ONE YEAR

My son in law pointed out that there have almost 20,000 visitors to the Rolling Oaks Puppy News blog in one year! Obviously only a small fraction of these are our actual clients. Many more are friends and family of our clients, people shopping for a new puppy, other golden retriever lovers and fans of other dog breeds, and those who just randomly found us on the web. We started the blog a year ago, and I think it has been a great addition to our website. It keeps clients up to date on the next litter, and people getting a puppy can see all the places we go with the litter. It has been a wonderful year....getting to know a lot of you, and enjoying your photos and updates. You don't get a puppy very often. Hopefully every 10 to 14 years. When you do, it should be a good experience. We work hard to prepare the puppies for their new homes, and are selective in our breeding stock so we produce healthy, happy puppies. Even though we have been breeding Golden Retrievers for over 25 years, I continue to learn about food, training, socializing and over all health of the dogs. I have also learned a lot about people. We are all the same: we want to be a success, live life to the fullest, have friends, be liked...and we don't always achieve all those things! Hopefully getting a puppy brings new life into the home. Hope. A fresh start. You can make this little living being into a blessing, or....it can be a handful. No puppy is perfect, nor is any person, but we strive to train our puppies correctly so they come when we say come...don't jump up on people...don't growl at humans, love us for who we are!

Goldens are my absolute favorite breed, because they are so sensitive to people. They know when you are hurting, happy or sad! And they love you regardless! I feel so blessed to be able to give you a puppy that will make a difference in your life. It will be a lot of work, but worth every minute! I am convinced that any relationship worth having takes allot of unselfish giving...and the relationship you have with your dog is no different! I don't have all the answers, but I try very hard to please my clients, and work together to make owning a Rolling Oaks Golden a wonderful experience. Please feel free to email me any time with any good reports about your dog, or any questions you may have. I will do my best to help you. I hope you have enjoyed the personal stories I have posted. I think it is important for you to know who we are and what we are about, outside the dog world :) Although, I feel like I live in Dog World, and sometimes it is better than the real one! Have a great day and thank you for visiting our site!

PACKER

Hi Barb:

I was watching the news the other night and heard about the golden retriever puppy mill in ND, then at the dog park yesterday we saw 2 of the mill puppies their with their foster parents. My heart just breaks thinking about the cruelty these animals have suffered. And now the long struggle that they have to go through to trust people and to just get through the day. It made me think of Rolling Oaks and how thankful I am to have people like you and your family who truly love the puppies and care so much about their well being.

We thank you so much for the love and care that you give to all of your puppies. B/c it truly helps them become the dogs that they are. I believe that they really remember the treatment they are given when they first come into this world. The care you and your family gives them makes it so easy for us to take over…b/c they are already cuddly and friendly pups.

Packer is just so excited for next fall when we get another puppy and he gets to have a brother to play with.

Attached are some photos of Packer during those 2 large storms….he just loves the snow so much….he’s like this crazy little guy who just jumps and hides his head in it then….jumps back and runs around in a circle and does it all over again. Just super cute.
Hope all is well with you and your family,

Jenny, Chad and Packer

MOXIE UPDATE

This is Moxie, a 7 month old Rolling Oaks Golden. You might remember a photo of Moxie from a posting back in December 2006 when she was a puppy.

The Impact A Coach Can Make

We are thankful we do not have any puppies right now, as we have enjoyed this little break to watch Dan swim in the section and state meets. I have to tell you about the wonderful coach Daniel has, and encourage you if you are a teacher or coach, at what a difference you can make in a students life!

Daniel started swimming in 7th grade, and his coach, Mike Warpula did nothing but encourage him. No matter what place Daniel finished in the race, Coach would compare his personal time and show Daniel that doing his best is all that mattered. As the years passed, Daniel got faster and faster, his form improving. Coach continued to encourage. Last year as we were moving into our new home, the swim team had an all night swim a thon to raise money. We told Daniel he couldn't attend because we needed his help to move the next morning. Coach told Dan he would help him move if we allowed him to swim...so...moving day, Coach showed up and helped Daniel pack his room and move it over. I have never seen a man so committed to his team. The end of the season last year Daniel missed the state cut by seven tenths of a second. He made a decision that this year he would be section champ in the 200 freestyle. Daniel worked hard all summer and fall to accomplish his goal. Two weeks ago his dream came true as he stood on the podium, and his coach placed the blue ribbon on his neck. It was an emotional moment to see Coach and Swimmer drinking in victory. I know that Daniel's determination and hard work are a big part of his success, but more so is the part Mike played in his life. He is not only Daniel's coach, he is someone Daniel looks up to and respects. Mike has been a major influence in Daniels life, as he is an honest, hard working man, with high ethics. He expects the best and gives his best. The relationship between the two is invaluable. High School sports should be a positive experience for kids. It should build self esteem and character. We have one of the best coaches in the nation right here in our little town of Litchfield to thank for the positive experience our son has had..and we have another year to look forward to!