I've got a 1 yr old golden -- Sedona is dumb as a box o' rocks, but sweet as anything.
Raven pretty much hit it right on the head -- only thing I'd add is that, probably as part of their need for exercise/stimulus, they don't do as well by themselves -- better to give him/her a playmate.
All that said, I'd also like to spam for a really good organization -- GoldenTown. Based in Northern Cal, it's an all volunteer/donation driven non-profit home for aging and disabled goldens. Check 'em out -- great holiday gesture, and not a bad last-minute tax write-off...
http://www.goldentown.org
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