We rescued a stray golden and had it at our house for a day last year. What a lover she was - and so full of energy (she kept us up all night wanting to play, but I think that's just because she missed her family!). She was so sweet; I kept thinking - what a great pet for a young kid! - since she was so gentle, energetic, and loving. I can totally see we those of you with young kids picked goldens to share your homes with!
The ONLY reason I could never have a golden is because of the hair! (We filled up an entire vaccuum bag with long golden hair after she went home - I'm used to greyhound's minimal shedding! )