WE'RE IN THE GOLDEN YEARS

We've got a new member of the family.

I'd forgotten how much energy a young one has. The need for constant attention. The resulting lack of sleep.

Two weeks ago Karyl and I adopted Zeke from the Louise McNeely Animal Shelter. What a find. A beautiful, 10-month-old golden retriever whose owner had given up on him for one reason or another.

I think I know why.

Zeke has lots of energy and demands an equivalent amount of attention. He's always looking for something to do. Or something to show off, whether it's holding two tennis balls and a pull toy in his mouth all at once, chasing balls around the room or out in the yard, or simply prancing.

He demands attention.

Goldens, I've heard, love people. They want to please. And they have the energy necessary to prove it. Combine the nature of a golden retriever with Zeke's age, and we've got our work cut out for us.

Throw in three cats and the adjustment that comes with bringing a new dog into the house, and life at home is anything but boring.

We're adapting, though. Tired, but adapting. And enjoying the excitement and enthusiasm he's brought back into the household.

He's a sweetheart, really. A perfect example — more than any other dog I've ever had — of a creature that wants to please. I don't understand how anyone could have given him up, even if he is, dare I say, just a wee bit excitable. But that's a trait of golden retrievers.

Give him a toy and he'll be as pleased as punch — for a few minutes. Give him two toys and he'll try to put both in his mouth. Add a third, he'll do the same. It'll be a good 15 or 20 minutes before he gets bored, and then it's back to Dad to see what else can be tossed in the mix.

But every dog, every cat, every pet, in fact, has its good points and bad. Some more of one kind than the other. Zeke, as a golden, has his breed's traits. He's the first dog I've had that looks — and acts — like a dog that came off an assembly line. There's not much that distinguishes him from other goldens.

All my other dogs have been that great American breed, Heinz 57. Their temperaments, their behaviors, their likes and dislikes left a little more to the imagination.

But Zeke, despite his predictability and constant energy, has a lot to offer. He's by my side wherever I go. He barks, but he doesn't appear to have a mean streak. In fact, he's always happy.

Even the cats are gradually figuring out that his boundless energy isn't a sign of aggression but rather his way of saying, "Come on, let's play.''

They are adapting to each other and learning to get along. Fact is, they're a lot better at it than people are.

Studies have shown that dogs, or pets in general, can be great stress relievers. I'm certain that day will come.

Ted Kramer is editor of The Observer. E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it