Earlier this month, I welcomed a puppy into my life and officially became a dog mom! Little did I know a golden retriever would make my days feel instantly brighter. 

Now my sweet Leo, who just turned 9 weeks old, has become my favorite part of every day. I get excited coming home from work or running errands just to see him. And even though he wakes me up at 6 a.m., I enjoy our mornings together.

Leo is a sassy boy with big opinions. He barks when he doesn’t get his way or when he’s ready to eat. “Want to eat?” has already become his favorite phrase, and he jumps like a maniac every time he hears it. He eats three times a day, but if you watched him chow down, you’d think it was his first meal in weeks.

I got my childhood dog, Mikey, a German Shepherd mix, when I was 10 years old. We then got Coquito, a Cotonese, in 2021. Because my parents did most of the work back then, I forgot just how much energy it takes to care for a puppy. I’m constantly chasing Leo around, asking, “What do you have in your mouth?” or simply saying, “No, Leo!”

His favorite spot to nap is right next to his bag of food and the fridge. It’s almost like he’s waiting for food to magically fall. He also loves to nap under the kitchen table and chairs or even behind my bedroom mirror. 

When it comes to playtime, Leo tends to forget his toys and go straight for my hands. And listen, his teeth might be small, but they are sharp, and he has such a strong grip. 

Then there’s his signature sneak attack, which is honestly both hilarious and a little terrifying. If I’m sitting on the floor, he’ll stare at me from across the room and slowly creep closer. He tries not to make a sound, even though I can clearly see him. Once he gets close enough, he pounces like a lion and attacks. I’m not sure what goes through his head during these moments; maybe he thinks he’s invisible, but it always makes me laugh.

While Leo isn’t fully vaccinated and can’t go outside to meet other dogs just yet, I can’t wait to start bringing him on adventures.

Golden retrievers are known for their high energy, and I plan to take Leo to my favorite walking spot: the Old Mill Pond Trail, a 1.15-mile paved loop around the Lexington Mill Pond. I go a few times a week, and it’s always so peaceful. Plus, I get to see other dogs and clear my head, and now Leo can join in on the fun.

Leo will also make appearances at the  Paw Park, located at 989 Hendrix St. in Lexington. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., the 3-acre park offers a great space for dogs to play and socialize.

Not only will Leo get to play with me, but he’ll also be able to make new furry friends. The park does charge annual fees for dogs. For in-town residents, each household is allowed a maximum of three dogs, with each dog requiring registration. The fee for the first dog is $37.22, while each additional dog costs $18.61.

Another spot on our list is Macie and Milo’s Brew Pup, an off-leash park and sports bar opening in March. Similar to the Paw Park, there’s a fee per pet, and the space is divided into small and large dog areas. Rules are also in place to keep all pups safe.

I can’t wait to bring Leo out and about. And when the time comes, and you see us, feel free to say hello and give Leo some pets. He loves the attention and receiving compliments!