I wanted to check in with you and let you know that I am SO happy with the puppy I got from you! Carmelo is a genius dog and just the softest, kindest dog I’ve ever had. We have had no common “puppy issues” with him at all! He is such a gentle lover and so spirited. I cannot say enough about how much my kids and I adore this dog and so happy he is part of our family. He has been hunting all fall with me and has been a natural! On his first hunt, he flushed and retrieved his first bird without hesitation. The bird counts are down this year but we had decent shooting nonetheless. I plan on doing a pheasant hunt with him to get him more reps. At home, he fits right in. He loves to retrieve anything and everything from his tennis ball, his dummies, or some socks from the laundry room haha. He is simply an amazing athlete with graceful speed, agility, and a crazy high vertical jump! One strange thing I have noticed is that he doesn’t shed much at all which is a great bonus! I’ll be sure to get you more photos of him. I just wanted to get back in touch with you and say thank you for picking me out a once in a lifetime dog. We sure love this guy.

Juno’s birthday is the 11th------she’s about 48 lb. and in great health.
I just took her out to mud lake on Sauvie yesterday for maybe her last hunt situation training. She’s doing really good & ready to start slowly into her first season.
I set up a blind with a dog window & got her used to lookin & shootin out of there when I release her.
She’s a strong swimmer, bird crazy, fearless in cover and very focused.
I’ll send pics of her first duck, and PLEASE stay in business so I can get my next Golden from you.

Well, our puppies are now 10 1/2 months old. Can't believe it.

Yes, he is a big boy. Very tall and long but still has his puppy coat.

Not to brag~~~~~BUT~~~~~~

He is the top student in his obedience class. His heeling is great his sits are about 95% straight and right next to Ken as they should be. His front feet are under him along with his chest while looking up at Ken. The instructor is very happy with his progress.

His field work, is coming along as well. Doing long marks and coming back the way he should be not taking his time. Doing his drills etc. His water entry!!!!!~~is becoming awesome. He takes off flying, as his name says, into the water. A little tentative when he was first introduced to water, until he realized he could swim. Now we can't keep him out.

The pros working with Ken and Flyer say that Flyer has the "Best Work Ethics" they have seen in a long while. Which makes us feel good and this should make you feel good as well.

His home manners are good as well as knowing when to kennel himself up for quiet time or sleep time. Also, he is quiet when we are at obedience shows.

Flyer and Ken are the best of buddies. When Flyer sees Ken or myself, he just cuddles up as best he can next to you.

Thanks again!

I bought Loki (the green collared puppy) from you guys last January. I thought I'd send an update on how amazing he is.
Loki is soon to be 9 months old and is so full of personality and energy; I honestly think that he's a genius! He's a real goofball and loves to play fetch and to swim. I always take him everywhere with me and overall he is such a great companion. He loves everyone of all ages, including dogs as well. He recently just graduated with flying colors in his Adult Level 2 class and he has made me a very proud owner! He is also an amazing couch potato when needed and loves cuddling up next to me. He has recently gotten neutered and has had a very speedy recovery. Overall, I am completely in love with my SkyRiver Golden and cannot wait for more adventures with him to come!

Ginger is doing very well! She adapted to our home within hours of her arrival and is a exceptionally confident dog. She understands “sit”, “no” and” leave it”, very well. She is still working on “come” and “stay”. We are just keeping all training positive and fun at this point. We were thinking of bringing her over around the first week of May for some more serious puppy training. We'll be in touch! THANKS

Thanks a million; we are eternally grateful for such a high caliber companion!!

Riley is a joy! She is so sweet, willing to please and smart! Loves her daily walk, runs besides my bike and along the beach when I kayak. She enjoys running through the tall grasses to flush out birds! I hoped to get her started in agility, but I had back surgery in february and changed jobs. I have my last Physical Therapy today, getting settled into my new job. Then, I hope to start Riley in agility classes in the fall with Paws-Abilities in Fife, WA - indoor. I have a funny video clip of her chasing a couple of barn swallows that fly low to the ground. As soon as I figure how to get the clip off my phone and on the computer, I'll send it to you.

Ali is an absolutely gorgeous dog and is crazy about people. She sleeps on a queen bed at night with an open window and sill so she can keep track of the goings-on outside.

Hello Tiffany and Choral,

Bliss is awesome. Being a busy mother and career woman, I’ve never found time to enjoy the wonders of hunting. My children's independence into adulthood and Bliss’ arrival has changed all that. Bliss and I are taking a Beginner Retriever Class and I am learning how to enjoy this fun sport (I know she has already passed her Jr. Hunt test but she is teaching me what she knows under the direction of the trainer, Bill Quinn). You did a great job with her and she is smart, talented and patient. She has a great disposition and Jake (Larry’s GSP) and she get along great.

I’m running with her after work and do obedience almost daily. Thank you so much for her; she is such a joy!

Thanks for all your hard work

You should be proud of your breeding program............I took Rina to a training outfit in Stevi so that we can work on birds every week etc,. They really really liked her, and I must say, she was just doing what she does. She scored above average on her her initial evaluations, so I was pretty pleased with what we've done so far, and with her skills. She had alot of fun, we'll go back on Tuesday and start more things, but I hope it works out. Its fun to be able to brag about your dog a little bit. Keep up the good work.
Carol

Everyone who meets Steuben just loves him and asks where he came from. I always pass on the name Sky River Goldens.

The little man is doing quite well - He sees the Vet every month and weighed in at 24lbs at our last visit.

He is in puppy socialization & obedience classes 3X's a week - has two to three puppy play groups on top of that - swimming lessons once a week and gets to romp around on the agility stuff at the K9 Fun Zone - he is not jumping the steeples yet since he is not old enough for that. Don't tell him that though - He thinks he is a big boy now!

We had a wonderful holiday time up in the Cariboo (north central British Columbia) with family, friends and plenty of canines whose company Raine enjoyed immensely. She is socializing really well and learning from the older dogs - passive/assertive, doesn't back down from bigger dogs and gives as good as she gets!

She still sits all the time, to greet, eat and when her name is called. I would love to say it is our consistency that is showing how well she is mastering, but in all honesty - she just does it in spite of us!

I am not sure how it happened but while out in the yard she brought me a live chickadee in her mouth - was very proud then disappointed when I took it away from her and it flew away uninjured (I think it must of flown into a window, stunned itself and she picked it up) she lives up to her "gentle soft mouth" of her parents and genetic imprinting as she is absolutely fascinated with all birdlife.

Hope all is going well with the new litter, they must be ready to ship off soon to their new owners. It is amazing how quickly they grow and develop, Raine is 17 weeks, all legs and awkward, sleeping through the night and pretty much house trained. We need to get a new crate this week as she is hanging out the open door - but loves it.

I've been meaning to send you photos and updates of little Amelia and what fun we've been having. She has been a great catalyst to keeping us active and exactly what I needed, teaching me all kinds of new tricks.

Shes is funny little girl. a little over 7 mos and weighs 44 lbs....petite and looks a lot like fergie, though sometimes I get a glance of Stanley. Was she the runt of the liter?...she is a little girl. so cute.

I wondered if you use to sing to her, or play music? She loves it and of course gravitates towards women. She also gets excited when puppies are on tv, maybe remembering her brothers and sisters.

She loves the beach and with the off season she is able to run free, chasing after birds that run her up and down the shoreline.

Amelia graduated from two puppy classes early this year and was great fun for the trainers, "she can do anything". I'm amazed by how smart she is, she really can do anything. We took the spring off to have fun and we are going to try a beginner dock diving event in May. She is a natural in the water. Her old b&w buddy Sam taught her (gave her the courage) to swim out in the sound. Then it was hard to get her back inland.

She plays soccer with the tennis ball and sometimes uses a toy in her mouth as a third arm to play. She is very entertaining and likes to talk everynow and then.

We are having a great time and wanted to let you know she is very loved and social in the community, and a great beach buddy

Happy summer to you and we'll keep you updated.

we are so enjoying our boy Enzo! Born on Nov 23,he approaches 6 months this June. Such a good puppy! While we do not game with our boy he has become a wonderful companion, neighborhood loved puppy and proving to be an excellent biking dog! We enjoyed our first camping trip this last weekend and he was such a trooper. All that meet him comment on his good and sweet manner. Pleasant and appropriate when playing with other dogs of all different ages. He his the Best Puppy! Thank you so much for all your efforts, you have placed up with the perfect puppy for our life style!
Please contact us regarding pupping training

Chips is one years old !! She is doing great. 45 lbs . Great dog.
Sonnet & Fred

I am so very happy with Benjamin. He is the most awesome dog. He and Henry are best buddies now, I think they like it when I go to work and leave them to play. We have been having large flocks of Canadian Geese resting in the field behind the house, so I let him go out there and sniff around when their scent is fresh. He is coming along very well with all of his training, will be a fantastic hunter, great nose for birds. Just wanted to give you an update.

Thank you so much for such a great pup!!

she is a dandy Choral; so glad i picked her. i think she is smarter than i am! she will be taking the CGC course in the summer some time. she is so sweet--she curls up in my lap almost every evening. she has a beautiful coat with a gorgeous tail and cute little white bloomers. she sure does love to hunt--we could not have gotten a better pup.

It was so nice to see you today and we greatly appreciate everything that you have given Clark. We can already tell what an intelligent, inquisitive little guy he is; each time that anyone moves or begins to speak he stops what he is doing to watch and listen. Updates to follow!

My family bought the red collar pup from you and I was just sending an update on our little guy (not so little anymore). Mater has turned out to be an excellent gun dog. He has shown an incredible drive for upland game with a great nose. At five months he was finding and retrieving birds just as well as our more experienced dogs. Last week I was walking through a big field and all of a sudden Mater wasn't next to me. I called him and he came running over with a live pheasant in his mouth. We didn't shoot it. Crazy. Actually he's our hunting party's first choice for finding a down bird in thick cover that the other dogs couldn't find. On another note he's been a very happy and energetic part of the family. Best friends with our little boy that just turned one he follows him all over waiting for a dropped piece of food. He's taken really well to all the training I've provided and we couldn't be happier. Such a beautiful dog and I just wanted to say thanks again for providing the best possible fit for our family!

Your “puppy” has delighted us as she has grown into a wonderful, loving companion. Thank you so much!

Jaeger is doing great. He is just as bright and has all the drive we hoped for. Didn’t get to throw as many bumpers/birds as I wanted this summer but have been playing catch-up lately. He actually loves going in cover more than on open ground. He is scheduled to go to the trainers in early December so he will get a lot more work that way since we are already frozen in up here.

Selah is doing great, I've been meaning to send you some pictures, I will do so soon! She is getting bigger everyday, although she's a petite girl, just 36lbs so far! Her temperment is fantastic, so sweet and smart. We've done a couple of sessions of training with her and the trainer said she might be smarter than us! We just got done taking her on a road trip through California, she seems to be up for whatever we are doing. Loves the water and retrieving too!

I took Rusty to my lake in front of my house today and I closed the gate so he couldnt follow me down the dock. He walked back to the beach put his paw in a couple of times and thought about it. Then walked right in by himself and swam 20 feet to where I was. I praised him with great delight and took him ack into the house and dried him off and warmed him up. I couldn't be happier.

Just wanted to give you an up-date. She is adjusting very well. We watched the ball game today. She is walking me to death but that's ok. She wants to run, but we are keeping her on lead. She is doing great at night. She and I have bonded very well, kind of leaves Ellie out now she wants a dog. LOL. I' ll send pics.
Thanks
Steve

Well Bliss is doing just fine and gets along well with Jake the GSP. I was working with Jake on the table this morning with whoa and force fetch training. Later today, we can work on heel, whoa and here on a choke collar. He has a long ways to go before he trains with the e-collar. I need to be 100% that he understands all of his commands first. He is pretty much a happy idiot at this stage, but he's going to be a great bird dog when we are through in a few months. He like water, has a strong bird drive and a 12 o'clock tail. The rest will come, along with a few more grey hairs for me.

Bliss is happy just walking and running with my wife. She made certain to make the rounds last night, and shower hugs and kisses on each and every family member last night. What a politician... everyone adores her. I will work with her on quartering in a few weeks. You've done a real nice job with her. She is sleeping at my feet as I write this e-mail.

According to your puppy pedigree records, Daz turned 2 today! We are so pleased with her and so in love with her that I just wanted to thank you again. She and I are currently doing an Animal Assisted Activity/Therapy training. Hopefully she and I will pass the Pet Partners test in November and be able to visit people in hospitals and elder care facilities soon. She has been amazing in the training sessions. You and Tiffany really trained her nicely. She responds very well to me as well as strangers and other animals-- sweet, but not overly excited. Thanks again!

We have our beautiful little girl at home now… thank you so much!Its just me and the girls for a few days, and they are in love with her… and she seems to love them, too. It’s been a pleasure meeting you… and I’m sure we’ll see you again soon!

Once again, thank you so much for helping us find our perfect pup.

my little Saca is now 9 months old, already!!

she is now in Adolescent II class which is more challenging, will work her brain--last week we were the only ones there (only 3 in the morning class) so we got a great private session with Nancy. we worked on Free Style moves and Saca really enjoyed it and picked the moves up quickly, except for a couple that are giving her trouble but she will get them. but she learned 9 new commands. her vocabulary has really increased, knows so many words. she's a keeper. i posted several pics from that session last week on FB.

we have been working with Freezy retrieving long-distant dummies with a launcher. last week at first we just let Saca watch but then let her go and she took off like a rocket, only she did not come back to us but went to lie in shade with her treasure!

but this weekend she did a couple of remarkable retrieves. Pat shot one out into some tall grass and she went past it but then started making short back and forth casts until she got! i have not done any casting with her so i was pretty amazed.

then Pat shot one in another direction, tall grass and forbs, but it went over the cedar fence into the front dog yard. so i walked up with her, went into the yard, lined up with the dummy and told her to fetch. at first she looked at me like "are you sure?" i said fetch again and she ran over to the fence and down the length of it. she went past the dummy by about 5' but then caught its scent and whirled around, picked it up and brought it to me. she is a natural. also a super lover.

Riley LOVES the water and being in the boat!
She's smart and obedient, easy to train - does well with "clicker training". She's very confident and social - goes to doggie daycare 2-3 times a week.

Dusty is the best dog in the world!

Dusty is incredibly smart, he learned to sit, shake hands, lay down, stay, and fetch with ease. I found out on accident that he's not afraid of guns, I shot a coyote with a rifle not realizing that he was standing near me, it didn't bother him at all.

Dusty loves the water, he has his own little swimming pool on our deck. Him and I have spent several days swimming at the lake this summer, he will run and jump off the end of the dock to go swimming with you and/or retrieve a water toy. He loves to ride in the cab of the truck with me, he still sits on the arm rest in the middle so he can see everything, although it won't be long before his head hits the roof.

Dusty has all of his puppy shots and will be getting neutered sometime this Winter. Our Veterinarian loves Dusty and has offered to take care of him if we need to go out of town, although I would probably never leave him with anyone but family.

As you probably already know... I make it sound like Dusty is "my dog", I'm only kidding myself, he became the entire families dog the minute I brought him home. He is well loved and stays very active.

Jaeger made the trip in great form. There was little or no whining – he slept most of the way on the flight. He appears to be adjusting well here – already out for his second potty break after having food and water.

We really enjoyed meeting you and we were both extremely impressed with your operation. The care and attention to detail with the pups will make a big difference in their future. I hope everyone else is as excited with their puppy as we are with Jaeger.

Magnet is going great he has doubled in size, Big Guy may fit him. He has not been tied up or on a leash. He comes at full speed when you call him its a game to him. He's a great pup, can't wait for hunting season.

Risky is doing great!.

Risky loves being outside. Indoors we call her the "stuffed" dog as she just lays around (not an exaggeration). No chewing, jumping, destructive behavior etc.. We puppy proofed the house but there apperantly was no need. If it doesn't involve birds or retrieving life, according to Risky, is just not worth living. throw a wing clipped pigeon and its a totally different dog.

She goes to daycare three to four days a week and has several good friends including Clover, a Black Russian terrier and Susie, a Chesapeake. All three puppies were born within 10 days of each other. Risky is clearly the smallest of the three by about half but she puts up a good fight an is the scrappiest of the three. So at daycare she is much more active.

She has been field training with us in the evenings. Her longest mark has be about 25 yards. Go out and getting it has been excellent... bringing it back is more than weak. She is now on a long check chord. If she is on the chord she knows that she can not run off so she is compliant and clearly quite bright to be leash wise already.

I will say her dog skills are incredible. Since she was so good when she came home about not nipping or jumping she fit right in with our dog pack and everyone accepted her right away.

She is a great addition to our family!

Sonny has made himself at home. There must be some lingering scents from my
old dog because Sonny has latched on to all of Buddy's favorite spots
straight away.

It's unbelievable how birdie he is. I couldn't figure it out at first, but
he kept going into my living room and over to one chair in particular over
and over again nudging the cushion with his nose and sniffing all around the
chair. I had to go see what he was so interested in. It turns out that the
throw cushion on the chair is filled with "Goose Down", as soon as I moved
it he lost interest in the chair.

He's great pup! Well done.

Many Thanks,

Steve and Sonny

We wanted to give you a little update with Riley! First we want to thank you for adding to our new family! Riley brings us so many smiles, laughs, and of course new challenges. She is doing so good.... possibly to smart for her own good. She sleeps through the night in her kennel and has never gone to the bathroom in it, she is learning how to bark by the door when she has to go out, she can sit, and loves to play catch. We are working on the leave it and not eating our leather couches. But she got her shots, heart worm meds, and safe guard. The Vet said everything looks great! Puppy school starts this Saturday, which is nice she will be 11 weeks and the both of us will be able to be there so we can learn together and stay on the same page.
We drove up to Mt. Baker yesterday. She loves being in the car..... such a princess. We made a towel bed on the center council and she sits between us, loves to look out the window, and of course snuggles. Baker had about 2 feet of snow and she LOVES playing in it!!! So funny watching her hop like a bunny. Riley also made friends with some neighbor girls. There are 4 girls between the ages of 6-10 that love playing with her. So now we get knocks on the door "Can Riley come out and play" My Chicago friends love making fun of me for being the neighborhood mom with a white picket fence..... their jealous.

Anyways, hope everything is going well with the rest of the pups. I can't believe how nice fall is and probably nicer in your area. Have a great Halloween! Riley is going to be a Bumble Bee and go trick or treating with the neighbor girls.

Just thought I'd give you the first day update on Ranger. He's doing great!

He has slept without problems in his crate. I got him up to go outside every 3 hours just in case. No accidents or problems of any kind. He only whines for a couple of minutes on going into crate time, and then settles down. He's mellow. Of course, he gets worn out every 3 hours by the kids and needs a rest (no lack of love or play here!).