Picklebee Acres
Meet the breeder
I'm Mary Lou G., the breeder behind Picklebee Acres located in Underwood, IA. We focus on breeding calm, emotionally balanced goldens suited for family companionship and future therapy work. We breed dog friends that will sit on the couch and watch a movie with you, will ride in your canoe down a gentle river, or race you to the summit of the mountain.
Q. & A. with Mary Lou
Why did you start breeding?
Our golden journey began with heartache. Our little boy Theodore was stillborn on April 20, 2023. That fall we brought home our first golden retriever, Conrad. The vet called him our “heart dog.” He brought so much joy and healing to our family during that dark time. We wanted to start breeding dogs that could snuggle on the couch with someone grieving or sick or go on a long hike with them as they navigate the waters of the world. Theodore means "gift from God." We believe Golden Retrievers are gifts from God for every owner and family.What makes your program special?
Our puppies and dogs are raised in our home! They are our pets first and foremost. We use ENS (an early stimulation program) with all of our puppies. They are also loved and snuggled on by babies-adults and in between! Above all, my goal is to raise Goldens who feel like home — dogs who fit gently into family life and grow into steady companions.Where do your breeding dogs live?
They live in my home.
Getting a puppy from Mary Lou
Mary Lou has been certified by Good Dog's screening team for responsible and trusted breeding practices. When you're ready to reach out, feel free to ask any questions about the breed, their program, or specific puppies.
Mary Lou partners with buyers to find the best match as the puppies develop and their personalities take shape. Typically, matches are finalized when the puppies reach about 6 weeks old.
"We work with families to find the right puppy for them by assessing the "
Price
"The price includes first round of vaccinations, dewormed, limited AKC registration, microchip and a puppy take home kit!"
Contract & health guarantee
Mary Lou may provide a written contract or health guarantee when you purchase a puppy. This helps protect both you and your breeder, ensuring that you both have a clear understanding of the terms of your puppy purchase. If Mary Lou offers a contract or guarantee, the details will be personalized by them. If you have any questions or want to know more, don't hesitate to reach out to Mary Lou directly.
What's included
From Good Dog
- Lifetime support from Good Dog’s Care Team
- 10% lifetime discount on Figo pet insurance
- Puppy Training Program & private community
Puppy health practices
- Vet check
- First round of shots and deworming
- Vet records
Extras
- Blanket with mom & littermates’ scent
- Basic obedience & manners
- Food & treats
- Initial potty training
- AKC registration
Location & pick-up
You can drive or fly to pick up your puppy from Mary Lou.
Breeder's location
Meet in Underwood, IA
4643 miles away
·
Other pick-up locations
Meet in Des Moines, IA
4558 miles away
·
More about Mary Lou
Club memberships
Mary Lou is a member of Iowa Pet Breeder Association.
Mary Lou has been a member of Good Dog for less than a month
Mary Lou was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2026.
Mary Lou is a trusted Good Dog breeder
Picklebee Acres meets or exceeds our community standards in these areas:
- Responsible breeding practices
- Health of breeding dogs and puppies
- Puppy environment and enrichment
- Buyer education and policies
Parent health testing
Great level
Picklebee Acres reports to performing the health tests below on their breeding dogs. Ask your breeder about the tests performed on the parents of your litter. Learn more about health testing for Golden Retrievers.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip testing reduces the chance of passing down hip dysplasia, which is primarily found in large breed dogs and can cause hip pain and the eventual loss of the function of the hip joint.
Elbow Dysplasia Finals (OFA, BVA, SV, FCI)
Elbow testing reduces the chance of passing down elbow dysplasia, which is primarily found in large breed dogs and can cause arthritis in the elbow joint and front leg lameness.
Eye Certification (CAER, registered with OFA)
Eye testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide range of hereditary eye illnesses including retinal dysplasia, lens luxation, and glaucoma, which can cause impared vision or blindness.
Cardiac Evaluation (registered with OFA)
Heart testing reduces the chance of passing down congenital heart disease, which can cause a range of symptoms ranging from trouble exercising to heart failure.
Vet Wellness Exam
A breeder may perform additional tests on their dogs that do not fall into these general categories. These tests may be more uncommon or very specific to a particular breed.
Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis 5 (NCL5), Golden Retriever Type
Genetic testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide variety of hereditary diseases of differing prevalence and severity such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (an eye disease) and Von Willebrand's Disease (a blood disease).
