I’d like to introduce you to Chief, my five-year-old male Goldendoodle, who is not just a beloved member of our family but a local favorite in the Hill Section. He’s got a sunny personality that matches his golden curls, and it’s no surprise that he’s captured the hearts of everyone he meets. Whether he’s soaking up attention from neighbors or enjoying his favorite hangouts, Chief is a bit of a local celebrity around here.

My family and I recently moved back to the Hill Section in June, and it truly feels like a homecoming for us. I grew up here, and we absolutely love walking around the neighborhood, meeting new people, and enjoying all the local shops and restaurants. Plus, living in the Hill Section gives us extra exercise, as we’re constantly going up and down the hills multiple times a day!

Chief has quickly fallen in love with the neighborhood too. His favorite spot by far is the Strand. He’s a social butterfly, always eager to make new friends—both human and furry. It’s his go-to hangout, where he lies down and waits for new faces and playful pups to join him. It’s honestly the best place for him to do what he does best—make friends!

Our journey with Chief started in 2019 when we found him through a company called PuppySpot. He came from a breeder in Missouri, and we picked him up at LAX. When they brought out the puppies, Chief was the most excited one on the cart. We knew immediately he was ours! From that moment on, he became a big part of our family.

We chose the name "Chief" because of my husband’s roots in Kansas City. He’s a huge Kansas City Chiefs fan, and I think he also likes to consider himself the Chief of our household! It’s a fitting name for him—Chief has such a commanding presence and a heart full of love. His sweet nature really shines through, especially when he interacts with kids. Whenever a child approaches him, he’ll lie down and roll over so they can give his big belly a good rub. It’s just the sweetest thing to watch.

Chief may be known for his affectionate side, but he’s also got some unique talents. His favorite “trick” is simply lying down in the middle of the Strand, waiting for people and dogs to come play with him. It’s his way of saying, “Come join me!” He’s also crazy about tennis balls—he loves any kind of ball, really—and he’s super food-motivated, so he’s easy to please when it comes to treats.

One of my favorite memories with Chief is when we were training him to go up and down the stairs. When he was just 10 weeks old, he couldn’t manage stairs at all. So, we used treats to train him, and it was the sweetest thing to watch him figure it out. Now, he sprints up and down the stairs and sometimes even skips a step or two—it’s amazing to see how far he’s come!

Chief has some other favorite spots around the neighborhood too. Every time we’re walking home, he insists on stopping by Pressed Juicery. He practically drags me there, and then he lies down in the doorway, waiting for his treat. It’s become a bit of a routine, and I can’t help but laugh every time.

If Chief could pick any adventure, it would definitely be a car ride, with his big head sticking out of the sunroof. But his ultimate favorite adventure is going to the dog beach. He loves running on the sand, playing in the water, and digging big holes to hide his tennis ball in. It’s his idea of paradise!

Chief isn’t just a pet to me—he’s an important part of our family. His playful nature, sweet spirit, and social tendencies have made him a beloved figure in the neighborhood. From his first steps to his social adventures, Chief has brought so much joy into our lives, and I’m so grateful to have him with us in the Hill Section. It’s the perfect place for Chief to enjoy all his favorite activities and make memories with our family.