Chandler Hovey Park was filled with dozens of English golden retrievers for the annual Marblehead English golden retriever family portrait on Aug. 2. The dogs showed up to the lighthouse with shiny white coats and happy smiles, dragging their humans in tow.
After playing with the other goldens in the grass for a few minutes, the owners gathered all the dogs up for a big group picture under the lighthouse. The light was perfect, so they tried desperately to keep the pups’ attention while snapping as many photos as possible. The scene of all the owners excitedly taking pictures and barking orders to their dogs was almost as adorable as the sea of white fur and wagging tails they were focused on.
“I just love seeing everybody so happy with their dogs tonight,” said Stephanie Brocoum, the organizer of the family photo. “I’m just happy to be out. It’s a beautiful night, and everybody’s happy to be here. It’s just great.”
Broccum started the tradition 10 years ago, when she and a few friends decided to take a group photo with their English golden retrievers. English goldens, which are famous for their white coats and calm temperaments, were a rare breed in Marblehead, but they’ve become quite popular since. This year, dozens of dogs showed up to the photo.
Brocoum reflected on how these golden retrievers have brought people together over the last 10 years. From walking their dogs together, to meeting to take holiday photos, these pups have created a rich and unexpected community over the years.
“We’ve met so many of our close friends because of the dogs,” said Brocoum.
Others admired the sense of community and fun times that the appreciation for the dogs has brought to Marblehead.
“It’s a sort of unique subcommunity within Marblehead,” said Roger Pellicotti, a Marblehead resident and owner of an English golden named Percy. “It’s just such a fun way to connect with people.”
After the group pictures were finished, the humans watched as their dogs went happily off to frolic around the park in the late afternoon sun.
“Look how happy they are,” said Brocoum. “Everybody loves these dogs so much, it’s just such a happy moment.”
