Day #96 Goldfish, Golden Days, n Golden Dogs

Today, I had to take my 13 1/2 yr. old springer spaniel/collie mix of a dog to the vet.
My grandson and I waited for them to fix old Benny while we sat on a chair from the waiting area that I had dragged over so we could sit beside a huge goldfish tank, Mr. T on my knee, and the two of us watching these two fan-tailed goldfish lazily moving around the tank.
I took the opportunity, when the vet was finished, to ask him what dog he would recommend to walk/run beside me when I do the TransCanadaTrail on a bike.
I need a young medium-sized dog that can run some distance yet one that will always be gentle with people (esp. children).
It does not need to run long distances per day as I tend to stop to photograph so often.
It does not need to run fast, as I tend to dawddle, and seldom ride over 10-15 km/hr.
The vet suggested a golden retriever, and I'm so very happy about that as I have long wanted one of those.
(this pic from internet)
They have such a great sense of responsibility, and, with training, could probably become a very good cook for me like this one here, as well as a good running mate.
They were originally bred to work all day long.
Don't worry. I'd give it a 15 minute break every 2 1/2 hours just like I get at work right now.
The vet also said some recent poor breeding has resulted in a few golden retrievers having behavior problems so to be careful of its parentage.
I wonder if the guide-dog training companies might have one that didn't make the grade but is still considered an excellent dog.
I had better start looking into finding the perfect one for me, toots sweet, as Benny, though still active and healthy, is near the end of his life span, and could never make the trip.
He never could have made the trip, I'm afraid. Cat food became a daily staple for him for a month or two when he was still a puppy and it temporarily crippled him. He has always been rather weak-muscled since then.
Weak-muscled but always willing to try.
That has to be my attitude, too.