Rhonda & Stephanie,

Attached is a picture of Morgan in his Halloween costume, for which he won FIRST PRIZE in the Pawsitive Paws Academy Halloween Costume Contest in Cedar Rapids! There was tough competition, believe me!

We described Morgan as coming as a  "GOOD DOG" - we had "GOOD DOG" written in gold metallic letters on the side of his costume, which you can't see. Oh dear, his wings aren't showing, either, maybe we took them off for this picture! His wings were held on by gold roping.  (I sewed the costume myself!)

Morgan was extremely patient, putting on and wearing this get-up!   That is, after we changed the wings from FEATHER wings to CLOTH wings!  (He kept wanting to chew on those feather wings! :) We are thinking of using this picture for our Christmas card!

Hope you are all well and enjoying the holiday season.  Morgan is doing VERY well, and really is a GOOD DOG! (Although that costume did elicit a few chuckles from his daycare providers! :)

He is very energetic (can go on a 2-3 mile walk with energy to spare) and healthy and still personality-plus! He does not suffer in silence if he has a need (like a tummy rub!), and he makes us laugh every day.  Not to mention he does like to snuggle alot, too. He is the most outgoing dog I have ever seen, with dogs and people alike, and is never fazed by a dog who might not be friendly or even snarl or growl at him! His temperament is amazing...last fall, he had an altercation with a sharp branch and suffered a cut under his eye. We took him to the emergency clinic where the doctor put in a STAPLE, and he didn't even flinch the entire time they worked on him!  The staff was amazed!  

We think of you often, and are so thankful for our little angel, Morgan!
Sincerely,
Mary and Chuck Barnes

Dear Stephanie and Rhonda,

I wanted to share some pictures with you taken this last weekend by a dear friend of ours.  They really capture the essence of Opus' personality.  He is such a fun-loving boy.  It's a miracle we were able to get a few pictures of him actually posing.  He was so excited to be part of the action he could hardly sit still. 

It's hard to believe he's already a year and a half.  The time has flown by.  We were so reluctant to get another dog after the passing of our last Golden, but now I can't imagine life without Opus.  He epitomizes the stereotype of Goldens:  he loves his family unconditionally and honestly thinks he is human (or we are dogs).  The other day I caught him looking at himself in the full length mirror.  Rather than barking or getting skittish, he actually stood and posed while taking it all in.  I guess he's a bit full of himself sometimes :-)

He has started "talking" more lately.  If I put on a certain pair of shoes that are usually associated with taking a walk, he immediately tells me about it by whimpering.  And if he wants to play and isn't getting anyone on board, he barks until we give in.  I think we spoil him just a bit!! 

Anneke recently had a birthday and he was more excited about opening her presents than she was.  I can't wait to see what Christmas has in store!

Happy Fall!
The Nielsens

First, it goes without saying that Courtney and I have realized that our life revolves around Lincoln and we love it that way. He has changed things around in so many positive ways and we love it. The loyalty he provides, his mannerisms, temperament, and pure love he gives make him one of a kind. 

Everyone we know loves him as well! I have changed jobs here in the past 8 months and I bring Lincoln to work with me everyday. I still work at home like I used to but he hangs out with me when I go to the office as well. Needless to say many many many people swing by my office only to see Lincoln. 

Lincoln is not one to love the water yet, occasionally at the lake house he will get his paws wet if we take him to a shore line but other then that he stays away from it EXCEPT for when we find him playing in his water bowls. He literally puts his entire face in it and blows bubbles. It is hysterical. 

Lincoln has two "cousins" that are huskies and he loves playing with them in the back yard. They are a little older so their play time ends earlier then his but that doesn't stop him by any means. He loves the dog parks as well. There is a lake here in Des Moines that we walk around. Sometimes without a leash and that allows him to experiment on his own through the woods. He doesn't like it if we get about 20 yards ahead or behind him before he will sprint to us. Too Funny! 

This first year has gone by extremely fast, Courtney and I are both the excited for the upcoming memories that Lincoln will provide. It amazes us both how smart he is as well and how quickly he catches on to things. 

Wouldn't trade him for the world!

Ethan & Courtney 

Hello!
I am writing to catch you up on Maggie, who has continued to be a  wonderful, beautiful, amazing dog.  We love her and she has become like one of our children.  She loves long walks, whether it be rain, snow, or sunshine.  In the winter she LOVES to bury her head in the snow and then walk forward, almost like her head is shovel.  Then she eats out of the pile she has made.  What a personality. :)

We host a regular poker night and every time our friends come over, there is 15 minutes before we can start because everyone has to make a fuss over her.  They sit down with her, pet her, and give her hugs and handshakes and she just eats it up.  And when we walk, everyone compliments us on how gentle and calm she is, and how beautiful she is as well.  We always tell them, “If you are interested, we got her from a place called Snitker Goldens”.  I wonder if we have drummed up any business for you yet. :)

We are so happy we chose her and chose you as our breeder.  Here are a few pictures for you. 

Thank you so very much,
Kim and Mark

Morgan won "Most Original Costume" at the Pawsitive Paws Academy (where he takes agility and obedience) at their Halloween Party. He was a S'More!  That was my daughter's idea because she always says he looks just like a toasted marshmallow. Morgan...had a GREAT time as they had an activity that was a simulation of a barn hunt with piles of hay bales, and he wanted to do that activity again and again!  He LOVED that!  

Oh, one thing, when Morgan paraded by the judges in the costume contest, he went up to them and KISSED them! Both!  Everyone laughed, and one of his instructors said, "Morgan, I think kissing the judges is considered cheating!" And I think he will be known as S'Morgan from now on at Pawsitive Paws!

He really is a good dog. Maybe it is our imagination, but I think he is a favorite with his teachers at Pawsitive Paws!  :)

Sincerely,
Morgan's Mom

P.S.
Morgan took his obedience test last week and passed! He also passed his Puppy Agility II class, so he got TWO diplomas in one week! I think he has his Master's Degree!  :) He is continuing with Advanced Puppy Obedience and Agility.

Dear Stephanie and Rhonda,

Thought I would send an update on Lily (Miss Pink, Maggie/Silas 2014) before school starts.  She is the happiest, funniest girl!  She weighs about 45 lbs now and loves to dig holes in the yard (she didn't want me to tell you that..lol).  She graduated from puppy class in July and has now moved on to basic obedience.  Even though she is one of the youngest in the class, she is one of the best behaved and smartest.  The teacher often uses Lily to demonstrate!  We have found a great doggy daycare and she will be attending twice a week when school starts!  She comes home exhausted, but so happy.  The owner of the daycare is so impressed with our girl!  She can't believe how calm she is for a 5 month old.  I, of course, told her about Snitker Goldens and the incredible start our pup had!  Go imprinting!  Lily also plays with Emma (Ina/Piano summer 2013) almost daily!  Emma refuses to walk by our house until she gets to come play!  It's hysterical!  They are gorgeous together and very best friends!  We love them both!

We cannot thank you enough for this love of our life!  She makes us laugh every day!  Hope all is well with the new grandchild and mom!  Still love checking in on the puppy update to see what's happening.

Thanks!
Val and Brendan