Dakota Gold

Karen Wilson watched as a little tyke came running from the group of golden retriever puppies as fast as his little legs would carry him.

Wearing a red ribbon, he was the most adorable bundle of golden softness she had ever seen.

As soon as he reached her and she picked him up, he settled in her arms and immediately captured her heart.

There was no question that she was his mama and he was her baby dolly. In a poignant retelling of the unconditional love between a dog and his owner, Wilson details how Rusty, at five weeks old, warmed her heart and eased doubts and pain as he quickly acclimated to his new life in her home.

He turned out to be a gentle-natured puppy known to elevate the spirits of all who met him.

Wilson recalls Rustys comical adventures as he grew by leaps and bounds; made friends with her collie, Chester; had fun with a rope swing, a bucket, and leaf piles; caught snowballs in his mouth; and discovered that a cow can be a guardian angel. Dakota Gold shares the true story of a tail-wagging, mischievous dog as he is adopted by his new family, embraces the fun in life, and learns from his best friend that love is the key to happiness.