Sanctuary Ranch Goldens

Q. & A. with Shannon

• Why did you start breeding?

  I had been admiring a friend’s dog, and they were telling me about him and that he was a guardian dog for a breeder. This means they return him for breeding purposes, but for all intents and purposes he is their dog. After lots of research and discussion, I thought this would be a good way to get my feet wet! I found a local breeder of English Golden Retrievers. We got to know each other and I became a guardian family for her breeding program. She is a very well known breeder, especially on social media. She is also a well respected breeder. I began helping her with several litters and loved it. Eventually, she suggested I “would be great at this”! When she said this, a lightbulb went on and I began dreaming of having my own breeding program … this could also connect with that dream of a canine therapy program! With the encouragement and help of my breeder friend, I started planning for my breeding program. She called me one day to tell me she was importing a few sisters from a litter and offered to help me secure one. I jumped on the opportunity and imported my first dog from Europe! I can’t tell you how thrilling this was! That European import is Quince! She is the love of my life and we now volunteer doing therapy work locally.

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• What makes your program special?

  As a family breeding program, we implement science backed exposure to create resilience and confidence in your puppy! In addition, to your puppy being well rounded to sounds temperatures, surfaces, textures and scents. They will be cuddled, loved and cared for by our family. We also plan approved visitors ranging in age… especially children. Quince is a wonderful therapy dog working at Valley Children’s Hospital, here in central California. We also volunteer at several assisted living residents weekly, including the veterans home, CalVet. She also visits pre-K classes where the children just swoon! Our last breeding was with a stud who is an import, from an Australian breeding program whose focus is service and therapy work. His temperament is much like Quince, and energy is mild to medium energy, Three of our puppies from this litter are in training for service work and are absolutely shining!

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• What are the different breed coat colors in your program?

  Our puppies are light golden. Colors will vary depending on the parent dogs.

• Where do your breeding dogs live?

  They live in my home and guardian homes.