I've always wanted a golden retriever. I'm 43 and I'm finally in a position to get one. While my kids were excited, truth be told, I purchased the puppy more for me than my kids. I wanted a golden. I needed a golden.

I did a ton of research, mostly on this tremendously helpful forum. I spoke to several exceptional breeders of uncompromising integrity. But at the end of the day, due to timing and some other factors, I selected Goldnote Golden Retrievers (Bruce Brown). Bruce seemed well regarded on this forum and his focus on socialization and matching pup to owner appealed to me. The hiccup - I live outside Washington, DC and Bruce is north of Toronto. I decided to go up to Canada to pick up the puppy.

Bruce suggested that I spend the day with him and look at three puppies. Bruce had already evaluated several pups, and based on my needs, whittled the list down to three puppies. We spent the day evaluating the puppies and took each of them to a shopping center to see how they'd respond to various situations and stimuli. I met the dams and saw all of his beautiful dogs. I thought I was going to select a little boy and ended up picking a girl.

I arrived at Goldnote Golden Retrievers at 1:00 pm and left at about 9:00 pm. Bruce invited me to a lovely dinner in his home. Bruce and his colleague Judi were incredibly gracious hosts. It was a delightful day. I learned a ton. On Tuesday morning I began the long journey home.

Several of my family and friends thought I was crazy for traveling up to Toronto (I generally didn't share that it was about a 90 minute drive north of Toronto for fear of being considered even crazier). But that was before they met the puppy, Winter. Now, no one seems to question my decision to travel so far for a puppy.

PS - I look forward to continue to learn and hopefully begin to contribute to this wonderful forum.

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So glad you found a great breeder to deal with and a very, very cute puppy!!!

I too will be doing a long drive for my pup come spring. I'm keeping it to myself how far I am going as well. LOL But for the right dog, whats a few extra hours?

Congrats and have fun!

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Donna

Kanosak Wild Goose Chase CDX BN GN RE AX AXJ NJP CGC

Rhythm's Dat Knight on Bourban Street

Good luck with the drive and your pup!

Congrats! You're in for an adventure like no other. I wish you all the best with your new friend. Post lots of pics!

Do you have to speak to the puppy in Canadian?
Ps. Beautiful puppy, Good luck.

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"All I need on my journey is a wooded path, a dog by my side to guide me home and a bench to sit upon when I get tired"

http://www.waynesdoghouse.com

She's beautiful! What a wonderful decision and a great process. Looking forward to hearing how she develops into a lovely dog.

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Gwen
belongs to Amber (LiquidAmber II) June 1995-August 2010
Maddie (Essex Mountain Madrone) CGC Born April 17th, 2012

I should try. She's not listening to English very well.

One of the off-leash dogs in our off-leash play group is a Goldnotes dog, and she is a great dog. My daughters school mate also has a Goldnotes girl, who passed her therapy dog certification as soon as she turned 1. They are great dogs. Congratulations on your puppy.

What a gorgeous, sweet face she has Congratulations!

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Ellie and Mack
http://www.k9data.com/pedigree.asp?ID=536873

There's definitely some mischievous behind that sweet face. She's going to keep me on my toes!