Every now and then, a family comes along that really reminds me why I started this organization—and that was definitely the case with Emily.
She reached out from the Tampa Bay area looking for a darker red golden retriever puppy. Right away, I could tell how much she wanted him. She told me how she’d been searching for weeks and finally came across our listing. She was so excited—but also a little unsure if they’d be able to swing it financially.
Like a lot of families, she and her boyfriend were on a budget, but I could feel how much this meant to her. We talked it through, and I worked with her on the price the best I could to try to make it happen.
That weekend, she made the drive to Winter Park with her boyfriend and their 5-year-old son, who was absolutely over the moon about getting a puppy. They ended up naming him Rusty, and I honestly don’t think he could’ve gone to a better home. The fact that it happened on Mother’s Day made it even more special—it turned out to be the perfect gift for Emily and her family.
After they got home, she sent the kindest review. Here’s a little of what she said:
“Our Rusty is so precious and you can tell he was very clean and well cared for. He even came microchipped with all of his shots, deworming, and paperwork… If we ever get another Golden, they will be our first call.”
We put a lot of time into raising these puppies the right way—making sure they’re healthy, socialized, and ready for family life. Rusty’s adoption reminded me why we do this. It’s not just about the dogs—it’s about the people, too.
If you're looking for a golden retriever and want to work with someone who genuinely cares about where their pups go, feel free to reach out. We’re always happy to help the right families find their perfect fit.