• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Toluca Lake MagazineToluca Lake

  • Food & Drink
  • Things to Do
  • Home & Garden
  • Life & Style
  • Health & Wellness
  • The Magazine
    • Subscribe
    • About
    • Issue Archive
    • Contribute
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
  • Local News & Events
  • Business Directory
    • Food and Drink
    • Shopping
    • Things to Do
    • Beauty
    • Health and Fitness
    • Services
    • Get Listed
  • The Neighborhood
    • Toluca Lake
    • Burbank Media District
    • Downtown Burbank
    • Magnolia Park
    • NoHo Arts District
    • Studio City
    • Tujunga Village
  • Local News & Events
    • A Note From the Publisher
    • Out & About
    • Community Profile
    • Event Calendar
    • Local Business Spotlight
    • Community Organization Profile
    • Pets of Toluca
  • Business Directory
    • Food and Drink
    • Shopping
    • Things to Do
    • Beauty
    • Health and Fitness
    • Services
    • Get Listed
  • The Neighborhood
    • Toluca Lake
    • Burbank Media District
    • Downtown Burbank
    • Magnolia Park
    • NoHo Arts District
    • Studio City
    • Tujunga Village
  •  
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Vimeo
Pets of Toluca

Dog Days of Summer: Lovable Local Canines

Four-legged friends show us how to enjoy each day in the neighborhood

by Jenna Anderson | July 12, 2018

Lew and Carolyn Goldstein with children Brayden and Aubrey, and dogs Jeter, Boomer and Sophie. The 18-year Toluca Lake residents list the small-town feel, their neighbors and friends, the helpful and involved Neighborhood Council and Neighborhood Watch, and walkable, tree-lined streets as some of their favorite things about the community. “We love our Fourth of Julys with parade and fireworks just down the street, Christmas Open Houses and crazy, busy Halloweens,” says Carolyn. Photo by Daniel Deitch.

Longtime Toluca Lake residents Lew and Carolyn Goldstein love Australian shepherd dogs — “they are smart, loyal, very active and attentive,” Carolyn explains. The couple owned three Aussies between them when they married, one of which even served as the ring bearer in their wedding. The family now comprises 11-year-old daughter Aubrey, 9-year-old son Brayden and two Aussies: 14-year-old Boomer is “the leader of the pack” and loves to sleep, while almost-4-year-old Jeter, “the family comedian,” enjoys jumping over bushes, howling, chasing the kids on their bikes and scooters, and fetching tennis balls.

Photo by Daniel Deitch

Then Carolyn found husky mix Sophie wandering outside her children’s school last September. “She tried to steal a doughnut from my doughnut table! She was a mess — skinny, filthy, and it looked like she had bad cataracts in both her eyes. It was over 100 degrees that day and I just couldn’t leave her.” After months of fruitless searching, first for the original owner and then for a new adoptive home, the Goldsteins decided the approximately 9-year-old stray had become part of their family. “She has caught on to our rituals and schedule quite nicely, and we are happy to have her live out her senior years with us!” Carolyn says, adding that people who saw Sophie on the day she was rescued can hardly believe she’s the same animal when they meet her now. Her eye condition managed by daily medication, she “loves everybody and everydog.”

“Having a husky for the first time, we had to learn a completely different personality,” Carolyn says. “Aussies are very focused on their owners. You never need a leash for our guys, as they continually herd us and constantly look back to make sure we are OK. Huskies are more independent and docile. And Sophie has actually taught Jeter how to hunt moles!” (Lew shares a tale of Sophie literally scaring a neighborhood mole to death — it popped out of its hole, saw her and apparently suffered a heart attack on the spot.)  

Photo by Daniel Deitch

All three dogs enjoy running in South Weddington Park, eating peanut butter, visiting local restaurants and participating in Toluca Lake’s annual Fourth of July parade. “We would not be the same family without them!” Carolyn exclaims. “They brighten my every day and teach my kids responsibility, sensitivity to animals, unconditional love. If it weren’t for dogs, there would be so many lonely people. Dogs give people a purpose and make our lives whole. They are complete blessings.”

The Goldsteins certainly aren’t alone in this sentiment; dozens of local readers have sent us sweet tales about their bond with their canine companions. Check out the following stories to meet more of the dogs that bring joy to our community:

  • Humphrey
  • Gidget
  • Henry
  • Guapo and Kuki
  • Lulu
  • Lulu and Max
  • Norman
  • Little Bear

About Jenna Anderson

Jenna Anderson is the managing editor for Toluca Lake Magazine.

Primary Sidebar

TLM Local Real Estate Guide 2022

Search

Recent Posts

  • Kathryn Barger Is Here to Serve
  • Boys & Girls Club Gala Takes a Trip Back in Time
  • Featured Pet: Frankie
  • Ask Adelita: How Can I Control My Energetic Puppy on Walks?
  • Zahn McClarnon: Front and Center
Toluca Lake MagazineToluca Lake
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Vimeo

Footer

  • The Magazine
    • Subscribe
    • About
    • Issue Archive
    • Contribute
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
  • Departments
    • Food & Drink
    • Things to Do
    • Home & Garden
    • Life & Style
    • Health & Wellness
    • History
  • The Neighborhood
    • Toluca Lake
    • Burbank Media District
    • Magnolia Park
    • NoHo Arts District
    • Studio City
    • Tujunga Village
  • Business Directory
    • Food and Drink
    • Shopping
    • Things to Do
    • Beauty
    • Health and Fitness
    • Services
    • Get Listed

Copyright © 2023 Toluca Lake Magazine. All Rights Reserved. Website designed by Trade News International, Inc.

  • Privacy Policy