Our Beloved Golden Retrievers
When I was a high school nursing assistant, neighborhood Golden Retrievers would visit the nursing home where I worked. I watched as these gentle dogs brought smiles, comfort, and joy to patients, families, and staff alike. Their calm presence and ability to brighten a room left a lasting impression on me.
Years later, as both a Hospice RN and a mental health therapist, I’ve seen firsthand how Golden Retrievers—and animals in general—help people regulate emotions, ease stress, and find comfort during challenging times. These experiences inspired me to pursue what I consider my “God dream” of raising Golden Retriever puppies who could share that same love, joy, and companionship with families.
At Golden Acres, near Sauk Centre, MN, our home is filled with laughter, love, and the pitter-patter of paws. Our puppies are born and raised indoors, surrounded by our five children, who are involved in their socialization every day. From early neurological stimulation (ENS) and scent introduction (ESI) to outings that include schools, nursing homes, daycares, and the lake—or indoor water play when the weather doesn’t cooperate—our puppies experience a variety of sights, sounds, and interactions that build confidence and resilience.
We take pride in raising healthy, happy, and confident puppies from exceptional pedigrees and champion bloodlines. Each pup receives a comprehensive veterinary exam, their first vaccination, three rounds of deworming, microchipping, and introductions to crate, naptime/bedtime routines and potty training before joining their new family. Beyond these essentials, our puppies grow up in a home where love and intention are at the center of everything, preparing them to bring joy, companionship, and emotional support to their new homes.
As a small breeder, we maintain a limited number of litters each year, prioritizing quality over quantity. This approach allows us to provide focused care to each puppy and maintain the health and well-being of our breeding dogs. Occasionally, we introduce sires from exceptional bloodlines outside our program to enhance the breed, always with the same attention to temperament, health, and family compatibility.
At Golden Acres, every puppy is more than a future companion—they are part of our family. From the love of the children to the experiences we intentionally provide, we nurture each pup so they can grow into a confident and loving member of your home.