Ellie Golden Life

Seven years ago, Ellie volunteered for the first time as a therapy dog in the hospital where Katie worked. On that visit, we met a patient who had recently suffered a stroke. Ellie climbed gently onto the bed and a moment later his spouse started crying. I panicked because I thought Ellie had pulled out an IV or done something wrong. Instead she pointed at his face and said, “You see that smirk right there. That is the first movement he has made since his stroke and he is a dog lover so I know he is in there.”

That moment changed everything for us. It showed us that you cannot always measure the impact of a therapy dog, but you can feel it.

Ever since then we have been hooked on visiting the Children’s Hospital with Ellie and Emma. These kids are some of the bravest people I have ever met and the time we spend with them always ends up being the best part of the week.

These photos barely scratch the surface, but they give a glimpse of what it's like to volunteer in the hospital.

If you have ever thought about becoming a therapy team, I hope you go for it. There is a huge need and dogs are the best medicine.

Thank you for reading this, for always supporting what we do, and for being part of our Mission to Spread Smiles.

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1 week ago | [YT] | 16,350

Ellie Golden Life

We will never forget how September 11, 2001 changed the world.

In the days that followed, something powerful happened. We came together. Not through politics but through humanity. Strangers became neighbors. Kindness became instinct. Heroes, both two and four legged, ran toward the pain with courage and compassion.

I was in sixth grade watching it unfold. That moment led me to serve as an Army helicopter pilot, and now, through our mission to spread smiles with Ellie and Emma.

As we reflect today, we remember the firefighters, first responders, service members, and everyday people who stepped up. We also remember the dogs who brought light to the darkest days through comfort, loyalty, and love.

Violence is never the answer. Hate never heals. Kindness always wins. And we are always better together.

- Kevin, Katie, Ellie and Emma

#goldenretrieverlife #september11 #neverforget #dog

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3 months ago | [YT] | 14,694

Ellie Golden Life

What a memorable week in NYC! We were invited to the ‪@usopen‬ , which was a bucket list experience. Ellie and Emma couldn't come, so we "acquired" some balls and planned an adventure day to make it up to them. We even got to visit the ‪@vegerforpets‬ HQ, or as they like to call it, VQ (VEG-quarters).

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3 months ago | [YT] | 6,648

Ellie Golden Life

Ellie and Emma got called up to the Savannah Bananas!

A few months ago, the girls tried out for the team and shocked the Banana Ball world when they signed on as the "unofficial" official dogs of the Savannah Bananas.

So when we heard they had a game in Philly, we jumped in the car and helped them get game day ready.

Here are some of our favorite pictures

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4 months ago | [YT] | 20,198

Ellie Golden Life

Happy Birthday to my best friend!

Ellie, these past 9 years have been the biggest blessing. You’ve brought me so much joy and inspired kindness in people all over the world. You’re the sweetest little angel, and I’m beyond grateful for every moment with you.

Here’s to many more years of love and spreading smiles. 💛

#goldenretrieverlife #dog #smile #birthday #bffs

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4 months ago | [YT] | 24,610

Ellie Golden Life

Last stop on our Europe trip! Geneva, Switzerland🇨🇭

It was pretty hot, so we spent most of our time exploring in the early morning. Overall, a fun city, but I'd probably come in the cooler months and budget a little more for food if I did it again.

#goldenretrieverlife #dog #geneva #switzerland #chamonix #france #petfriendly #travel #europe #smile

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5 months ago | [YT] | 21,203

Ellie Golden Life

If heaven is a place on earth, this might be it. The time we spent as a family of five in Riva del Garda, Italy, is something I'll always cherish.

Ellie and Emma loved swimming, morning walks, hikes, joining us for meals, and lying on the patio. Katie had the time of her life training for her upcoming ultra-event. Connor grew up so much during our time here and couldn't get enough of his daily swim swim. And I enjoyed eating more gelato than I should have.

We don't often revisit the same places twice, but I'm sure we'll be back.

Ciao, Riva!!

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5 months ago | [YT] | 17,788

Ellie Golden Life

We didn’t end up going home in May 😬

Living abroad has always been on our minds, so instead of saying “someday,” we decided to extend our trip a month.

There’s something special about Lake Garda. The mountain views, quiet lakeside mornings, and slower pace just feel right. Katie can train, E&E can swim nearby, and we get so much time together as a family.

For years, this quote has been on our wall:
“You know those things you've always wanted to do? You should go do them.”

To us, it’s about living intentionally and turning your “someday” into today. Stop waiting. Stop overthinking. Life is short, and the perfect time may never come. So start now.

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5 months ago | [YT] | 17,239

Ellie Golden Life

Taking Ellie and Emma on an Italian Adventure 🇮🇹

⛴️ ferry from Limone to Malcesine
🐾 walk through old town
🏰 pitstop to explore a castle
🚠 cable car to Mount Baldo
⛰️ and a mountain hike

This was such a memorable day! E&E LOVED seeing so many new things, and I couldn't stop thinking about how grateful I am for their health to go on big adventures like this one.

#goldenretrieverlife #dog #petfriendly #travel #lakegarda #italy #optoutside #bffs

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6 months ago | [YT] | 21,560

Ellie Golden Life

Milan as a family of 5! The city was busier than some of our other stops, so we did most of our exploring early in the morning. Overall, the architecture was beautiful, it was very pet-friendly, and the food was excellent.

Also, fun fact the Duomo di Milano is so impressive! It took over 600 years to build, has 3,400 statues, and can fit over 40,000 people inside 🤯

#goldenretrieverlife #milan #italy #petfriendly #dog #smile #bffs

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6 months ago | [YT] | 17,970