About us
We have had Golden Retrievers since we were married 26 years minus a few years at college. David had grown up with a Golden his aunt owned and promptly decided they were the world's best dogs. Soon after we were married he began the campaign to get a Golden Retriever. Ruth was reluctant, never having had an "inside" dog before and certainly not having any exposure to Goldens. However, Ruth's inherent love of animals and David's persistence lead way to our first Golden named Bojo. He was a perfect addition to a young family of three boys. Our baby, Alex, was 8 months old at the time and used to lay by Bojo on the floor, and suck his thumb while hanging onto Bojo's tail. We had a winner for a family member and any reluctance on Ruth's part quickly melted away. A few years later, we left out of state for school and since living in an apartment would be our only option, we left our beloved Bojo with some close family friends. Upon returning from our schooling adventure, we wasted no time in finding a local litter of Golden's from which to choose our newest family member.
We soon acquired Tori and at some point after the appropriate age and some health testing, was able to enjoy a few litters of puppies with her. It was a fantastic experience with our boys and something they still talk about. About 4 years after our Tori experience, we found a litter of puppies in Sierra Vista, great pedigree, sweet temperaments and we took two females home. Tara and Ashley were beautiful, champaign-colored Golden's with champion pedigrees. We were in heaven. About 5 years down the road, when things had calmed down in Ruth's schedule, we looked into breeding Tara. After doing the health testing, what we found was not good. Our sweet, perfect tempered Tara had hip dysplasia. As sad as that was for us, our love of Golden's and puppies spurred us into finding another Golden we could breed. We ran into English Cream Goldens on the internet and were greatly intrigued. After much work, we acquired our first two English Creams--Sofi and Carli. We sensed right away the difference in temperament and loved their coloring and beauty. It has been a love affair ever since and we truly thankful for our ability to associate with these great dogs.
Our philosophy
Our philosophy as breeders defines in every way what we do with our dogs and how we handle our clients. Golden's are first and foremost people dogs--we don't intend to change that just because we are breeding them or have more than just a few around the house. We do not have dog runs, barns or outbuildings. For Goldens to be healthy, happy dogs they need to be with people. We insist when we place our puppies that they are part of someone's home, someone's family. We expect no less from ourselves. We have an open door policy at our home and that includes the dogs. Our dogs or either in the yard together or in our home. It isn't uncommon for several dogs to be laying around our house sleeping during the day or tucked into dog blankets around our bed at night. We live on a 5 acre ranch with plenty to do and see with room for the dogs to roam. Daily walks are our goal as well as fun games, grooming time, treats around the kitchen counter--you name it, we take great care of our dogs not only physically but socially as well. Our puppies are born in the home, stay in the home the entire 8 weeks and are taught house breaking techniques before they ever get to their new homes.
How we work with clients
As far as clients---your happiness is as important to us as well. If choosing on the internet, we will send as many pictures as necessary for you to comfortably making a decision as well as temperament testing done on any puppy we have. We also enjoy lengthy phone calls with clients describing our adult dogs as well as what we are seeing in the pups.
When you purchase a puppy, you are not only investing your money but you are investing your time and energies into a new member of your family. That is important and we want it to be a smooth, easy transition from day one. No question is too small, or no concern is of no consequence. We have invested a great deal of emotional energy and time into these pups before you ever see them so it is important for us as well to know they are going to a home that is very excited about them.
Please feel free to send us an email or call us with any questions or comments.
We would love to work with you!
David and Ruth VanScoyk
Y-Rock Ranch Goldens