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Murphy - Hollie/Bart 2020

8/26/2020

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Murphy is doing great!  She loves playing with her older sister Mia and brother Rudy.  She is a big snuggler, and is so happy to see you when you’ve been away.  She loves rides on Lake Michigan but isn’t crazy about being in the lake yet!  She is “an angel” at daycare and she made it into the neighbor’s family photo.  Pretty much everybody loves this dog especially us!️​
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Annie - Victoria/Bart 2020

8/8/2020

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​Hi Rhonda & Stephanie!

We thought you might like to see what our Miss Purple (from Victoria and Bart) is up to these days – today she is 16 weeks old.  Her name is Annie Rose, although we have shortened it to Annie.   She has been a wonderful addition to our family. She is a fabulous puppy.   Annie is so smart, attentive and intuitive,  and friendly and very affectionate;  every time  someone new sees her their first reaction is “aww, look at that beautiful puppy.”  She just makes people smile.  Looking into her eyes could soften the hardest heart.  She is so earnest in her desire to do what you want her to do.    A few people have asked me if they could take her picture, and a few have asked where we got her.

She just fit right into the family the way a new baby would – it’s almost like she had a built in routine that fit right in with ours.  She woke up in the night (around 2, 2:30)  to go potty for 9 days, on the 10th night I woke up and was so startled that I checked to make sure she was breathing!  I would carry her downstairs, take her outside, and as soon as her feet were on the grass she would go potty.  I’d carry her back in, back in her crate and we both went back to sleep for another few hours.  She’s had a few liquid accidents in the house, because of us forgetting that playing with Mellie is still vigorous play and she needs to go out right after.  I’m still carrying her down the stairs (she’s 27 pounds) but I think she will master them in the next few weeks.  She can go down 4 or 5 steps ok, but it must be too intimidating to start at the very top.  I don’t mind carrying her – she snuggles in and doesn’t wriggle around, and when she’s sleepy, she puts her head down on my shoulder.  Doesn’t that just make you melt?
 
Mellie, our 5 year old Lab is so good with her and is helpful in teaching her the ways of the world. From Annie’s first day at home, Mellie has not been too far from her. (picture above)   I think Mellie has boosted her confidence in approaching the world – for example, on one of our first walks, Annie (8 weeks)  was spooked and growled because she saw the  plastic 3 feet tall guy that holds a “Slow” flag that a neighbor has at the end of his driveway, but when Mellie walked up to it and sniffed it, Annie followed her to sniff it alongside her.  Mellie has probably seen the plastic figure 1,000 times, she never goes to sniff it anymore  – I know in my heart she was showing Annie it was ok to come and sniff!  If the trash truck doesn’t bother Mellie, it doesn’t bother Annie.  It’s fascinating to watch.  Same thing with introducing the doggie stroller; Mellie was fine with it so Annie was fine with it! (Pictures of that attached)  We use the stroller for Annie on longer walks, so she could walk a bit then ride a bit.  We are trying to be so careful about her growth plates and knees and hips!  We still have several carpet runners down and different mats so she won’t slide on the hardwood. 

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There have only been a few things that have need extra treats for bravery --  learning how to ride an elevator, and how to walk across a swinging bridge. All it takes is one or two times, and she’s got it forever.  We have accomplished almost everything on the socialization checklist – despite Covid, Annie has gone into stores to meet people, playgrounds, parks,  parking ramp, my office. City streets and suburban streets.  She has met people of all ages and races. I started carrying my hand sanitizer on the leash because people want to pet her. Thank goodness I have no problem with asking people to use it – we had to do it for therapy training.   Teenagers love her (this always surprises me, I tend to think they are “too cool”.  We caused a pick-up basketball game to stop because the guys had to come over and make a fuss over her.)   Everyone on our street loves her.  Mellie basks in the extra attention.   Annie has, of course,  gone to the vet for her shots, but she has also gone to the vet for a friendly visit where they let her ride on the table, sniff equipment, greet all the staff, and get treats. 

We go in the car to go to different parks to walk and to go to our classes so she associates the car with good things to come.  She is always up for a new adventure.  She loves our son and his fiancé and has spent some time at their apartment in the city.  Anisha, our future daughter-in-law, has longed for a golden retriever since she was a child.  She adores Mellie, and is loving Annie to pieces.  She has said that she wanted a dark honey golden, but she said last week, after spending the afternoon with Annie, that she is changing her mind and personality is more important than color and they want one like Annie.  Maybe for a wedding present next summer, if they can find a house to buy!  Their apartment, even though it is a two family house with a fenced yard, it is no pets allowed ☹  
  
We have attended puppy kindergarten (currently in our 2nd session of 4 classes, she only has 2 more because then she’ll be too old) – not so much because we needed the basics, but because we want Annie to have proper socialization with other puppies. She has played with Mellie from day one – although Annie was doing the playing and Mellie was doing the tolerating.  We were actually worried that Annie might be too rough with puppies because she is used to Mellie, but she was the exact opposite!  She was the most gentle one in the class.  She doesn’t like to be chased by other puppies and will run straight for our feet and sit between them for several seconds, until her curiosity gets the better of her and then  she’s on her way back to the other puppies. 

At the same time we started training classes at the Animal Humane Society; the first class was virtual – it was actually pretty good except for having to move the dining room table every week.  She moved up out of that in a few weeks; we started Level 2 in in-person classes (masked, following good safety protocols) and she passed out of Level 2 in just 3 weeks. First picture above is at AHS class. When the instructor said Annie was moving up, and gave us her certificate, I said I didn’t think she was ready!  Her loose leash walking in class is fine, outside in the real world it is not so fine  but we are working on it.  We walk 3 times a day, so are getting lots of practice.   We have had our first Level 3 class, and it is going well.  It seems like when we follow the instructions for the skill, she’ll do it twice and then she has it mastered.​

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Lest you think she is perfect, however, she is sometimes a puppy on a mission.  I was worried for a few days that she has ADD! She had two speeds – fast and off. The “sleeping with pink duck” picture is an example—she an Mellie had been playing with it, next thing Annie’s sleeping on it!   She is very busy, but able to play with her toys on her own, as well as with Mellie. She loves mulch, too much!  Sticks.  Pine cones.  Loves to dig.  (The playground picture above is where we discovered that digging in pea gravel was as much fun as digging in dirt.)   For the first few weeks we were constantly fishing things out of her mouth.  We also had to  pay attention when she was using a chew toy – it was easy  for her to slip from the Nylabone to the leg of a chair.  Fortunately, she did not chew any furniture or sneakers.  She loves to pick up sneakers and carry them around before chewing, but since someone is always keeping an eye on her, we have time to redirect. Fortunately she is excellent with us substituting a toy for the sneaker.  I actually bought her last two toys based on their fabric – if it felt like sneaker fabric or rubbery, I got it.   Worked somewhat ☹   Larry suggested giving her an old sneaker to chew and play with, but I feel that she won’t know “her” sneaker from mine, so that’s just asking for trouble!

She is getting over the mulch fascination as she discovers bigger sticks.  She loves to sit outside and watch the birds at the feeders.  This week squirrels are the new novelty.  All normal puppy behavior. 
 
We love watching her grow and discover the world.  She makes us laugh with some of her antics.  When she does a head-tilt I turn into mush – she’s just too cute.   She is absolutely fascinating to work with because she catches on so quickly.   The picture from 7-20, with the two of them running in their playroom, is the most recent photo.

Annie sleeps in her bedroom crate at night (probably for a few more months)  and last month we started daytime crate training because I’ll have to go back to the office at some point.  She goes in her crate from 8:30 – 10:30 a.m., then our next door neighbor, teenage dog-sitter comes over to take her out and they all play and have lunch, and I’m home by 1:00.  In the afternoon when I am working at home, and I say that I have to go do email, Annie comes to sleep by my feet, with Mellie just a few feet away.
 
Having some experience with our dogs has probably helped with a smooth transition for Annie, but the bigger reason, we think, is because she is simply a fabulous puppy.  Thank you so much!
 
I hope all is well with you and your family, both human and canine!   We will be in touch as Annie grows through the year!

​Take care
Dot ​

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Milo - Callie/Bart 2020

7/2/2020

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I can not begin to tell how much joy Milo has brought to our family, During this pandemic he has brought us countless smiles daily. He is such a happy boy and wants so badly to please us. He is doing so good on his loose leash walks. I take him every day and he looks forward to it and jumps right in the car. He has learned his "stay" command so when I open the car door he will sit quietly until I have his leash hooked up and release him to jump out with "all done"!

He has fit right in with Mia and Mabel. Mabel has been the surprise as she has taken him under her wing and he worships her! Mabel is a daddy's girl and follows me everywhere... so Milo has become my second shadow! He loves water and this summer during the evenings has been wet more than dry!!! 
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- Milo's Family

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Hero - Coco/Bart 2019

7/1/2020

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Good afternoon!!!  I hope you are all doing well!  I figured it was past time to give a good update. We. Love. Hero!!
We came up with the name “Hero” quite by accident. We were sitting around shouting out names. Someone said, “Did you say ‘Hero’?”  The response, “No. But hey!!  That’s a great name!”  It just came to us!
We brought him home just before the fallout of COVID-19. Two of our boys were home for spring break from college at the US Naval Academy, and the virus would assure they did not go back to finish out their semester or summer trainings. Our youngest also entered into “distance learning” in high school. Work moved into work-from-home. Volunteerism ceased to exist. 5 peeps. 3 dogs. Life condensed to at-home. 

Hero brought life and growth and smiles and happiness into our chaos. He’s a dude. A puppy, to be sure. Instant BFF to Scout. Entertainment. Work. Fun. Friend. He was and still is an absolutely welcome addition to uncertain times!!  Everybody loves him! 

He loves everyone, but he has especially “taken a liking” to our oldest son. They hike by the creek, daily. Enjoy early summer evenings with guitar music. Just hangout anywhere.  They have an extra-special bond!  Even as Hero belongs to all of us!

How many times has a dog been such a blessing to a family?  Maybe every time one is brought home? Maybe it’s rare to love a dog this much?  Who’s to say. But Hero is a family member that was meant to be. We all couldn’t possibly love him more!!

He’s our Hero!
On a side note, we have been using Life’s Abundance since bringing Hero home, and have switched Scout and Webster to it as well. There is such a difference!  They seem more satisfied. Excellent coat. Less shedding (I think), and - excuse the gross factor - better poop (dense and much easier to clean up)!  We’re sold!

Again, wishing all our best to you and your families. Keep up the great work. It certainly shows!!

All our best!
The McCabe Family

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Opal - Victoria/Bart 2020

7/1/2020

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I just saw the picture of a sweet pup form Mabel’s litter, and wanted to share one from Victoria’s litter - here’s our sweet, sweet Opal!!! She’s doing great. :)

​Opal has truly completed our family! Everyday, we wake up and come downstairs, and she greets each of us like it’s Christmas morning and we’re the present she’s wanted all year. She is just an absolute lover and gently asks everyone we pass if she could please, please, please have some pets!

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Wynston - Mabel/Bart 2020

5/19/2020

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Good Afternoon Stephanie,

I just wanted to send you a note to also pass along to Rhonda and team.

Our puppy Wynston, Mr Orange (Bart/Mabel) is doing really well in our home.  He is an amazing little man.  The first night was a little sad for him, but after the second night he has adjusted well and now isn’t crying a night.  He is excited to see our kids in the morning when they wake up and is just a great joy to our family.  

I am very grateful for all the work you, Bethany, Mike and Rhonda have all done with these little pups.  Every person who encounters our dog makes the comment “What a well behaved pup”.  We are just amazed by all the skills Wynston already knows and does daily.  This is my first dog after 30+ years of wanting one and waiting until it was the right time for us.  I feel blessed to have found your family and have this new addition to ours.  

We took him to his vet appointment last week and he was already at 15lbs, up 3 lbs from the week before.  The vet also shared what a good dog he is and that he will be a big boy, which is crazy to see them grow up so fast.  

Again, thank you for all of your hardworking and dedication.  I hope Rhonda’s last treatment went well.  We have had her in our prayers.

Thank you for the bottom of our hearts.  We feel truly blessed to have this amazing new family member and just wanted to share our thanks.

Be well and take care.
Becky, Ben, Benjie and Gigi
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Not sure who’s happier - my son, Benjie or Wynston.  :)
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Ollie - Victoria/Bart 2019

10/25/2019

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I hope all is well.  I thought I’d send you a quick update on Ollie.  We absolutely love Ollie and are still elated that he’s now a part of our family.  He’s such a great little guy.  From day 1 has been the best.  His calm temperament and fluffy body make it all the better.  I bring him into the office with me everyday, he’s already got his morning route figured out as he makes various stops along the way to my office to say hello to everyone, his first stops are to the treat givers.  I think most of our office workers now keep “Ollie treats” in their desks for him.  He get multiple walks outside during the day from a couple of the women.....he’s definitely a ladies man.  

Health wise he’s doing great, he’s growing everyday.  He goes in his kennel every night around 11 and doesn’t get up until 7:00.  He has yet to have an accident in his kennel at night.  Potty training is also going great.  The other day he got up and stood by the door and gave a little bark, I took him out and he went right away.  

Our daughter Libby and I take him on a walk every evening when Ollie and I get home from work, we’ve slowly increased our distance every couple days.  He’s definitely worn out from them and lays by our fireplace afterwards.  Again, the dogs you breed are amazing, we couldn’t be happier.  Here’s a photo update:
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Callie/Connor - Tucker

6/7/2019

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Tucker is precocious! He started his unofficial school therapy dog career just after his birth, with your photos forwarded to maybe 1,000 students whom I volunteer regularly with my senior therapy dog. They were posted on the big screen at classrooms, and it made for many good stories an further relationship building.

I am copying and pasting from another email as Tucker, (drum roll please), OFFICIALLY starts his school therapy dog career!

On Tuesday night Tucker got his S.T.A.R. certificate for puppies. He passed easily even though he was just four months old.

This morning he did his first school therapy hour outside with Washington elementary and Mrs. Stencil's class. I rarely get nervous doing something in public, but I knew that this was uncharted territory for Tucker with maximum distractions for both of us. 

Well, I would give him a ten on a scale of one to ten. The students were exceptionally good, but they naturally surrounded him a couple of times, etc. and he was always confident, sweet/goofy, and relaxed. 

At then after an hour which is a lot for a pup, they all wanted to pose for pictures with him. He executed a very solid sit and stay command for me for multiple photos. I felt overjoyed as all of our efforts of training paid off exactly as I had hoped.

Now for the really fun part-
I am titling the picture below Dumbo, (and I'm not talking about my dawg). ​



Of course, I couldn't use the small slide as Mrs. Stencil suggested to come down. About half way down I realized that I was part of about 280 pounds of two hairy beasts accelerating full speed downhill, and I couldn't use my hands or even arms to brake. I mean, did I miss them putting canola oil on the slide before I got on?

Some one was going to have to take one for the team, and since Tucker didn't sign up for this, it had to be me.

My last memory was flashing back to a movie scene from Tommy Boy when he always said, "Ooohhhhh, this is gonna leave a mark."

So students I hope that you all learn from this that; "Mr. Mark made a VERY POOR CHOICE."

Fortunately the only damage was an large injury to my pride, which will always heal!
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    See Past Litters

    Click on the names of sires and dams below to see their puppies from past litters.

    Sires/Dams

    All
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    Bella
    Bonnie Sue
    Callie
    Charlie
    Coco
    Elise
    Fabi
    Gold Select
    Goose
    Harper
    Hollie
    Ina
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    Mabel
    Maggie
    Marsi
    Nadia
    Oakley
    Retired Breeder Placements
    Sasha
    Silas
    Victoria
    Vivian

Why Snitker Goldens

Snitker Golden Retriever Puppies
We begin with quality tested and approved breeding Goldens and build on that solid foundation with our puppies. Championship pedigrees in their lines are our way of remaining true to breed standard. We strive to personally imprint each pup with positive, rewarding experiences – to nurture each one with love and care, realizing that each day we have your puppy is one day closer to the day you will hold him or her. We use this time to make that permanent impression on your pup, one which he or she will carry for a lifetime. 

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  • Home
  • About Us
    • About the Program
    • Meet Our Humans
  • Our Goldens
  • Our Puppies
  • The Imprint
  • Gold Select
  • The Therapy Club
  • Supporting Partners
  • Contact
  • More
    • Referrals
    • Trusted Products
    • FAQ