Owner: Jamie Edlin, marketing communications director and brand manager for Cordon of Santa Barbara winery
Location: Santa Ynez, Calif.
Dog Name: Oliver
Age: 8
Breed: Golden Retriever
In a Word: Sweetness!
Job Title: Greeter extraordinaire
Star Quality: "Ollie" believes that every living thing is here on earth as his playmate. He only knows love!
Favorite Reward: Hugs first. Treats second. A squirrel in motion third.
Favorite Activity: A good chase after anything that runs—other pups, squirrels, gophers, deer, wild turkeys...
Favorite Getaway: Beach
Forgivable Flaw: Being too good of a watch dog and barking at every moving object within sight from the house.
Background Story: Oliver is a purebred rescue. A greedy dog breeder realized he couldn't get big bucks for a Retriever born with elbow dysplasia. A vet advised not to adopt Ollie because there might have been health issues. The advice came as this 3-month-old puppy was wrapped around my neck. Needless to say, I took the risk and the puppy home with me. Eight-plus years later, "Ollie" is a healthy, happy and loving dog.
