Photo Courtesy of Will Chapman
BETHEL — Born without a tail but with much spirit, Eli sits next to the desk in the Historical Society’s Library next to his Dad and owner, Will Chapman.
“The best thing [about him] is he hikes 2 to 3 miles every day,” says Chapman, explaining that at age 4, Eli is getting stronger and stronger every day. He is named after Chapman’s fifth great-grandfather, Reverend Eliphaz Chapman who named the town, what is now known as, ‘Bethel,’ and previously was called, ‘Sudbury, Canada.’
“He’s a nice companion, always enthusiastic, brightens your day,” says Chapman, petting Eli, next to him. “He stays right by your side.”
Eli was born in Cumberland, Maine, from Goldiva Goldens LLC, a breeder of Golden Retrievers. He was priced half-off because he was born without a tail. However the lack of the tail didn’t mean lack of heart. Or stomach.
One of Amy Chapman’s favorite memories of Eli is when he ate half of the apple pie she had just made. She had it on the cooler, wrapped in plastic. Well, Eli went to town and ripped it to shreds, devouring the pie, leaving the pan empty. She found him fast-asleep.
“[He] was sleeping it off!” Amy Chapman laughs, tossing her hand.
Eli looks at his grandma’s hand, his eyes big. Both Amy and Will Chapman each take turns offering treats to Eli, which he takes happily, after doing his tricks. The most iconic one is his spin for a treat.
Eli has been coming with Chapman to work every single day for four years. He usually sleeps under the desk or in the crate next to the desk.
“He’s well-behaved and [doesn’t] react at work.” says Chapman.
The only time he gets moving is if he hears Amy Chapman nearby. Then, he’ll begin to pace the room, eager to see grandma.“He’s good natured and genuine,” says Chapman as Eli looks up, beaming at him, his nose wet, his eyes extra wide, and a grin that makes one wonder if he can secretly understand everything being said. Eli goes back under the desk. But when someone mentions his name, his ears perk up and he looks at them, only confirming the fact that he must understand just a bit of what everyone is saying.
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