Pure Gold by Holli Pfau is meant for Golden Retriever fans. Since I am a fan and love the cover, I couldn't pass up this book. I have read quite a few books about therapy dogs and think this is a good representative.

What really hooked me on this book were my own experiences with the places in her stories. I knew Huntington Hospital in Pasadena and all of Arcadia, California so this book brought many memories.

The first dog that she wrote about was Nikki. Nikki, one of the two living of a golden litter, was a natural. Gentle, caring and dainty, she was a true lady. Holli started taking Nikki to nursing homes and hospitals and the dog already knew exactly how to react to people dying of cancer, relatives who were losing their kin and to little children. She really didn't need training. The author goes on to detail the lives of five other goldens, some needing obedience training first and some eating rugs.

I recommend this book to all who love to read about therapy dogs, especially, goldens. This book is written carefully and with love for the dogs. ( )

Where would we be without our pets? Dogs are an integral part of many lives. This novel details how six golden retrievers affected the author's life and the lives those around them. If a reader enjoys or needs a heart-warming novel this is a perfect read.

The author describes the dogs, leaving nothing out-not even the "quirks" they have. The reader will happily acquaint his/herself with the dogs and owners in the novel. The main characters really come alive, the reader will be able to picture them as friends or neighbors. The author tells real stories of her experiences with the dogs and some large, sometimes unhappy times in her life-particularly concerning fire.

There are sad events in this novel, such things are inevitable concerning reality; however, the happy outweighs the bad. The reader will come away from this novel feeling light-hearted and happy. This book is recommended for just about any reader. ( )