On this date in 1954, The Forum profiled Champ, a beloved 13-year-old golden retriever in Fargo. Champ had remained active and was cherished in his neighborhood despite retiring from hunting, symbolizing loyalty and aging gracefully.

Here's the complete story as it appeared in the paper that day:

By Chet Gebert

A "retired" Fargo golden retriever apparently doesn't believe old age should curb a dog's desire to "bring home the bacon."

He's Champ, household pet of Mr. and Mrs. J. L. Benshoof, 364 9th Ave. S., and a common friend of the entire neighborhood.

At 13 years plus—his birthday was Jan. 26—he still manages to do a little light retrieving almost daily even though he gave up active hunting three years ago because his body couldn’t stand the strain.

“He's slowed down much lately,”

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