Gola

My story

Oh look, another devastatingly adorable, sweet-natured dog just trying to live his best life while searching for his forever people. Meet Gola: a happy-go-lucky gentleman who just recently discovered that being goofy is, in fact, a lifestyle. Yes, it took him a minute to tap into his inner goober, but now that he's found it? There's no going back. Prepare for a future filled with soft eyes, random bursts of silly energy, and the kind of wholesome joy that’ll make your cold heart consider feeling things again. Meet Gola – a 69-pound, 2-year-old Great Pyrenees who somehow ended up in a shelter, which honestly feels illegal given how ridiculously sweet he is. Like, who looks at this fluffy marshmallow of a dog and thinks, “Yeah, let’s just leave him here”? Rude. Best way to describe him? Think: dignified guardian on the outside, undercover dork in training on the inside. He's a big softie learning that life can be fun, humans can be kind, and that sometimes, zoomies are the answer to everything. Gola is still figuring out the art of the doggy playdate. He definitely wants to be part of the fun—he just approaches it with the same cautious optimism most of us use when joining a new group chat. He’s curious, friendly, and totally open to playing... once he confirms that no one’s going to body slam him into the grass. Roughhousing seems interesting in theory, but he’s still deciding if it’s a game or a lawsuit waiting to happen. When it comes to smaller animals, Gola’s got manners. He’s careful around the resident small dog and doesn’t treat squirrels like a personal affront to his dignity. He might raise an eyebrow (or an ear) at them, but he’s not launching into the bushes with the enthusiasm of a caffeine-fueled Jack Russell. As for cats? If the other dogs bark at them, Gola joins in—because nothing says "I have no idea what's going on but I’m part of the team" like group barking at a feline minding its business. Gola’s take on kids is equally wholesome. He’s met a few and handled it like a pro. When the neighbor kids (a toddler and a six-year-old) showed up, he jogged to the fence wagging like a politician on the campaign trail. He even got a glowing review from the six-year-old, which honestly might be the most credible endorsement we’ve ever received. As for humans in general? Gola is a social butterfly with a flair for reading the room. Sometimes he greets you with calm, quiet dignity; other times he’s handing out Pyr Paws and inviting himself into your lap like a 69-pound lapdog who forgot he’s not pocket-sized. Basically, if Gola likes you, you're probably a good person. And if he doesn't... maybe take a look inward. Gola’s energy level lands somewhere between “golden retriever on their second espresso” and “goat in a bounce house.” He’s got a solid 7 out of 10 vibe—enough pep to keep things interesting, but not so much that you’ll question all your life choices after a walk around the block. Think: always down for an adventure, but will also pretend he’s never heard the word “zoomies” when it’s raining. When it comes to car rides, Gola has decided he’s almost a fan. He’s now cool with jumping into the side door of the SUV (because the back is clearly for peasants), and while he won’t try to co-pilot your life from the front seat, he does enjoy pacing like he’s contemplating the meaning of highway exits. He’s got his sea legs now, though, and handles car movement like a seasoned traveler who refuses to sit but also doesn’t complain. A win. Leash walking? Oh, he’s an overachiever. Gola struts like a polite power walker with somewhere to be and no time to stop and sniff the roses—or the mailbox, or the fire hydrant, or anything really. He sticks to your left like a well-behaved shadow, giving off "I'm better at this than your last dog" energy. No pulling. No drama. Honestly, it’s suspicious. Temperament-wise, Gola is your classic happy-go-lucky, gentle soul… with a twist. He’s still discovering his inner weirdo, and the results are promising. He’s calmer when he’s had a good walk beforehand—just like most of us, really—and he’s slowly learning that being goofy is not only acceptable, it’s encouraged. We're not saying he's about to become the class clown, but he’s definitely thinking about submitting a tight five. As for hobbies? We’re still figuring those out. Gola is currently in his “trying new things” phase—he’s dabbled in ball-chasing (sometimes he even returns it!) and occasionally gets the zoomies when his housemate shows off with a frisbee. Basically, he’s open to activities but hasn’t found that one true passion yet. He’s like a college freshman bouncing between majors. As far as outdoor accommodations go, Gola says “fence me in, please and thank you.” He’s been respectful of a 4-foot chain-link fence, but if anything particularly fascinating wanders by—like a horse or a strong breeze—he’ll toss his paws on the top like he’s considering a jailbreak. Command-wise, Gola is fluent in “selective listening.” He knows “sit” and “come”—and will proudly demonstrate them when the stars align, the vibes are right, and he feels like it. He’s basically the Pyr version of a college philosophy major: smart, observant, but only participating if the assignment inspires him. Potty trained? Yes. Gola is a responsible gentleman who does his business outside like a functioning member of society. Gold star for that. As for the whole “kennel” situation... yeah, that was cute while it lasted. He tolerated being kenneled exactly twice before filing a formal protest and revoking your crate privileges. Then came the baby gate phase—a lovely weeklong experiment in containment that ended with Gola politely declining that setup, too. Now? He free-roams like the independent king he clearly believes he is. And honestly, he does pretty well. Gola is not your neighborhood’s self-appointed news anchor, thank goodness. He’s more of the “strong, silent background character” who only speaks up if the other dogs start a group chat he feels obligated to join. Barking isn’t really his thing—he’s more into the art of dramatic moaning. Yes, moaning. Loud, theatrical, Oscar-worthy moaning, especially when he’s bored or confused about what he wants in life. When left to his own devices, Gola free-roams the house like he pays the mortgage. He can be a responsible adult and nap the day away—if (and this is a big if) he’s had his morning mile-long walk and a solid breakfast. Skip either one, and you’re basically rolling the dice on whether your house will look the same when you get back. He’s improving, though—learning that daytime is for snoozing, not for redecorating or testing gravity on your belongings. And luckily, his foster sibling has taken on the role of unpaid hall monitor, making sure Gola stays mostly on task. So if you’ve made it this far and aren’t already halfway through filling out an adoption app at https://www.pyrpawsandfluffytailsrescue.com/adoption-app for Gola, we’re honestly concerned. Go ahead and apply—yes, you, with the snacks and the backyard. Once you do, we’ll send your info over to his foster family so they can make sure you’re worthy of this glorious moaning fluffball. And don’t forget—you’ll need to pick him up in Sand Springs, OK, where greatness (and dog hair) awaits.

If you have any questions or would like to adopt Gola, please reach out to the adoption group directly. PetSmart Charities does not facilitate the adoption process. Thank you.