It's hard to escape the Gold Rush line in the American breed.

I personally have found that other breeders which have incorporated the lineage, have done a more "diligent" (w/out getting into specifics) job.

So sorry you lost Lionel, it is never long enough.
So glad you have allowed another to lay cliam to another piece of your heart. Good luck!!!

__________________
Hank and the girls

Lucy - UDX RN MX MXJ WC CCA VCX Can CDX WC

Oriana - UDX VER WC CCA VC

Brooke - UD CCA

Waiting at the Bridge

Brandi - CDX (1992 - 2003)

Kizmet - Am/Can CD (2005 - 2007)

Keeper - Can OTCh UD RN SH MX MXJ OAP AJP WC CCA VCX OD Can AGN WC VC (1996 - 2010)

I've never blogged before but today I was looking for some kind of word on the breeder that I've always gone to. I bought a puppy for my mother-in-law twenty-five years ago from Goldrush. I'd never seen such a place. Such beautiful dogs. The folks who ran the kennel were wonderful. Katie the first dog had two surgeries for cancer before dying at 12. At the time I thought that very sad. She spent most of her week at my house with my small children, was a happy and sweet dog.

When we realized that she was not going to last too much longer I went to Goldrush to buy my boys their own puppy. We got truly the cutest puppy that I've ever seen. He picked my five-year old son and that was it. We were in love and then heartbroken seven years later when he collapsed suddenly. After two days of starting his heart and doing every test we could the vet said that it was likely a tumor in his central nervous system and that nothing would work.

Six months later we met our new baby Texas, named after his cousin, he became our center. On Saturday he collapsed and his heart stopped forty minutes later. He had just turned eight last week. My family is heartbroken all over again. I can't think how we will get thru this. To read these statistics make me crazy.

I can say this though. Texas was a healthy, incredibly active dog. Trim and fit he barely looked two years old. I am grateful that the thing he liked to do best. Run and fetch were not compromised by hip issues. He was happy right up until he wasn't and in the end no one would ever want their dog to suffer.

The ladies at Goldrush have always been great. I'm sure that they are devastated when one of their dogs die too. I've heard that lots of folk have long lasting pups from there. I'm not sure what to do but I guess I will go back and look at their sires and see what I can do. I appreciate this forum for all of your information. I hope there is some way to find a puppy in the future.

Thank you

Texas Ranger,

I am sorry for your loss. I lost my nearly 10 year old male almost 6 months ago and and still missing him greatly. My Kodi died from HSA, which I feel was as a result of him getting Lyme Disease twice.

Please try another breeder. 8 Years is way too young to have your dog die.

I understand that Windy Ridge Goldens windyridgesgoldens.com has a wonderful breeding program. Please check them out and see if you can get away from having your dogs die in the prime of life.

Good Luck.

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Pat