I think I am just like any dog who loves their owner.

Holden the Golden

Do you ever think think to yourself: man, I really would do some crazy things for a hot dog today? Probably not, because you’re human. As for me, I think of this at least six times a day. I knew where there was really only one real option to get the perfect dog: Sup Dogs. Sup Dogs quickly grew to become everyone’s favorite place at UNC for Sup Dogs, Sup Burgers, and SupTizers (including the famous Cheesy Tots omg). It was only fitting that I had to get my paws on my own dog at Sup Dogs for my Bucket List, because I mean, I’m a dog, too.

So I made my way to the restaurant and asked for a table. These guys totally knew the deal with real dogs, because they have dog in their name so obviously we became best friends.

Once I was seated, I immediately began to ponder what Sup Dog I wanted to get. They have 23 different dogs to choose from. Might as well order one of each.

While I waited, I just contemplated life as a dog and how I get to boss my human around, wear cool t-shirts with dogs on them (thanks Sup Dogs!), and how I still get scared of my own farts… I just don’t understand them.

And then it was time. The first Sup Dog was here. I didn’t know whether to just stare at it and glorify its beauty, or devour it in 3 seconds. I chose the latter.

Man, humans are always right when it comes to finding the best places to eat. It’s kind of hard to eat a hot dog without hands, but I didn’t let that get in my way. Pick your battles wisely they say.

So, I got to check another item off of my Bucket List, while totally messing up my diet (#worthit). Sup Dogs definitely filled my craving of hot dogs, and I think it’s safe to say that I became a Sup Pup. I’d also like to say thank you to everyone who is following my adventures while I live this extraordinary golden life! If I were to meet you, I would lick your face and then ask for more hot dogs.

With Cheesy Tots and Fried Pickles,
Holden the Golden