Wow! What a well adjusted puppy! He did wonderful this weekend. First, my compliments to you and how much you worked with the litter. We loved seeing all of your beautiful dogs and your kennel, I have nothing but good things to say! Hans (Bandana) always gave us the sign that he needed to be let outside, we've been very diligent in letting him out and praising him, but he always gave us as signal that he needed out. He only had one teeny piddle accident that we caught, about a dime size, but other than that, he's been doing amazing! - Wendy and Steve

Ron and I were just talking about you today and saying how we wish you could see Riley. He is doing so awesome and truly the best dog (are we biased or what?) We think he is close to full grown weighing about 65 pounds. He is the most beautiful dog. Wherever we go, we get so many people commenting on his coloring and how gorgeous he is. We think he looks so much like his dad. - Maureen

Penny is the best dog in the world. She is beautiful, attentive, smart, very obedient, mellow and social. There is not one thing I would change about her! People comment all the time on what a wonderful dog she is. We hit the jackpot. :) She spent the summer at the cabin, wading in the lake, trying to catch fish for hours at a time. The kids love her and she loves them. I will send a picture of her soon when I can get a good one. We are going to call the Dogs for the Deaf organization in MN next month to begin working with her to be a hearing ear dog for me. I think she has a perfect personality to be a service dog. Take care and we'll keep in touch. - Karen

I just thought I would let you know we were out at the fair today and saw 2 of your sons along with Captain and Ruby. I told them to say "hi" to you for us and let you know how Kayce is doing. She is a healthy and very happy 9 month old beautiful girl. She is groomed regularly by myself and Darian. Darian has taken upon herself to brush her daily. I guess she's watching me groom quite a bit. Unfortunately I haven't taken any pictures recently. I'll have to do that and send you a copy. She's definitely changed a lot since you saw her last. The pictures that you guys have up at the fair are just adorable. I told one of your son's you should print copies and sell them. They are sooo irresistible it would be hard not to own a few of those little guys. Anyway Kayce has had many outings for socializing and doggy play dates with the neighbor dogs. She really keeps them on their toes and us as well. Thanks again for the our incredible furry friend. She's everything I hoped for and more in a Golden. I was sure to say that very loud when I was talking to your son's at the fair today. I would recommend your dogs to friends that are interested any day. Take care and I hope you enjoy the fair and the upcoming fall season. Kayce is going to love all the leaves when they start to fall. - Jenny, Darian and Kayce

Arlo is doing very well. He is such a wonderful addition to our family! We adore him. I'm not sure how much he weighs right now...maybe about 55 - 60 lbs? His fur is starting to get a little longer and wavy. His head still seems a little too big for his body - and he is long and lanky...he's in that awkward stage. He is so so handsome, though, and gets more so every day. He tries to pick up everything in his mouth when we go for a walk...sticks, rocks, trash, you name it...and the whole family has gotten very good about making him "drop it". Most of the time he drops it on command now. His favorite toy is a big plush ball. When we come home or when he greets us in the morning, he buries his mouth in the toy, breathes through his nose, and wiggles his butt back and forth as he comes to be petted. Then he lays down with the toy and sucks on it. We think he's so funny.

Arlo has a "brother" now, 5 month old Wolfie, an Alaskan Malamute. They play non stop. They make a hilarious pair and are very different in their personalities. Wolfie is mellow, Arlo is high energy - so they balance each other out.

We really appreciate all of the work you did to socialize Arlo and his littermates. When we got Wolfie, the socialization work you had done with Arlo and the lack of it with Wolfie was painfully obvious. Arlo had a very easy transition to our household, Wolfie's transition was much more difficult. I was really worried about Wolfie the first two days, he was so depressed. The whole process of the breeder turning Wolfie over to us was so different. It was obvious that the Malamute breeder cared about his dogs...but to him the puppies were more like commodities to be sold. Fortunately that is the only problem we've had with Wolfie. We adore him too and now he is well adjusted to us.

We've kept up crate training with both dogs - and it has worked very well. They have a nice big fenced area to run and play in during the day, but at night and while we eat dinner they go in the crates very happily. I can't say enough great things about Arlo and all of the work you did with him. If any prospective owners want to hear from other people who have bought your puppies, please send them to me.

Thanks! Joni

Barb, I just had to write you and tell you what a great morning I had with Dakota. Amelia and Gavin had wanted me to bring Dakota for show and tell at school and I went this morning. He was soo good with all those kids, interested and curious but calm and unraveled. So many commented on what a good dog he was. I proudly told them that our breeder had done a great job socializing him before we even got him home. The ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher was so thrilled to have the puppy visit her students, as it generated interest for the children to communicate. She said, "You have to bring him again." Dakota has really gotten a hold of our hearts and is truly a blessing not only to our family but all who meet him. Thank you. Have a great day and know that all you and your family's work is continuing to bless others even after the pups leave you. God bless. - Melani

Hi Barb, I am sending you a recent photo of Rowley (Lilly and Banners litter) on his first hunting trip at 5 months old! He did great, and Scott has been working with him by hiding pheasant wings out in the yard and having him find them. He has a great nose on him!

Rowley has been a wonderful addition to our family too. We have never owned a puppy that was easier to train (potty or otherwise)! He only has 1 more adult tooth to come in and he hasn't chewed anything he wasn't supposed to! Very shocking! The other unique trait is his temperament. He is so calm.....unlike most puppies that are hyper. He is growing into a beautiful adult dog....so many people comment on his "good looks".

Thanks again and we will make sure we send photos every so often! - Jill