GOLD COUNTRY

This is my first post in a series on Goldens. Not just any Goldens mind you. No, these are special Goldens. This is Gold Country - Goldwood Kennels. Two of my four Goldens were from this celebrated kennel. This is not to say there aren't other kennels just as wonderful. My other two Goldens came from equally exceptional homes. Perhaps it is because this was my first experience with this remarkable breed. Maybe it is because of the people at Goldwood. I think it is due to the sum of all of its parts.

Just entering Goldwood gives you a rush. You are instantly surrounded by feelings of warmth and love. Taking a deep breath all of the stress of the day disappears. You smile and your eyes are drawn to the pictures of the Goldwood Greats. One of those was Raymond [pictured above]. What a remarkable guy. Certainly the epitome of a great hunting dog and loving father of many offspring.

My Goldwood experiences launched me into a world of dogs. I published my first dog magazine - Animal Crackers. It was my entry into the world of writing poetry about dogs. They are not poems that would bring me a degree from college, but they are what I fondly call "doggie people poems." Many were inspired by my relationship with Goldwood. It also opened the door to the world of obedience training, tracking, and a handful of ribbons from competitions. That led to seminars on dog care in the home through the local libraries. From there a dog column along with a question and answer section appeared on television and newspaper online web sites.

All of this materialized and was nurtured because of my association with Goldwood. It is a magical place. Everyone is happy. You are insulated from the outside world and transported into the wonderful world of dogs - Goldens. You come away wishing you could stay just a little bit longer. But you have caught the brass ring. You have a piece of this world in your arms...a Goldwood puppy. Your life will change and change for the better. You will begin an incredible journey.

I hope to share with you pictures, poems, and thoughts about this special world and the people who made this such a rememberable moment in my life. The years have flown by but the memories linger to savor and relive from the front porch and the rocking chair or curled up next to the fireplace.

NOTE: The following posts will cover my Goldens, not only from Goldwood, but from a very special lady who breeds wonderful Golden companions, and RAGOM. I have many pictures to post and it is taking me time to get them into my computer and enhanced. Also, I have many poems to transfer so please be patient if you don't find a new post every day. Please come back to read more about these wonderful creatures and their origins and how they have enriched my life.