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.

 

Thank you God for Bacon. Thank you for its juicyness, yumminess, and mouth watering ability.

So today, I found out that my parents have really been lying to me this whole time. I’m not going to lie, Beggin’ Strips are WHERE ITS AT, but today I got to eat the real thing. Real bacon. At Merritts.

So I walk up to Merritt’s Store and Grill, home of the famous BLT’s, and knew that it was going to be an all time favorite. I could smell the bacon from across the street and my little puppy brain almost couldn’t handle it.

After I ordered my sandwich, I had to wait in line for the yummy goodness. Waiting just about killed me because OMG it’s bacon people. But then, it was here.

BACON BACON BACON BACON BACON BACON. You know that commerical for Beggin’ Strips that goes along the lines of “OH MY GOD IT’S BACON I LOVE YOU”? Yeah, well that was me today.

So Mom really has been holding out on me this whole time. She was supposed to just get me one piece of bacon but when she was busy looking at her camera, I decided to eat the entire sandwich… whoops #sorrynotsorry.  I even tried to snatch some of hers, too, but lord knows what happens if you try to eat your woman’s food.

You could say that checking this item off of the UNC Bucket List was very rewarding for me! Not so much for my mom (she said I already have some major stinky toots…) *shrugs shoulders*

Thank you Merritt’s for the best bacon in the world and for being such a wonderful place many UNC students love.

With sour dough bread and bacon toots,
Holden the Golden

Man, it sure has been a great, but long few weeks. You humans will often say that calls for a nice cold beer. Well, turns out dogs like to turn up, too. Last week, I thought I’d make my way to Pint Night at He’s Not Here. All you UNC folks know about the beloved He’s Not, but for you who don’t, it is a wonderful bar that is also dog friendly. *snaps* *I can’t snap* *high five?* *score*

I’ve been wanting to make it to He’s Not for a while, since I’ve heard about a lot of cute pups being there. I finally got to go!

Everyone was so friendly and I actually got to meet a lot of other dogs, too. Unfortunately since I am only one year old, I couldn’t get a beer. Looks like I have about 20 more to go.

I’m so glad that I got to check another item off of my bucket list. I only have a few more to go! I am so sad that I have only one more month of calling Chapel Hill my home. But I guess I will always be a Tar Heel For Life.

With wings and yuengling,
Holden the Golden

So apparently, humans in college have this thing called “Spring Break”. Some people choose to go to Cancun, go on a cruise, or to visit Europe; however, some will choose to hang out with their furry best friend.

Mom decided that she wanted to take me to some of her (and my) favorite places. Honestly, anywhere I go that has food and toys is my favorite place, but don’t tell her that.

Our first stop happened to be a pretty special one. It turns out that it was the place where I was named after: Holden Beach, North Carolina. It has a pretty cool name if you ask me.

At Holden Beach, we did a lot of hanging out and relaxing, since school has been so busy this last semester. If you’re wondering, I’m making all A’s in my classes. Even Chancellor Folt thinks I’m a smart pup (look at my last post). Though we did a lot of relaxing, I got to practice the magnificent game that I adore like crazy: fetch.

My parents and I went on so many walks and they even let me OFF LEASH! They were amazed at how well I listened and came back when I was called.

I LOVED going back to Holden Beach and I can’t wait to go back again soon. My favorite thing to do is dig a hole and place my ball in it, only to dig it out again. Probably the coolest thing ever. Besides chicken. Although we had a wonderful time at the beach, it was time to head to where my mom calls home.. The mountains of North Carolina.

When we came home, I couldn’t wait to go hiking again. Mom and I love going to Hawksbill Mountain, but we decided to do something new together. We chose to go to Linville Falls, and boy it was spectacular.

I was ready to get on the trail the second I got out of the car! On our way, you can just imagine how many glamour shots mom took of me. She is practicing her photography, and I just happen to be her favorite model.

After Mom got done being annoying and making me smile and tilt my head, it was time. Time to get to the falls. We hiked to an overlook that showed how tall the actual falls were first, and the view was crazy. 

Sure, it was cool seeing the falls but we wanted to get up close and personal (just like I do with every girl dog I see). We decided to hike all the way back and down to the most beautiful waterfall.

The past few days have been some of the best days I’ve ever had. I have traveled through almost the whole state of North Carolina and made my way to see some breathtaking views. You could say I had one heck of a Spring Break. I love being a dog and being able to go to so many places that make me so happy. I can’t wait to keep sharing all of my adventures with you! I can guarantee you that there will be some exciting ones coming soon.

With mud and wet dog smell,
Holden the Golden

 

Hello and Good Morning– My name is Holden the Golden and I’ll be reporting the news today.

Just kidding! However, I did get to go on set on ‘Wake Up, Carolina’ this morning. Wake Up, Carolina is the first morning newscast at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. And I got to make a guest appearance.

I walked up on set and instantly new it was my time to shine. You could say that all eyes were on me.

Well, because I am a dog, and dogs aren’t usually in news rooms, I got a lot of attention. However, I showed everyone that I was just like them! Just because I have four legs and smell like bacon/trash doesn’t mean that I can’t sit in my own chair, too. I got to co-anchor with my new best friend, Maddie, who just happens to be pretty famous, too. Hey girl hey.

We were all mic’d up and it was show time. I had been sitting in my chair for a while so I was starting to get pretty sleepy… I even yawned while on air AND laid in Mom’s lap while she was talking. I didn’t plan on it being that cute, but dang.. right on cue.

It was so amazing to get to be on set today! Of course, I had no clue why there were all of these lights, and why people were jumping around trying to get me to look at them, but IT WAS AWESOME because I got so much love. It’s pretty cool being a dog because it just so happens to be that when you love people, they happen to love you back.

You can watch my feature (trust me, you want to) right here:

 

With coffee and cream filled donuts,
Holden the Golden