About Us
My journey onto this dream has been a long one. Ever since I was a little girl I had wanted a dog, more specifically a golden retriever. It was a dream of mine to one day to have one, but my parents did not want our first dog to be a puppy. The first circle of events that led me to my first golden began as a hiking trip with my dad and my siblings on a local trail. Along the way we met a "stray" golden retriever named "Red". He probably was not truly lost as there was a collar and tags and houses near-by. I so desperately wanted to take him home...but alas that didnt happen as he went wandering off with another group of hikers. I always remembered that encounter though.. At the age of 11 finally I got a "Yes" to getting a dog. So off we went one summers day to the Delaware Humane Society and chose among three "contenders". 1 was a whippet, another was a dachsund and the third was a chow/terrier mix named "Red". We picked ..and chose "Red" who was renamed Ruby Red by our aunt. She was fiercely loyal to us. Had many quirks but she was a great first dog. She lived to be 16 years old. I believe Red had his hand in all of this.
During that time I guess I demonstrated that I was able to help take care of a dog and with my own money found an ad in the paper for a Golden Retriever. I was 15 at the time and while I should have held out for a better bred dog, I went to the BYB farm in PA and was lucky enough to take the last red-headed puppy home. Her name was Julie, named by mom, and she truly sealed the love for the breed. We did some obedience classes but never did much other than spend our time together, a faithful companion until the end. I swore some days she loved other people more than me. Her greetings were the best. She had seizures, thyroid issues and ultimately bone cancer took her in the end at the age of 10. Her bad breeding probably the route cause for some of her problems.
I swore after that whenever I would get another golden I would pursue my lifelong dream of doing dog shows, both conformation and obedience and I would get one from a reputable breeder. It had to be put on hold as our family was growing. Having kids were the next priority and I had my daughter, Eva in 2007 and my son, James III in 2009. They didn't grow up dogless as we had Sanford, a jack russell and Charlie, a boxer.
The whole year of 2010 I spent my time researching breeders, the golden lines, going to dog shows. I had contacted the breeder referral for Chespeake Golden Retriever Club. I got a quick response from their contact person, Joan Taylor, of Goldridge Goldens . She was going to be having a litter in January. She was willing to help me achieve my goals and pick me a bitch that I could have to hopefully achieve them. On January 28th, 2011 the litter of pups were born! I was so happy to finally have a golden retriever around again as it had been 5 years. I couldnt imagine all the support and help Joan was..she has truly been a godsend. She picked the white girl, Lilly, for me and she has nothing been one of the best dogs!
We have tried in the conformation ring and have done ok. My ring nerves get the best of me and her so our performance has not been as great. Her brother, Keeper, has done well and even achieved his Chamiponship. As well as a half-brother, Tracker, has earned his as well and well on his way to his GCH.
We have done obedience and that seems to be our "thing". We have taken many obedience classes and last year we started on our Rally Novice title. We finished with three legs at three shows with all first places! We just finished our CD this July and had all placements (one second and two third places). Our next goal is to move up to Rally Advanced after we do more training with our trainer Gene Thornton. Also, move up to do the CDX..and just keep going and going!
I have been truly blessed to have all these people in my life to help me achieve these goals. Have big plans for the future!! Thank you to all of them!!