Chance meeting, golden retriever memories
Speeding around a quiet Napa neighborhood on his vastly underused mountain bike, Larry Fiori was enjoying the thrill of a brisk ride when he saw her: Ciara, a beautiful golden retriever. It had been well over a year - maybe two - and he had thought about her often. Was she still taking her morning walks? Still playful and bouncing with energy? And most important, would she still remember him? Hopping off my bike, I stood by the trail for just a moment before she saw me. First, her head turned and she fixed her brown eyes upon me. Then her ears sprang up, followed by the slight, curious twist of her head that seems to be unique with golden retrievers. All doubts aside, Ciara recognized me. Pulling away from her petite owner, Ciara charged at me in full abandonment of any control. Diving into my arms, she physically demonstrated that she too had fond memories of our earlier encounters. After a few energetic hugs and rubs, she pulled away and snatched up a small piece of paper from the g...