Psychology and Sociology teacher Mrs. Ali Wood spends her Friday nights coaching cheer, but waiting for her at home is her three-year-old Golden Retriever, Bruce.
Life before Bruce was a whole different story. Growing up, Mrs. Wood was surrounded by Golden Retrievers but never had one herself. She owned a chocolate lab in college, but unfortunately, he passed away at only four years of age due to an illness.
While in quarantine, once Covid hit, Mrs. Wood heard about a woman who breeds Golden Retrievers. She decided to reach out and in search of a source of happiness during lockdown, and soon, Mrs. Wood her husband bought their goofy Golden, Bruce.
“He was our whole life. That’s when it [her obsession] all started,” said Mrs. Wood.
Daily life with Bruce is quite an adventure. He is well-behaved, but of course, he does have some of the typical puppy mannerisms.
“He’s so bizarre,” said Mrs. Wood. “We call them [his weird quirks] Bruce–isms.”
In early 2022, Mrs. Wood married her now-husband. She couldn’t stand that a huge part of her life missing out on such a big day, so she tried to include him in as much as she could.
“He came to the venue after the ceremony and was involved in a lot,” said Mrs. Wood. “He had a little bow tie.”
Bruce has made such an impact on Mrs. Wood’s life that she has personalized merch for herself. Along with the bracelet she wears with his name on it, she likes to style her St. Pius spirit wear with a sweatshirt that has Bruce’s silhouette on it.
Although she can’t bring him along with her to work, Mrs. Wood hopes that might change in the future.
“Maybe he’ll make a little appearance one day,” said Mrs. Wood.
