TESTIMONIALS
So happy with my puppy! Finally found the best breeder! Anne was so compassionate, understanding and knowledgeable to say the very least. I did my homework and traveled from Pa to her and it was so worth it. She’s everything I was looking for and so helpful with everything. Her passion is truly unmatched and it shows. I’m so grateful and so happy with my pup!
 Hi Anne, I hope you’re doing well –especially after hearing about your scare with the wolf on your property yesterday! Glad all is ok. I wanted to write you as today is Ruby’s 3rd birthday – she came from the Madison and Scout “Red Sox” litter of 2013! Within the past 6 months Ruby has become the suggliest, cuddliest, best Golden! She was always this way but seems even more affectionate lately, and it just melts our hearts. One of my favorite things is when I am sitting on the couch and she comes up to me to pet her. After I take a break after 5 minutes of petting, she nuzzles me with her nose to keep going – how can I say no to her?! We went up to Portsmouth NH the other day to walk around for a bit and couldn’t make it more than 20 feet before someone stopped and commented on how beautiful she is! Her golden/red coloring is so great! We get together about every other month or so for a trail walk with her sister/littermate Olive who also lives in our town of Andover MA – Suzanne and Mark Barnhart are her parents. Just wanted to send a quick note to let you know she’s doing well! Also just wanted to let you know I had her at the vet about a week or so ago to trim her nails (I’m not good at this, so I have them do it!) and though she’s a bit squirmy on the vet scale, she was at 60.4 lbs! We’ll make sure to keep an eye on her weight! Again – hope you’re doing well and keep making those beautiful pups! Craig, Kaitlin and Ruby! Hi Anne, Ruby is been doing great! Really such a happy and loving pup! She was great on the ride home – chewed on a duck foot for about half the time and slept the other half! She ate her food right up last night and taking a few sips here and there of water. She’s pretty active for about 15-20 minute spurts and then gets tired out! We’ve been really good about taking her out every 30-45 minutes, whether she needs it or not, so she learns “potty time” and that outside is where she goes, not inside! We just moved into our house 3 weeks ago and the previous owners had a nice big fenced in area on the side of the house where their dogs would have their “potty time” so it’s worked out perfectly for us while she’s a puppy, and I’m sure we’ll enjoy having it as well when she’s bigger for in between walks. She’s loving the snow! She’s adjusting to her crate – we’re feeding her in there and giving her treats as she goes in but she doesn’t love having the door closed and cries for a while until finally settling down. From previous dogs I’ve had though this seems fairly normal, and I imagine soon she’ll really think of it as her den/home. I’m not expecting everything to be “perfect” as she’s away from her mom/siblings and in an unfamiliar environment but hopefully each day she’ll get more and more used to her new home. We were worried about how our 9 year old cat would react – we imagined she’d run and hide and we wouldn’t see her again for days, but she’s been startled, yes, but more curious about what this new “thing” is than anything. Some hissing here and there, but I think she’s trying to make sure her “territory” is protected. Ruby could care less about her though -just wants to play with her toys! I also just wanted to let you know again what a wonderful experience it has been working with you. From the first time you and I talked on the phone and when we came to meet you at your home, I knew you really care about your pups and want them to be great companions to the families they go to. In my search for breeders before I found you, although I’m sure some were great, none were as responsive and as committed to raising their pups in the holistic way you do, and we’re so grateful to have found you! I’ll be sure to recommend you to friends or family looking for Goldens and as I mentioned, please don’t be surprised if you hear from us in a year or two looking to add another Golden to our family! I hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday, and I’ll be sure to let you know if I have any questions with anything that may come up. I’ve also attached a few photos for you to see! Thanks again for everything!! Craig
APRIL 15, 2016 Hi Anne,
Just an update...today has been a great day! Daphne slept quietly in her crate from 11:00 last night until about 4:30. When she woke up, she didn't seem to anxious to go out - she was just ready for some snuggles and playtime! Such a sweet girl!
Today was her wellness visit, she got an A+ health report, and everyone fell in love with her immediately (of course!). She has a great appetite, no accidents in the house and running around happily playing in the rain with Jep. She learned about umbrellas and went for a few car rides to drop kids off at their activities. She met some of the other neighborhood children and just loves everyone she meets! She is so smart and sweet! I'm including a few photos from today. Thanks again for choosing our family to provide a loving home for her and for raising such a wonderful pup! Best, Renee
Hi Anne,
Just a quick update after our first week together with Daphne. We are all so in love with each other!! Daphne is snuggly, sweet, confident and so smart! She and our coonhound Jep are loving each other, playing like crazy and crashing together, from tiring each other out. She loves going for rides in the car, hanging out at the baseball field and getting tons of attention from family, friends and even strangers! She is calm and quiet when needed and a bundle of energy with the "zoomies" when it's playtime. She is perfectly content with baths, brushing and she sleeps through the vacuum cleaner like its no big deal. We are having so much fun with her, and our lives are so much fuller and more joyous with a golden again! Thank you! Best, Renee Schildkraut

Thanks again Anne! He is amazing. Did you house train him at all? He totally gets the routine already! No accidents.
Liz Gallinaro, April 15, 2016September 8, 2015  Hi Anne!
>>
>> I hope you are doing well and enjoyed your
vacation after all the pups went to their homes. I wanted to send
you a little
update and let you know how grateful I am to have this dog. We
continue to learn
from each other every day and I can honestly say I've never been
happier. We
have had a lot of visitors and everyone who has met her is blown
away with how
great she is and she is learning so quickly!
>>
>> My little love loves her
toy I brought to the first puppy visit! Even though it's been
washed it's the
one she brings with her in bed to sleep every night (you were
right.... I
totally have be sleeping in bed with me every night and she is
doing GREAT with
it)❤️ I thought before you bred the best dogs... Tory totally confirms
it! We
can't even go on a walk without being stopped by everyone - and
each person says
how great her personality is and all of the neighborhood and
apartment building
dogs love her. She continues to amazing me every day!
>>
>> Thank you for all
that you did before she was born and during her 8 weeks with her
mom and
brothers and sisters. You truly see all the hard work you put into
these liters
come out in how amazing these dogs are. I knew this before with
Gidget and
Seamus but being with Tory all day everyday is unbelievable. Thank
you again! I
will continue to share updates :) she is absolutely wonderful and
we are just
loving each other!! 
Christie Burke
september 21, 2015  First beach swim was a huge success. Followed by a nap in tj's arms! This little
pup is just too much!
Hi Anne, Zeus just hit 20 pounds….we can’t believe how fast he is growing. You forget that they are only little for a second. He’s doing incredibly well. He’s so happy and easy going. He loves playing, especially with other dogs, but is just as happy to curl up and take a nap. He enjoys going to the store and interacts with people but also sleeps in his XPen on his back in the middle of all the noise. He has such a sweet temperament. I keep waiting for the puppy fear period, but I don’t think it’s ever coming! I think the cutest thing he does is this little grunting noise when you first walk in and give him love - like a fluffy little pig! I think you’ve ruined us for all future puppies!
Hadley Douglas June 29, 2015
Hi Anne,
Glad to hear your surgery went well. Hope you're feeling a lot better.
Thought you'd like to know that our pup is still doing well. We decided to name
him Miles. He's just happy all the time, and nothing seems to bother him much.
:). He has loved every person he's met so far, and is a big hit with my
coworkers. He also has met several of my client dogs and done great with them as
well. If you "like" Active Paws on Facebook, you'll be able to see pictures we
post of him and his friends. Maggie is warming up to him, and they're really
cute playing in the yard. He loves the cat a little too much, but she's being
pretty patient with him. :) I love that I can put him in his x-pen with some
toys and he's perfectly happy to amuse himself while I get stuff done around the
house. Of course, he's keeping us busy with the usual puppy antics, but overall
it's going well. We're so glad to have him. :)
-Becky Hi Anne,
I was just wondering if you had come up with a date for Miles'
litter's reunion? I'm sure
he would have such a blast seeing his brothers and
sisters again! If you're
still thinking of October, I think I could do any
weekend day except the 10th.
I have to tell you that I have known a lot of
Goldens, but Miles just continues to impress me! I really couldn't ask for a
better temperament. He's
always happy and loves to play, but he's also really
calm and easy-going. We've
had so much fun taking him places to socialize him
this summer. He always
attracts a crowd of people wherever he goes, and he
loves it. He gets tons of
compliments on how handsome and well-behaved he is.
He's not only great with people and other dogs, but the cat and
chickens as
well. He's such a quick learner, that sometimes I swear he's a
mind-reader. :) I
still miss my last Golden a lot, and he was a tough act to follow,
but it's
really helped us to have such a great puppy in the house.
Feel free to use
that as a testimonial on your website - I just can't say enough
good things
about him! He's such a
great puppy, and we're so grateful to have him. Hope all
is well with you and your pups!
- Becky.
Hi Anne,
Ruby is been doing great! Really
such a happy and loving pup! She was great on the ride home – chewed on a duck
foot for about half the time and slept the other half! She ate her food right
up last night and taking a few sips here and there of water. She’s pretty
active for about 15-20 minute spurts and then gets tired out! We’ve been really
good about taking her out every 30-45 minutes, whether she needs it or not, so
she learns “potty time” and that outside is where she goes, not inside! We just
moved into our house 3 weeks ago and the previous owners had a nice big fenced
in area on the side of the house where their dogs would have their “potty time”
so it’s worked out perfectly for us while she’s a puppy, and I’m sure we’ll
enjoy having it as well when she’s bigger for in between walks. She’s loving
the snow!
She’s adjusting to her crate – we’re
feeding her in there and giving her treats as she goes in but she doesn’t love
having the door closed and cries for a while until finally settling down. From
previous dogs I’ve had though this seems fairly normal, and I imagine soon
she’ll really think of it as her den/home. I’m not expecting everything to be
“perfect” as she’s away from her mom/siblings and in an unfamiliar environment
but hopefully each day she’ll get more and more used to her new home.
We were worried about how our 9 year
old cat would react – we imagined she’d run and hide and we wouldn’t see her
again for days, but she’s been startled, yes, but more curious about what this
new “thing” is than anything. Some hissing here and there, but I think she’s
trying to make sure her “territory” is protected. Ruby could care less about
her though -just wants to play with her toys!
I also just wanted to let you know
again what a wonderful experience it has been working with you. From the first
time you and I talked on the phone and when we came to meet you at your home, I
knew you really care about your pups and want them to be great companions to
the families they go to. In my search for breeders before I found you, although
I’m sure some were great, none were as responsive and as committed to raising
their pups in the holistic way you do, and we’re so grateful to have found you!
I’ll be sure to recommend you to friends or family looking for Goldens and as I
mentioned, please don’t be surprised if you hear from us in a year or two
looking to add another Golden to our family!
I hope you and your family have a
wonderful holiday, and I’ll be sure to let you know if I have any questions
with anything that may come up. I’ve also attached a few photos for you to see!
Thanks again for everything!!
Craig
August 23, 2013
Anne,
I am so deeply saddened by the news of your move but truly understand.
I can't tell you how glad I am when I was on my quest for a quality
golden with a breeder I can trust. I searched the web over and over and
it was nothing short of a miracle when I came in contact with you. I
never met a breeder who's love of the breed went far beyond the business
of breeding. And this is what I constantly tell people. Right from
the start I knew your first priority was the dogs/puppies and their
well-being. The love, respect and admiration you have for all your dogs
is something I will never forget. Our gorgeous male golden, Bailey,
from the 12/26/12 Madison/Max litter has brought us not only the
challenges of PROPERLY raising a "furry child", but a world full of
love, laughter and joy that can only be experienced when one owns a
golden. Bailey is a happy, healthy, well-adjusted, much-loved golden
that only comes with time, patience, effort on our part and the
willingness to make sacrifices for the love of an animal. He is
included in almost everything in our lives. He goes almost everywhere
with us and does most everything with us as well. He runs, swims, camps,
canoes, yes even dives (his choice) and has proven to be quite the
"alerter" whenever someone comes to the door. But of course he licks
them to death once they are in the house! He is my constant companion
and I don't know how I ever enjoyed life without him! Where ever he
goes his beauty and spirit is always the center of attention and those
who are fortunate enough to meet him are all the better person for it.
I love this dog with all my heart and soul, and like my child, there is
nothing I wouldn't do for him for his best interest. Anne, finding you
was not only a miracle...but also a blessing!
Robin Reardon

Hi Anne - Fri, 23 Jul 2010 > > I hope all is well with you. We are LOVING having two dogs. Gus is > amazing, and he and Edy are best buds already. Their personalities > are so different, but they are wonderful together. We can't take our > nightly walk without being stopped at least 3 times to tell us how > beautiful our dogs are. > > Thank you for having such wonderful dogs, our family wouldn't be > complete without them!! > > Shelle, Bill, Edy and Gus
Wait for me!
Munson
Update: 7/2010
Hello Anne!
It was so nice to hear from you! Eric and I were actually going to email you soon, because of their birthday coming up. Unfortunately, I don't think we will be able to make it on July 11th. But we will try. We would love to see all the pups and how they have grown. And Munson would have so much fun playing with all his brothers and sisters. He is so loveable, and loving. He charms everyone he meets. He is always happy, and always smiling. Like a true golden, he prefers to be with us at all times. I call him my shadow, because when I am home, he follows me everywhere I go, from room to room. He is definitely a mama's boy! He sleeps on the bed with Eric and I, and is a little cuddle bug. (well, not so little anymore!) I always say if he could sleep inside my pajamas, he would! He can't get close enough. Sometimes I wake up and he is spooning me! It is really cute. But we also have to work on personal space, which he has no concept of just yet! Not everyone likes having a 50lb dog on their lap!
He is doing great with training. And when I say great, that is an understatement. He is amazing. I still can't get over just how smart he is! I have never met a dog as smart as him. He picks up anything we teach him on the first try, and listens so well. We can walk him off the leash at any given time, because he always stays right by us, and comes immediately when he is called. Where we find Torre (our 4 year old Golden) having "selective hearing", Munson is tuned right into Eric and I. We went camping over Memorial Day weekend up in the Adirondacks on Schroon Lake. We were able to leave Munson off the leash because he would stay right by us. But big brother Torre had to stay on the leash because of the above. He went swimming for the first time in the lake. He was a natural of course! He swam with Torre every day. We also played fetch in the water every day, which is his favorite game. He was very good at retrieving the sticks we threw out into the lake. Also, we are continuing to train him to be a therapy dog. He is going to be perfect for it!
Your assessment of him was right on- he is very dominant. He knows his place in our "pack" with Eric and I being alphas, but it is a constant battle for dominance between he and Torre. Torre wins out each time, but Munson always jumps right in there, as he is the most fearless, confident dog I have ever known. There is NOTHING he is afraid of. When he meets people or other dogs, he is confident and easy going. There is no nervous energy whatsoever. I think Munson has helped Torre in many ways. For example, in March Eric and I had to go to a funeral out in Buffalo. It was a very sudden death (a friend in the military got killed in Iraq); So we didn't have anyone to watch Torre and Munson. Long story short, we called around to a bunch of hotels, and found several that were pet friendly. We decided on the Holiday Inn, and took the dogs with us for the weekend. (and by the way, the Holiday Inn was great towards us with the dogs- they are very pet friendly!) Well, the first night we were there, Torre barked a few times when he heard other people slamming their hotel room doors. And that got Munson barking. So of course, Eric and I told them NO BARKING! We didn't want to get kicked out of the hotel! Munson caught on right away and didn't bark once more the entire weekend. Torre continued to bark. So Munson sat himself in front of the door (he looked so regal- like a sphinx!), and wouldn't let Torre bark. He set the example, and prevented Torre from running to the door and barking. It was amazing! Eric and I were in awe. Munson being 8 months old and teaching 4 year old Torre what to do! Other than that, the trip went really well, so we now know we could take them on any trips with us- they really were good little doggies! But getting back to what I was saying, I think once Munson gets bigger, he will beat out Torre for the "top spot". But right now Torre has the size factor going for him! (Speaking of size, we have not gotten Munson fixed yet, like you recommended. And he is doing fine with it so far. We are on track to get him fixed in December or January).
We feel so lucky to have Munson in our lives. We have fallen in love with him. He definitely lights up our lives! Like I said, everyone who meets him falls in love with him. And the feeling is mutual! You can tell he genuinely loves everyone he meets. People ask us all the time where we got him, so I have referred you to several people! He is a classic golden retriever, and a perfect dog. I just can't believe how lucky we are! You did an amazing job breeding. We value and respect the job you did, and not a day goes by that we don't think about what a perfect dog Munson is! I couldn't imagine life without him. We love him so much! Munson seems to warm the hearts of everyone he meets. He fits right in our family- and other than the occasional battle for dominance, he and Torre get along really well. If they aren't playing together, they are cuddling!
Well, I could talk about the dogs all day long. And like I said, it was great to hear from you! We will try and make it out, but I really don't think we will be able to come, even though we very much want to be there! Like I wrote above, we are enamored with Munson, and we feel truly blessed to have such a wonderful dog. We hope you are still breeding when we decide to add another golden to our family! :) Thank you for writing us, and if you take pictures of the dogs next weekend, I would love to see them, and also hear about how the weekend went!
Sending much love from Albany,
Nicole, Eric, Torre, and Munson Johnson

September 14, 2009
Anne, Thank you so much for sharing your puppies with our family. From the very beginning when you spent 45 minutes of your time on the phone with me to help me understand your philosophy about your beautiful dogs to the "playdates" to your infinite knowledge about diet and socializing and emotional security and care. It is obvious you have found your calling! The puppies are beautiful and already at 9 weeks are able to handle the 10 families that came to see them! And you were nothing but patient when my 9 year old wanted all of his questions answered! Your website that shares what you have learned from vaccinations to vacations and everything in between is amazing as well. I think I have gone back to it at least a half a dozen times and we have had a puppy before! I know we will stay in touch and we will be sure to visit you soon. Thank you for everything! Jennifer Stone

September 27, 2009
Hi Anne,
Fenway has been with us a full week now, and I thought you'd be happy to know that he is doing very well. Such a content and happy boy, he has settled in perfectly and he makes us laugh every day. He is very comfortable with his crate training and sleeps through the night till at least 6. He is very content to lay on the floor in the middle of everyone and just hang out and play with us and his toys. Certainly not a bashful eater either, but doesn't seem too fond of the Bravo tubes, prefers chicken leg quarters and turkey drumsticks. We'll move on to lamb this week.
Thanks for all your hard work and dedication in breeding such a little gentleman! And we hope all his littermates are doing as well as he and are making everyone smile in thier new homes!
Best,
Jim and Lynn Hart.

September 28, 2009
Hi Anne!
We just wanted to write and fill you in on our first week with the puppy! He is doing so well! The car ride home was uneventful- he did great! He is so smart- we just marvel at how fast he learns things! I have never met a puppy like him. He is not afraid of anything. Even the things you may expect to be frightening to an 8 week old puppy- he just charges right toward. He loves the vacuum and slept right through 3 days of busy roadwork outside our house. We have a flight of hardwood stairs that he just learned on Saturday (without us teaching him!) He was just exploring and went right up the stairs! We couldn't believe it!!! (We have to watch him like a hawk!) He welcomes new experiences without any apprehension at all. It is truly amazing! What a confident, happy puppy he is! Our first vet checkup went flawlessly. The vet was enamored with him. She marveled at what a good breeder you must be, as he exuded qualities of the classic golden retriever- "the way the breed used to be, 30 years ago" was how she put it. She described him as regal, and very smart- "a quiet observer of the world around him". We were so proud! He fell asleep in her arms during his exam. The vet couldn't believe it! And he is fitting right in with our other golden Torre. They play all the time. They especially love to play tug of war- and yes, Munson holds his own against 3 year old Torre (like I said, he is scared of nothing!) Training is going really well also. He picks up on things we teach him after only a few tries. He makes it look easy! So far, he has been an absolute pleasure, and we are so happy he is part of our family. Thank you so much for everything! All of the above is a testament to your hard work, and standards. We look forward to giving you more happy updates, and we'll send you some cute updated pictures!
Thanks again, Nicole and Eric (and Torre and Munson) Johnson
5/30/2009
Hi Anne, The first day went extremely well! She was great on the car ride home, no crying. She is adjusting well to her new home and we are surprised at how well the cat is adjusting to her! She also took a trip to especially for pets later that day because the collar we bought was a little to big and the staff there loved her up! Last night she slept well in her crate, and she did wake up around 1 and I took her outside. She has been eating very well too. Which reminds me, I forgot to ask you about which kibble I should feed her? Tomorrow is her vet appointment. I will let you know how she does! Thank you again for everything! She is such a wonderful puppy and we love her so much already!!! Take care, Sharon & Dana
May 15, 2008
Hi Anne,
I just wanted you to know that Bode was great in the car. He sat on David's lap and looked out the window. He came into the house, met the cats, had a snack, some water, went out to pee, had some visitors and is now napping. All is quiet! Thank you again for all your time and attention. This has been a special process for our family...you are very special and we are lucky to have met you and receive one of Morgan's pups. We'll keep you updated...
Jen
Jennifer Karofsky Ask Me About Zrii!!! www.zrii.com
October 19, 2008
Anne-
What a GORGEOUS dog! I see a lot of him in Mackie!
I cannot tell you how much we ALL LOVE this puppy!!!! Right now, he is snoozing down in the kitchen, after the kids tuckered him out playing in the backyard. He has acclimated beautifully into his new routine, and fits right into our family. Guess who’s completely smitten with him?! Yup, Todd! He love to hold Mackie, and has a great big smile on his face when Mackie is in his arms. The boys are over the moon, and Will is doing an awesome job of training him. He has keyed right into his signals, and I really think by the end of the month, this pup will be potty trained. He is so smart, and eager to please. I’m having no problem with feeding him the raw food, and as you suspected, he’s not eating quite as much as normal. About ½ c. at each meal so far, but I can see his appetite increasing, as he gets more used to being here.
I’ve been snapping photos like crazy, and will order a new camera so I don’t miss one precious shot.
What a WONDERFUL dog we have, we feel so incredibly blessed! Thank You from the bottom of our hearts for allowing us to bring this fuzzy little bundle of love into our home and hearts!
Will look forward to seeing you at the playgroup. Will send photos soon.
Love,
Sue, Todd, Will, Jamie & Mackie
Our new families going home with their new puppy!
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