Finn & Lil'Bit
Our family had been looking for a golden retriever for some time and after doing a good bit of research, complete with meeting other breeders we chose Cathy with Goldens Retreat. Her personal and professional knowledge of the breed and the excellent lineage of her dogs , along with her prompt communication made her our choice. We ended up selecting a male English cream, but upon meeting the tiniest one of the litter we fell in love. Cathy and her family had bottle fed her, loved her and ensured her health with genetic testing. We wanted her as well and her and our big boy were bonded. We brought home Finn first and Cathy kept Lil’Bit several more weeks to fatten her up. Both pups have been everything we wanted and more. Excellent family dogs, that even take commands from our 3 yr old daughter. Loving and eager to please, as well easy to train. Gorgeous examples of English creams with a stocker build, soft coat and mellow attitude. Lil’Bit is merely a smaller version, our petite girl is in perfect health. These dogs elicit reactions wherever they go and people are drawn to them.
In addition, Cathy ensures the pups health by feeding all her dogs the best all natural food and vitamins. Pups are vet checked, vaccinated and microchipped for safety. All paperwork is sent home in order, leash, comb, toy, info on training, food recommendations, as well as a framed puppy pic! Cathy sends her babies out the door well stocked and freshly bathed, which is testament to her care and attention to detail.
A dog from Goldensretreat is an investment that more than worthwhile. These pups become family members.
My experience of working in the veterinary field for many years and only adopting rescue dogs, I felt that I possessed a good understanding of what it takes to be a reputable and responsible breeder. Unfortunately, many breeders fall short and are involved in the business for the wrong reasons, but Cathy really cares who her pups are going home with and it shows. To say our family recommends Cathy and her family’s pups would be an understatement. We are very lucky to have found them!
Lily
I had a wonderful journey with Cathy and Timothy from the Goldens Retreat.
I wanted to adopt an English Cream Golden Retriver and started my search. Unfortunately, as I searched and built relationships with different "breeders", I continually got scammed. I had no hope or trust left in me. Then I started asking questions to other breeders for adoption and most of them were scammers, but one. This woman told me to go through "Good Dog" website as they do background checks and an extensive process to allow breeders on their website. That is how I found Cathy and Timothy the owners of Goldens Retreat. I inquired about adoption and Cathy spent so much time talking with me and answering questions. I felt comfort, compassion and sympathy from her as I told her about my journey.
Cathy did not have a puppy at the time for me, but she said I could have first pick of her next litter. So, I left a deposit and began to wait. When her English Cream Golden got pregnant, she immediately told me and continued to keep me informed throughout the entire pregnancy. When she delivered, Cathy continued to send updates and pictures.
A short time after, we set up a visit to have first liter pick, as well as met the pups parents. I was so happy and thought, this is real....finally I have found my golden. I waited about a year by the time I got scammed 3 or 4 times.
After having liter pick, Cathy kept me informed as she socialized the puppies. She took them for their vet appointments and pictures of their growth and accomplishments. I felt over joyed to be so lucky to find an honest, loving breeder. It was more than that because she showed such a love for her dogs and her main goal was to find happy, loving homes for her pups.
I brought my English Cream Golden Retriever, Lily, home a little over a year ago. She is my world! She got along great with my 3 year old Golden Retriever and my 3 cats. She was well socialized, which is so important for them not to be scared of their surroundings. She even gets along with the vacuum.
Lily is my other dog, Chloe's best friend. I have been training her from the beginning and she is so smart and learns real quick. I taught her to ring the bells on the door to go out and so much more. She is healthy and thriving well.
I wanted to share my story in the hope that future families do not have to go through the scams that I did. I feel so blessed to have my healthy, smart and loving pup.
I thank Cathy and Timothy from the bottom of my heart for making this experience so wonderful for me. We continue to keep in touch and share Lily's milestones. If I get another Golden in the future, I will definitely get one from Goldens Retreat! If you have any questions, Cathy has my information, and I would be happy to speak with potential puppy families.
Sully
I am so grateful to Goldens Retreat for my buddy Sully. He is my fifth Golden Retriever and he has so many wonderful qualities. In addition to being gentle and loving, he is obedient and very teachable. Kathy saw these qualities in him early on! I was so impressed with her knowledge of Goldens, advice for healthy dog care, and her instincts in breeding and training, wonderful companions. I highly recommend Goldens Retreat!
Sam
Sam is our 16th-month old cream-colored Golden Retriever and our fourth Golden overall. He is smart and like many Goldens will do anything for a treat. He has been through reward-based puppy training, beginner, intermediate, and advanced training, with the goal of eventually getting his AKC Good Citizen Title. Plus, for fun we did a “Brain Games” training class where he learned to “Read” responding to cue cards (Sit, Down, and Spin) and point to specific colors. He is mastering loose leash walking and both audible and visual cues for sit, down, stand, come, center, stay, left hand finish (heal), front, touch (nudge), and wait. Wait is a great command, and he sits while we go down a set of stairs to the garage until he is told to come. Currently we are working on a stay where we are out of sight and a stop command. He completes multiple commands in a row without a treat. He is getting very good at a sit stay or down stay when we stop to chat with neighbors during a walk and rarely will he try to jump up to say hello. Repetition is important and sometimes it is not a time for training but for play. He loves going to the dog park to run with other dogs.
Like many Goldens Sam is a forever a puppy and the training helps with setting boundaries, and socialization. Sam is also our athlete. We walk him (or he walks us) 4-6 miles each day, and so far, together we completed a Hawaiian Virtual 10K and also a Hawaiian Virtual half-marathon where fortunately you are allowed to complete the distance over several days. When relaxing Sam loves to watch tennis, baseball, soccer, football, really any sport with a ball, even golf. We are delighted with the puppy we got from Goldens Retreat and he has grown into a healthy and maturing dog.
Mia Rose
Both my husband and I are very pleased that we chose to get our Golden Retriever from your family. From the first phone conversation we knew that you cared and loved your dogs very much. You were not in the business to just sell dogs. My family was invited into your home after the litter was born to look and play with all the puppies. It was such a hard decision to pick our puppy because they were all so beautiful. When it was time to bring our puppy home you drove over an hour to our home to introduce our puppy to my two other dogs. Our precious Mia Rose has been healthy from the beginning without any problems. Each and every time we contacted you with a question you always took the time to answer right away. Thank you Golden’s Retreat for such a beautiful girl. We love our Mia Rose 🌹
Claire
My partner and I made the big decision to get a puppy and were really nervous since we live in Brooklyn, NY. But once we found Goldens Retreat, our nerves were immediately calmed. Cathy and Tim were super welcoming and supportive and helped us identify a litter that worked with our timing, and a puppy that fit our lifestyle. Once we picked Claire and she knew which puppy was coming to Brooklyn, they worked with Claire to make sure she was used to loud noises and traffic sounds. They day they drove Claire to us was such a special day and all the days since have been equally as. She's the best thing in the world. She's precocious, independent, brave, personable, loves attention and isn't scared of anything. We've had some bumps with our little girl along the way and Cathy has been there for us every step. They truly do feel like family and I couldn't be happier with our decision. Just look at her!
Louie
Hi Cathy, Our family would like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for our beautiful new addition. From the moment we found out about your puppies we were excited. Your website provided us with background and information about your experience raising pups. You kept me updated and sent pictures but beyond that you allowed us to meet the puppies and observe them so we could decide which one was the perfect fit for our family and our older dog Leo. I loved the fact they were socialized and played with and handled and exposed to several different environments. We are so grateful for your kindness and love to the dogs. Louie is so sweet and gentle. He is also very smart. I’m thinking about taking him to be a therapy dog . You did an amazing job raising him the first 8 weeks. Thank you again. He’s perfect.
Doug
My wife and I are lucky enough to have a dog from Golden's Retreat in our home. Doug is 6 months old and we just love him to death. Not only is he adorable but his personality is so playful and fun. We had an excellent experience purchasing Doug. Cathy and her husband brought him to our home to meet our other dog, a Bernese Mountain dog, and to make sure he would be a good fit for our family. They answered all our questions and showed us pictures of his parents. They took all the time in the world to allow us to play with him and let the 2 dogs meet and play. The best thing I can say about Cathy and her family is that they love their puppies and want to be absolutely sure they fit the family they are going to and the surroundings so they grow up happy and healthy.
Cathy and her husband then delivered Doug to us at our home and brought anything they knew we would need. She brought a blanket that was rubbed on Doug's mom and litter mates so he would have their scent to calm him. We have stayed in touch with them sending pictures as Doug grows. I can't say enough good things about the experience, our puppy or Cathy and her family. I would highly recommend Golden's Retreat and you should consider yourself lucky if you are able to bring one of her dogs home to your family.
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Doug Story Updated from above
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We bought a boat and have it on the Chesapeake. We bring Doug down on the weekends with us. People can’t get over how handsome he is. But even more they can’t believe he is only 3. He has such an amazing calm temperament and loves everyone. He is such an amazing dog!! Thank you for such a great pup!!!
Rory
Goldens retreat have been the best breeders I have ever experienced. Ever since the beginning they were very communicative with FaceTime calls and text messages. They kept me updated as he was growing up and made it all so simple. They even brought my puppy (Rory) all the way to Charlotte,NC from Pennsylvania. He was groomed right before and I was so happy when he arrived at my front door. He is the best thing that has ever happened to me. He’s an amazing dog, very playful, loyal, funny/goofy, loving and smart! Goldens retreat knows exactly what they’re doing when it comes to breeding the best English cream retrievers. They are such amazing dogs. I couldn’t imagine my life without Rory and I’m so thankful for Goldens Retreat and everything they have done. They even brought him to me with a goody bag of food, a ball, and a framed puppy picture of him. He’s been growing fast and healthy and developing a bigger personality every day. I’m so thankful and when Rory needs a brother or sister I will be going back to them.
Daisy
We can’t imagine our lives without our Daisy! It was love at first sight when we first saw her and we feel lucky to have her. She brings so much joy to everyone’s day, whether it’s grandma & grandpa or a stranger on the street. She has the funniest personality and is always making us laugh. Daisy is a NYC girl and quickly adjusted to city life. Her favorite place to go for our morning walks is Central Park — we’re always so happy seeing her enjoy the biggest backyard of them all. She’s a quick learner and has a lot of tricks up her sleeve (we think her favorite one is “kiss!”) People always comment how well tempered she is for a 1 year old. Her loyalty is unbelievable - she’s always by our sides. Thank you Cathy & Tim for bringing her into our lives!
Daisy
We could not be more thankful to Cathy and her husband from Goldens Retreat! They were so interested in ensuring that we had the most amazing, personal experience from the moment we initially communicated! They ensured that we visited with and became fully immersed with multiple puppies to determine the best fit for our son (spoiler: we did NOT end up with the first puppy we looked at). Cathy answered all of our many questions since we had never owned a Golden before. Everything within the process was smooth and we had consistent communication throughout the purchase process! The follow-up communication has been amazing and they are always available to answer questions and have a wealth of knowledge about the breed and raising dogs to be the healthiest and happiest they can be, physically, mentally, and socially! Would definitely highly recommend them to anyone who wants to give a good dog a great home!​
Dewey
My husband and I were not looking to get a golden retriever anytime soon. It was on our ‘bucket’ list down the road. While on a family vacation at Dewey Beach in Delaware, my husband struck up a conversation with a man walking his two golden retrievers on the beach. We both marveled at how well behaved and calm the two dogs were, one was under a year old. The gentleman told us about Cathy and all the work she and her family do with puppy training and socialization.
By the next morning my husband said he could not stop thinking about the dogs. We did some research and found Cathy’s website. We happened to get lucky because there was one female puppy available. We named her Dewey. A puppy from Golden Retreats is worth the investment! Dewey is loving, eager to please relaxed well adjusted girl.
One of her favorite past times is watching out the front window with her 10 year old Border Collie ‘brother’. She is never the one to bark at anything she sees out the front! Not even the letter carrier!
She is so funny and entertaining. If she has to go out to do her business, she will sit at the back door and make the lowest wooooffff to let us know. We are thrilled we took the advice of a stranger back in the summer of 2024!
My husband says No for now, but one day when Dewey needs another sibling, we will be back to Golden Retreats!
Leo
Our Leo story,
When the time arrived for us to start looking into adding another Golden to our family a friend highly recommended Goldens Retreat. That they go the extra mile in health certifications and sensitivity training and the like.
From our first contact with Cathy and Tim it was clear this is labor of love. Their knowledge and care for these dogs is phenomenal! We were invited to their home to see all the puppies and interact with them. They offered facts about each and every one, what kind of personality they had, how active they were and such. It was a really tough but fun decision to make.
When we felt confident which one would join our family we were invited back to spend bonding time with him and when we could finally pick him up we were sent home with a goody bag full of information filled with all sorts of things from vet records, chip information and lots of useful general information and even an adorable framed picture of our Leo. We left feeling our new puppy had started his life given all possible health and temperament advantages he could possibly get! The amount of training they do with those puppies is incredible and so helpful.
Leo immediately bonded with his new brother and they are best buds. He has enjoyed learning through all of his puppy obedience training classes and is very athletic so he has had several agility classes and continues on now with rally. But as much as he loves those things, he is a Golden and lives to be loved by people!
He has been such a fun addition to our family, both 2 legged and 4 and we are grateful to Cathy and Tim and would highly recommend Goldens Retreat to anyone who is looking to invest in a Golden experience!