For over 30 years, I’ve called the South Bay home. There’s something so special about living in a place where everything - from the beach to dinner spots to local shops - is just a walk or bike ride away. But what truly makes this community shine is how welcoming and dog-friendly it is. That spirit of friendliness makes it feel connected, and nowhere is that more evident than in the joy of sharing life here with Madison.

Madison is our two-year-old golden retriever (her birthday is December 28th!) who joined our family through Buds and Bullies last May. Her original owner, Bobby, loved her dearly, but made the difficult decision to find her a home where she could live her happiest, most active life. His only wish was that Madison end up in the perfect place—and thankfully, she did. She even still remembers Bobby when they see each other, which speaks volumes about her big heart.

Her name came with her, and though we tried calling her “Maddie,” she made it clear she’s a Madison through and through.

Madison is full of personality. She’s crazy about bubbles—the kind that float across the pier from the bubble-making gentleman. She’ll wait with laser focus until one drifts close enough, then leap with all her golden retriever energy to pop it. Despite her size, she thinks she’s a lap dog and much prefers being pressed against people (even on a hard floor) than on her own plush dog bed.

And when it comes to sticks, Madison is a true connoisseur. From twigs to full-sized logs, she takes pride in carrying them proudly on walks—sometimes entire tree branches that stop pedestrians in their tracks.

Madison is happiest with toys she can turn into a game: basketballs, soccer balls, and a good tug-of-war match are always a win. Stuffed toys don’t last long, but she enjoys them while they do. Treats? Bacon tops the list, but a puppachino from Verve Coffee, a hamburger from Manhattan Meats, or pepperoni from Red & Louis are close seconds. She’s also spoiled by local South Bay shops who love to shower her with goodies.

One of my favorite memories is from Lake Tahoe this past summer. Madison had been playing in a meadow with her cousin Penny when suddenly, she disappeared. After a few minutes of frantic searching, we found her down at the lake, having taken herself on a solo adventure across the gated community for a swim. Another classic memory is from the Manhattan Beach dog park, where on the walk home she proudly dragged a massive tree branch—wider than the sidewalk—all the way back.

In the neighborhood, Madison loves strolling The Strand, watching surfers and birds along the Manhattan and Hermosa piers, and long walks on the Green Trail with Penny. Locally, she’s a regular at Verve Coffee, Manhattan Meats, Culture Brewing, and Red & Louis—always making friends and collecting snacks wherever she goes.

If Madison could choose her dream adventure, it would be to swim in every body of water around the world, chasing birds as she goes.