I love to eat. Everything. But who doesn’t? I use to have the bad habits of eating socks, but for some crazy reason, my mom has forbidden me from my favorite delicious snack. Trust me, I’m heartbroken because they were so stinky and smelled like her so I LOVED them. However, I think this is because she wants the best of me.

So what can I eat then, if not socks (and underwear.. sorry Mom ugh)? On a daily basis, after I finish my morning walk, Mom feeds me one cup of Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Puppy Formula. Because I am still growing and filling out (making gainz yall), I am still on a puppy formula to ensure that I get all of the required nutrients. I also get on capsule of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplement in my food every morning which I love to chew up immediately. Not to toot my own horn or anything, but this is why my coat is so shiny and soft. I mean I actually have no idea why I get it, but Mom say’s its realllyyy good for me so I just go along with it. Then after each and every long day, I get one more cup of my delicious dinner.

Recently, Mom heard from a representative from Nature’s Logic, a pet food brand that is dedicated to offering diets that are made exclusively with whole foods and 100% natural ingredients. She tells me that Nature’s Logic diets:

• Are free of common allergens and include no corn, wheat, rice, soy, potato, tapioca, peas or sweet potatoes
• Contain natural antioxidants from fruits and vegetables in the USA
• Do not contain any man-made synthetic vitamins, minerals, or amino acids, nor any genetically engineered fruits, veggies, nuts, grasses, or seeds
• Have probiotics and enzymes that help increase nutrient absorption and aid in digestion
• Are nutrient dense and highly digestible

. 

We actually just received a bag of Nature’s Logic Duck & Salmon Meal Feast and I am so excited to try it. I know that Mom would only feed me the very best, so I can’t wait to see what this has in store.

Throughout the day, I love to perform tricks for my mom because I always want her to think I’m the coolest. Also, I know that I will get treats. So why not do tricks?! I can sit, shake, lay down, spin, stay, leave it, speak, and am working on roll over. Roll over is the hardest thing ever ugh help. To encourage me, Mom gives me Milk Bones, Natural Balance Food Rolls, Rachel Ray’s Soup Bones, and other treats I receive monthly in my Bark Box.

Long story short, I love food. Actually I love everything. I am one happy dog.

With stealing pizza off Mom’s plate and bully sticks,
Holden the Golden

Sure, I’m a dog. But I have feelings, and this is about to be super sentimental. Yesterday, my mom and I graduated from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. How were we so lucky and fortunate to attend one of the most prestigious universities in the country? I am still trying to figure that out. I know that I am just a fluffy golden retriever, but this place has made me feel like it’s somewhere I belong. Somewhere I can always call home. I would walk along the brick sidewalks everyday. I would sit in the Pit. I celebrated my first birthday in the Upper Quad. I began to recognize hundreds of faces that would was allowed to give kisses and I would get some back. This place was the most special place I could have ever imagined calling home. But now we have to leave.

They say you can always come back. You better believe I will be visiting as much as I can. I will always cherish the people saying “Oh my gosh, is that Holden the Golden?” and “Can I get a selfie?” But really, I will miss the unconditional love I received from so many students and faculty members. You made me feel as though I was the coolest and most loved dog in the entire world.

Oh and yes, I had my own cap and gown. I know what you’re thinking. But trust me, it’s totally normal. My mom and I got to live out own inner Elle Woods and Bruiser. However, I am just a tiny bit bigger.

Thank you to everyone who has supported my journey while at this wonderful institution. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for making me feel as though I am important. I will always remember this time of my life. And when I come to visit, I will most likely remember you and give you wet kisses, as long as you give me some in return. As I’ve said before, my name is Holden the Golden and I will FOREVER be a Tar Heel.

With a heavy, happy heart and listening to “Gone to Carolina in my Mind”,
Holden the Golden
Bachelors of Science in Food Scavenging
Minor in Sock Eating and Belly Rub Participation

Am I a dog? Yes. Can I sing? Yes. Okay maybe not. However, my new friends, the Clef Hangers, sure can. In case you didn’t know, The Clef Hangers are the oldest A Capella group at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and are known around the world. They recently performed for the President of Iceland?! Yeah, I know crazy stuff right.

A while ago, I chatted with one of the Clefs asking if they would help me out with my UNC Bucket List. Not knowing if they would have time for me in their busy schedule, I was ecstatic when I finally found out I was going to meet them! On my Last Day of Class, I met the Clefs at the Old Well.

So apparently the ladies love the Clefs. Little did I know, when I met them at the Old Well, there were about 300 people there watching them. Maybe more, but since I’m a dog I have a hard time counting. Let’s just say I was happy to steal a little of the attention from my new friends.

The Clef Hangers dedicated a very beautiful song to me. Can you guess what it was? Yes. “Let It Go”. This song is definitely supposed to have a beautiful meaning, but they knew I was a dog and have to let it go a lot. HA THEY ARE SO CLEVER.

My mom and I only fangirled for like 20 minutes. It’s cool. Thanks guys for including me and helping me cross off another item on my Bucket List. It was definitely one I will always remember!

With harmony and wet kisses,
Holden the Golden

 

If you know of  The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, you know how special and beloved the basketball program is. For decades, fans from around the world have watched each team grow every season, strengthening the bond between fans and players. But something that people also love about the basketball program here at UNC, is their coach. If you have been following along with my UNC Bucket List, you know that I still need to see Coach Roy Williams. Yes, THE Coach Roy Williams. Well, my friends, that happened today.

I walk and wag into the Basketball Office at the Dean Smith Center, not really knowing what was going on. I kept thinking to myself, “Wow this place is so shiny and has a lot of nice furniture I’d love to jump all over!” Then, I notice that there were a lot of really excited faces, all looking at me! A few minutes later, Sean May, one of the players that won the National Championship, comes up and gives me pets. I only drooled a little bit. (On the shiny clean floors… oops).

What do you think happens next? Yep, you named it. Coach Williams comes out to meet ME. Out of all the pups in the sea, he came to see me.

What a wonderful man, and basketball coach! After talking to him a little bit, I think it’s safe to say I’ve secured my spot on the newly recruited team.

Since this was such a big ordeal, I thought I should bring my mom along with me. Humans, right?! Always, trying to get all up in our daily dog business. Just kidding, I love her and I’m a dog so obviously she brought me here.

Meeting Roy was one of the last items to check off my Bucket List, and boy was that special. I got to meet one of the world’s most renown basketball coaches in history. He is a very special man and even had room in his tight schedule to meet with a furry legged friend. Okay guys, the secret is out. I am now Holden the Golden #1. Position: Point Guard(ing the food).

With basketballs and hatred for Dook,
Holden the Golden

P.S. My mom wanted me to write how thankful she is to everyone who helped make this happen. Yall are the best.