What’s your origin story, Keller? I hail from the great state of Texas. Born and bred. #CanineTexasPride. I came to live with Robert & Anna as a puppy almost 9 years ago from a breeder in North Dallas. I was their first dog together.

What are the traits of your breed? We Goldens are known to swim for miles, as being expert hunting ‘gundogs’ who don’t shy away from the sound of a gun. We are great work dogs, guides for the blind, great at search-and-rescue, and known to enjoy competitive events. This is your typical Golden Retriever. However, this is not me. No Sir. I instead prefer to get my power nap on, power eat, and then power out. Frankly, I’m exhausted just thinking about exercising.

Any special story behind your name? Why yes. Thank you for asking. Captain Deane Keller, a WWII veteran, Yale Art Professor, artist and proud member of the “Monuments Men Foundation for the Preservation of Art” is my namesake. Robert, my human dad, is the founding member of this organization. You may remember his best-selling book, “The Monuments Men” or “Rescuing Da Vinci.”

Any funny anecdotes? Don’t want to brag, but Moritz the 12 lb. Siberian fluff-ball of a cat, who also lives with us, is kinda obsessed with me. I mean, why wouldn’t she be? I’m tall and dangerously good-looking. All she wants to do is follow me around and practice being a dog. Secretly I might have a little thing going for her too.

Favorite Activities? Definitely eating. Anna, my mom, cooks a mean plate of spaghetti, since she’s Italian. I like to eat it Lady-and-the-Tramp style with Mortiz. Mom says I’m like a stuffed animal that breathes. So she has hired a pet walking service in efforts to up my health and exercise routine. I must say that Loretta of ‘Sweet Pea and Me’ is helping me to change my lazy-bones ways.

What else should we know about you Keller, and how have you enriched your home/family? I love going to Glencoe Park and giving all the children there a chance to pet me. That really works for me. But what I love the most is being at home with Anna and Robert and just doing nothing – together.