Following the *Golden* Brick Road

The Land of PureGold Foundation Store items typify our organic, eco-friendly, chemical-free view of wellness and prevention, allowing you to shop for what truly matters — health, home, happiness and healing.

Be sure to learn about how we are polluting our pets and what can be done to minimize the damage. Visit the Specials & New Arrivals pages for our latest finds, sales, bonus gifts, and items with Free Shipping.

And, remember, it is only through your purchases that we are able to fund cancer treatment for working dogs.

COMING SOON just 4 our locals! — We’ve decided to carry some unique frozen items such as raw bones, frozen yogurt, and goat’s milk for both dogs & cats. This is for pickup only for those accessible to our Owings Mills, MD location. Other products that we stock (some supplements, chews, treats, books, cards, apparel, toys) will also be available. What a great way to save on shipping costs and catch Golden Mom Rochelle using her favorite products, such as the MUST HAVE YardPup & Paw Pooper Scooper.

Please CONTACT US if you may be interested so that we can gauge interest.

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Fred Stone is amazing

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Yes, Fred Stone is amazing. And, for anyone bothering to see this blog post or my tweet today, s/he will receive a 10% refund on any purchase of his horse or dog art & giftware.
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Fred Stone is considered to be the most famous painter of thoroughbred racing in the world.His work is in the homes of some of the world’s most notable people including Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and in the office of the president in the White House. And, more people own a Fred Stone print than that of any other horse artist in history, making him the most sought after equine artist in the world.

Mr. Stone now has a new 2010 book out ― Reflections on a Golden Age: The Racing Art of FRED STONE.

Fred Stone’s last book, released in 1985, was sold out in only three months. Today it is valued at $500 to $700.

This large coffee table book encompasses his life’s work while offering an opportunity to experience Racing’s Golden Age in his own words. The 110-page, 12″ x 13″ book contains 60 full page color reproductions, plus his own personal reflections on each of these great horses. Each book is signed by Fred Stone and is accompanied by either a Print or Canvas Giclée.

The Zenyatta – Mike Smith Up Print, which is 22″ x 15″, is signed by artist Fred Stone and jockey Mike Smith. The Zenyatta – Mike Smith Up Giclée, which is 24″ x 16.5″ in a limited edition of 300, is signed & numbered by artist Fred Stone and jockey Mike Smith. It is provided on stretcher bars ready for framing. A Giclée has the look of an original oil painting.

Fred is quite famous, though, in the dog world as well.

The image here, of a Golden Search and Rescue team from Dade County, Florida, is one that will forever touch our hearts, our own framed copy gazed upon daily. It features ASPEN, a member of the Canine Search and Rescue Unit for approximately 5 years.

During that time she responded to numerous requests for assistance. ASPEN responded to federal requests to assist in search and rescue operations to include, the aftermath of the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah building in Oklahoma City, earthquakes in Armenia Columbia, and the collapse of a six story building in Puerto Rico.

Be sure to click here to learn more about the history of this famous Golden team and Fred’s momentous undertaking. Entitled, PARTNERS, it is Fred’s most famous painting, and sales of its related merchandise has raised over a half million dollars for charities such as the ASPCA, Canine Search & Rescue, and the families of New York City Firefighters who died on 9/11.

We have all of his Partners collection, from teeshirt (sorry, these are now sold out) to fine china mug to personally signed poster.

 

Fred Stone Fine Art Partners Poster

 

 

Fred Stone Fine China Partners Mug

 

 

All grown up before you know it

Pretty Girl Katly

Pretty Girl Katly

On January 20, 2009, I learned about a loss in our Land of PureGold Foundation family. Marti Brown, one of our wonderful Board Members, lost her Golden Angel Carly girl to cancer. But, 4 months later Golden Katly became the newest family member. A real pistol, Marty says that Katly is the smartest Golden that she has ever had. Boy, she looks so grown up in this latest photo.

Golden Katly all grown up

Check out her astute observations of that the paw-covered pouch in the care package that Mom just received from our Foundation Store. It contains our cinnamon-enticing Healing Honey Heart cookies.

Whoa, what is that enticing smell?

 

WAG MORE, worry less.

Just added this to my foundation store’s cafe press offerings. “WAG MORE, worry less” is a healthy coping skill that we can learn from our furry companions. You are supporting canine cancer funding for working dogs with a purchase of bags or apparel with this cool new design.

  • Check it out on bags, housewares, and light-colored apparel for the entire family by clicking here.
  • Check it out on women’s, men’s & children’s dark-colored t-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts & aprons by clicking here.

Love your dog, love the earth

Sixty-three percent of Americans own at least one companion animal, and sadly, most are virtually unprotected from toxic chemicals. A recent study published in April 2008 showed that  dogs and cats were contaminated with 48 of 70 industrial chemicals tested, including 43 chemicals at levels higher than those typically found in people. You can avoid chemicals leaching into water by not using plastic bottles. We only use stainless steel BPA FREE water bottles now for our dog walks.

In a Harvard School of Public Health study published in May 2009, BPA, the chemical used to make plastics, was found to leach from polycarbonate drinking bottles Into humans. In fact, drinking cold liquids from polycarbonate bottles for just one week increased urinary BPA levels by more than two-thirds. Exposure to BPA, used in the manufacture of polycarbonate and other plastics, has been shown to interfere with reproductive development in animals and has been linked with cardiovascular disease and diabetes in humans.

Plastic Water Bottles May Pose Health Hazard plastic2
By Emily Sohn, Discovery News

April 28, 2009 — With all of the bad press swirling around certain types of plastic lately, regular old plastic water bottles have maintained a reputation as safe, at least as far as human health is concerned. New evidence, however, suggests that plastic water bottles may not be so benign after all.Scientists in Germany have found that PET plastics — the kind used to make water bottles, among many other common products — may also harbor hormone-disrupting chemicals that leach into the water.It’s too soon to say whether drinking out of PET plastic bottles is harmful to human health, said lead researcher Martin Wagner, an ecotoxicologist at Goethe University in Frankfurt. But it now appears possible that some as-yet unidentified chemicals in these plastics have the potential to interfere with estrogen and other reproductive hormones, just as the infamous plasticizers BPA and phthalates do.

“What we found was really surprising to us,” Wagner said. “If you drink water from plastic bottles, you have a high probability of drinking estrogenic compounds.”

The study adds to growing concerns about products that span the plastic spectrum, added Shanna Swan, an epidemiologist at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry in New York. “This is coming at a good time because the use of bottles for consuming water is getting very bad press now because of its carbon footprint,” she said. “It’s just another nail in the coffin of bottled water, the way I see it.”

Wagner and a colleague used genetically engineered yeast to analyze 20 samples of mineral water. Nine samples came our of glass bottles. Nine were bottled in PET plastic. And two were in cardboard, juice-like boxes. The specialized yeast — which change color in the presence of estrogen-like compounds — revealed estrogenic activity in seven of the nine plastic bottles (and both cardboard samples), compared with just three of the nine glass ones. Overall, Wagner said, levels of these compounds in the water were surprisingly high.

German mineral water comes from natural springs. So, to see if the estrogenic compounds were actually coming from the water itself, Wagner emptied the bottles and replaced the water with a pure snail medium and a tiny species of snail that is especially sensitive to estrogenic compounds. Eight weeks later, female snails living in plastic bottles had more than twice as many embryos inside their bodies compared to the glass-grown snails. “Something from the plastic,” Wagner said, “must have leached out and changed the reproductive patterns of our snails.”

Wagner cautions against jumping to conclusions. Water is still a healthy beverage, he said. And until the compounds at work in the snail study have been identified, it’s just not possible to know if PET plastics pose a human health risk. Still, tests in his lab have shown far less estrogenic activity in tap water than in even the most “ultra-pure” bottled waters.

“Having done all of these experiments, I started drinking tap water,” Wagner told Discovery News. “It might have other stuff in it, but at least it doesn’t have estrogenic compounds.” It may also be time, Swan said, to reconsider how safe the so-called “safe” plastics really are.

“I used to say: ‘4, 5, 1, and 2. All the rest are bad for you,'” she said, referring to the recycling codes on plastic products. “Now, I’m not saying that anymore. We don’t know about 4, 5, 1, or 2. This raises questions about all plastic bottles.

H2O4K9 25-oz. Stainless Steel Dog Bottle & Bowl
H2O4K9 is a new 2009 team of creative professionals (all with canine companions) with backgrounds in industrial design, marketing, art and business. They have developed the  the first stainless steel water bottle for dogs, so unique due to its lid, which was designed specifically to fit a dog’s natural drinking style.

  • No more searching for water.
  • No more “disposable” plastic water bottles.
  • No more drinking from your hands.
  • No worries about BPA, phthalates, or other harmful chemicals.

Learn more about this great new product at http://bit.ly/dog-water.

If only Glenn could live next door . . .

Glenn Ross, of Vurv Design

I am in love with Glenn Ross …. his talent, that is. He is a contemporary designer and minimalist (just like me). He loves simple and clean lines, and I’d have him design everything in my home if I could (can someone lend me a million bucks). Of course, figuring out how to get him to move from his beautiful home in Coquitlam, British Columbia may be the killer.

I have added his incredible line to my site. Since Glenn creates every piece by hand, you can expect the pricing to be higher. But, his conscientiousness and concern for the environment is exceptional, so I consider a purchase from him a win-win.

And, then when you add in the fact that any profit from my foundation store goes right back to helping dogs with their cancer treatment, it then becomes a win-win-win proposition.

We are in love with his feeders and his super wall mounting kit that allows them to double as plant sconces (as shown here).

Glenn actually thinks of everything in his design elements. The fact that wall-mounted feeders can easily be removed for cleaning (because we know that slobber and food clings to everything due to the habits of our furkids) is a pet lover’s dream.

I love Glenn’s story about his daughter trying to snuggle into his prototype Pet Bed Pod when it was being developed.

And, while his storage Treasure Chest was developed with his two daughters in mind, we immediately knew it would be a fabulous storage box for our furkids as well.

Check it out here: store.landofpuregold.com/vurv.htm.

HTML clipboardCoquitlam, British Columbia.

Chasing Away K9 Cancer …. Stephen Huneck making a difference


Stephen Huneck (featured extensively here) made a huge difference in the lives of many dog lovers all over the world. His kindness and dedication was always on display as he continued to lend his talents to various dog-related charities. He recently decided to do something special for the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. He made this new print which has 25% of the proceeds helping with their “Chase Away K9 Cancer” fund. The “Chase Away K9 Cancer” Special Edition Print is available as a limited edition Giclée in a series of 75, signed and numbered by Stephen.

“Chase” was a Black Lab and a dock diving champion who passed away on June 28th, 2006. Just shy of seven-years-old, this was too soon for her time as is for many others. Below is a short excerpt about Chase as told by her “Mom”, Cera Reusser.

I could tell you the longest story about the worst day of my life but that’s not how Chase should be remembered.

She left us yesterday after I took her to Sauvie Island one last time for a swim off a dock she has played on for years. It was strange: I have never seen the water in the Willamette so clear that you could see her entire body and her legs swimming away. She had a happy smile on her face and her tail was up and she enjoyed play time at the river. The cancer was getting her quicker than anyone expected so it was time for us to say good bye. My vet did a wonderful job and I held her to the end. She will never ever be forgotten and will fill our hearts forever with so many great memories.

The American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine also has other Chase-themed items to support the cause. We just purchased the gorgeous ceramic treat jar, shown below. It is a real bargain at $20, which includes shipping as well. This Bone-Shaped Ceramic Treat Jar comes in white or black, and features a red bone on the lid that acts as a handle. It measures a huge 9″ long x 7 1/4″ high x 5″ wide. All proceeds will benefit the ACVIM foundation’s Animal Health Studies Grant Program.

I have a gazillion treat jars throughout the house but, what the heck, it is going to a great cause. I will probably give it away in a future drawing at the site.

Click on the treat jar to order at the ACVIM site.

Btw, I am currently in the process of having a drawing for one of Stephen Huneck’s fabulous toy chests. Valued at over $200, I am giving it away as my way of saying thanks to all the folks that support my efforts to fund cancer treatment for working dogs.

HTML clipboardStephen Huneck decided to do something special for the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. He made this new print which has 25% of the proceeds helping with their “Chase Away K9 Cancer” fund. The “Chase Away K9 Cancer” Special Edition Print is available as a limited edition Giclée in a series of 75, signed and numbered by Stephen.

“Chase” was a Black Lab and a dock diving champion who passed away on June 28th, 2006. Just shy of seven-years-old, this was too soon for her time as is for many others. Below is a short excerpt about Chase as told by her “Mom”, Cera Reusser,

“I could tell you the longest story about the worst day of my life but that’s not how Chase should be remembered.

She left us yesterday after I took her to Sauvie Island one last time for a swim off a dock she has played on for years. It was strange: I have never seen the water in the Willamette so clear that you could see her entire body and her legs swimming away. She had a happy smile on her face and her tail was up and she enjoyed play time at the river. The cancer was getting her quicker than anyone expected so it was time for us to say good bye. My vet did a wonderful job and I held her to the end. She will never ever be forgotten and will fill our hearts forever with so many great memories.”

This artwork is available in the formats, sizes, framing options and dog colors below. Stephen Huneck original prints may be purchased either framed or unframed, but what could be better than a Huneck print in a Huneck frame? When Stephen was looking for frames for his Woodcuts and Giclée prints he had a hard time finding exactly what he wanted. So, being an artist and a woodworker, he designed his own frames. The frames are made right on Dog Mountain and are made from indigenous Vermont Maple and Ash, much of which is harvested there. They are assembled, sanded and finished in beautiful Maple or Black finishes. Stephen also uses archival paper for both the woodcuts and Giclée prints. They are mounted with double acid free mats and can be finished with these beautiful artistic frames. The quality of paper, ink and mats insure that these prints will be around for a long time. Learn more about Giclées.

A boy and his GIANT toys

Is our going on 11-year-old Golden boy a cutie or what? Hard to believe it’s the same boy as the one in the cute puppy face photo featured on the right.

I never tire of giving him presents, which typically last forever as he is not the aggressive tear apart and shred type of dog. Alfie would rather carry his plush woobies to calm himself when some scary sound is making him apprehensive. And, he loves using them as pillows as well, which is pretty darn smart. These toys, which as you can see, dwarf him, are not organic. But, that is okay. For older dogs who are trained to be gentle with their belongings, toys like are safe. And, these seem to last forever. The duck toy is one easily thrown in the wash and I’ve had it for over 10 years.

But, the toy on top, a GIANT ladybug is new. It is made by the same company that makes the duck, and is simply marvelous as well. Check them out here.

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The company also makes cotton quilted beds, that can be thrown in the washer and dryer just like a quilt, and last forever just like the toys. They are simply great to use in crates or on wood floors so that your dog has a more comfy place to settle. The Bamboo design fabric, one of many choices, is our personal favorite. I’m sure you can figure out why.

SuperTreats … Good for Pets & their People too!

We just added this Pro-Digestive SuperTreat to our line of healthy snacks. And, to celebrate, we have an introductory special of  FREE SHIPPING!

SuperTreats Pro-digestive Pineapple Rings have 3 digestive ingredients. Pineapple, inulin (chicory root), and ginger. Natural pineapple slices contain a unique pro-digestive enzyme, bromelain. It is infused with a prebiotic (feeds healthy digestive bacteria) and ginger (long recognized to soothe upset stomachs).

This natural, human grade treat has no artificial preservatives and is a great chew. Dogs love to chew…so why not give them something healthy to chew on?

This is the 2nd Pro-Digestive SuperTreat we have offered. The first, SuperTreats Pro-Digestive Papaya Chews, are already a big favorite at my house. The problem is getting Gary to let Golden Alfie have his share. And, it truly is comical when he tries to sit down to munch on some at the TV. He actually has to cover himself with a towel because of the drool coming from Alfie as he waits for his share while my hubby munches away. It is just downright pitiful.

Get on over to my foundation’s treat page to check out these and lots of other organic and free range treats.

Golden Retriever Holiday Specials

With the Land of PureGold being the World’s largest Golden Retriever site, it seems fitting to provide some special holiday goodies for our Golden visitors. You certainly do not want any mad friends, furry or otherwise, who are disappointed when they do not receive any special presents. Quantities are very limited so do not delay if you see something you like!

Please remember that all purchases support our nonprofit’s mission of supplying cancer treatment grants for working dogs and supporting research in comparative oncology, the study of cancers that occur similarly in people and companion animals. Also, given these tough economic times, donations are near non-existent, so we really depend on your purchases to continue doing our important work.

FREE glossy puppy stickers!

In February 2004, we photographed this unbelievably adorable chubby litter of three 5½-week-old Golden Retriever pups. They were simply too sweet for words. With our special message, we believe these stickers are that much more irresistible. These bright 4 inch wide x 1½ inch high Photo Gloss oval stickers are just great to put on all of your gift packaging or on the backs of letters as a type of seal. Folks get a set for free with all purchases from our Holiday Gift Store page.


Free
Keepsake Pawprints Holiday Ornament Kit with $50 purchases

For a limited time only, we’d like to make some folks’ holidays very special. Make a purchase of $50 or more from our Holiday Gift page and you will be able to adorn your wonderful holiday setting with a timeless pawprint of the most cherished member of the family. [Please note that quantities are very limited for this special holiday offer.]

This kit allows you to make a 5½ inch paw impression ornament with no mixing, baking, or mess. It includes everything you need to create your own treasured ornament. And, it is actually great for cats and children too. The kit includes: Plastic shaping ring, wooden rolling pin, plastic straw hole puncher, elegant satin holiday ribbons, air drying non-toxic impression material, and easy to follow instructions. ($18 value)

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For a listing of all of our Foundation’s store specials, go here.

Golden Alfie loves his Mugoh Mat!

We have used the same Mugoh Mat for well over a year now with our Golden guy Alfie, wanting to be sure we put it through the paces before sharing it with our supporters. But, our vote is in and we say, DO IT! Let your dogs dry their own paws in 3 Steps or 3 Seconds with a super absorbent Mugoh Mat. It is absolutely the fastest, easiest way to eliminate wet paw prints on your floor.

Mugoh Mats absorb moisture instantly. Made entirely of natural, 100% biodegradable materials, dogs quickly accept them as comfortable to walk on. A soft, super absorbent 2-ply paper towel for the ruffles and burlap (jute) is used for the backing. A natural latex rubber is used to hold the ruffles in place and as a gripping feature on back of the mat. Hand crafted in Oregon, the mats are well constructed and will last for several weeks or up to four months, under normal use from one dog. We’ve used the same one for several months with our Golden guy Alfie.

The soft ruffles on these mats have the same absorbency as the best paper towels or tissue and suck up water from paws on contact. After being wet, the Mugoh Mat will normally dry in a couple of hours. It is disposable and for best effectiveness should be replaced when it becomes frayed or matted. EEco Pet uses only pure, all natural latex rubber that has no chemical additives and virtually no odor. This is important for dog’s sensitive noses. The mat is an ample 28 inches x 34 inches.

Vodpod videos no longer available.

The handsome boy at the top of the page is our old Golden dude Alfie. Yup, old is right, as he is 10½ years of age here. But, never too old to learn new tricks. That’s him on our original Mugoh Mat that we place at the front door after we’ve let him out to do his business. It is great for getting those wet paws after romping on morning dew covered leaves, or after trudging through wet muck from rain or snow.

We have the mat folded up and off to the side so that it does not get worn, and simply put it out once Alfie has gone out. Then, it is all ready for his return. We simply open the door and he knows to go onto the mat and do his “Stand-Stay” command (which is simple to teach btw). Ten seconds later we release him with an “Okay!” and he’s thrilled as he knows a treat is usually coming. That is why he is smiling so sweetly here. He knows this is a fun game.

We only wish you could see the 4 drenched ovals that he leaves behind on the mat, which just does such a great job at sucking out that moisture. We fold the mat in half and put it off to the side so that it is not walked on needlessly, and it dries very quickly.

While this may not be the greatest for repeat sales, we have to admit that this mat is the original one we got to test out the product . . . and has lasted well over a year so far. It’s only had one 60-pound boy’s use, though, so we can’t say how long it will last with a multi-dog home. But, we do know that following our steps, it will last for quite some time.

Come and learn lots more here!

they surely have us at hello

Smiling Golden & Tennis Ball by Ellen C. Maze

Smiling Golden & Tennis Ball by Ellen C. Maze

I simply fell in love with this image when I saw it. Ellen is graciously allowing my foundation to utilize it to create greeting cards, assorted apparel, clocks, journals, tote bags, ornaments, and Sigg bottles. I am hoping it spurs some purchases to help with fundraising.

I just love this watercolor rendering on my oversized 5¼” x 7¼” quality classic ivory linen cards.

And, it is adorable on the many other items available through our foundation’s CafePress store.

Golden Retriever Roxy at the Rim

Isn’t Golden Roxy adorable? Here she is with her BMBPET Springtime Cork/Bamboo Leash (her matching collar is covered in the photo by all that luxurious fur). Roxy’s mom, Lisa Collins, is a Grand Canyon Park Ranger, so we got this ultra cool photo of Roxy at the canyon rim.

These sets encompass form, function and beauty while keeping to sustainable materials and organic dyes to create a truly unique product. Springtime is a cork overlay with bamboo fabric design. The cork overlay is decorated with a beautiful purple and pink flower design and the bamboo fabric is a lovely tan. This is one of our most favorite designs in the line given its vibrant colors.

We’ve got lots of cool green items at our foundation store. And, it keeps our foundation going and able to provide monies to working dogs for their cancer treatment.

Just love our Mugoh Mat for wet paws!

We have used the Mugoh Mat for over a year now with our Golden guy Alfie, wanting to be sure we put it through the paces before sharing it with our supporters. But, our vote is in and we say, DO IT! Let your dogs dry their own paws in 3 Steps or 3 Seconds with a super absorbent Mugoh Mat. It is absolutely the fastest, easiest way to eliminate wet paw prints on your floor.

Mugoh Mats absorb moisture instantly. Made entirely of natural, 100% biodegradable materials, dogs quickly accept them as comfortable to walk on. A soft, super absorbent 2-ply paper towel for the ruffles and burlap (jute) is used for the backing. A natural latex rubber is used to hold the ruffles in place and as a gripping feature on back of the mat. Hand crafted in Oregon, the mats are well constructed and will last for several weeks or up to four months, under normal use from one dog. We’ve used the same one for several months with our Golden guy Alfie.

The soft ruffles on these mats have the same absorbency as the best paper towels or tissue and suck up water from paws on contact. After being wet, the Mugoh Mat will normally dry in a couple of hours. It is disposable and for best effectiveness should be replaced when it becomes frayed or matted. EEco Pet uses only pure, all natural latex rubber that has no chemical additives and virtually no odor. This is important for dog’s sensitive noses. The mat is an ample 28 inches x 34 inches.

Vodpod videos no longer available.

Come and learn lots more here!

New finds from a Master Woodcarver

In 1987 Master Woodcarver, Michael Park, opened his own studio in Pennsylvania—instilling his love of dogs in all of his work. And, there, he carves among the company of his four dogs and a team of craftspeople to create beautiful renditions of countless breeds. For close to 100 breeds, he has items such as bookends, letter openers, card holders, lamps, mirrors, signs, leash holders, snow globes, and ornaments.

We are very excited, however, about his new styling that depicts dogs in their natural gait. And, we love the new items such as Bird Feeders & Houses, Garden & Welcome Stakes, Welcome Signs, Wall Clocks, and Weathervanes. He has begun crafting these and they are available in 22 breeds so far (Aussie, Basset, Beagle, Bernese Mt. Dog, Boxer, Cavalier, Doxies, English Springer, Golden, Lab, Mastiff, Norfolk & Norwich Terriers, Pekingese, Pug, Rottweiler, Schnauzers, Scottie & Sheltie).

I’ve just ordered a Golden Bird House and Garden Stake and can’t wait for them to arrive. Check out some of his newest Golden Retriever items below. And, get on over to our Michael Park page to check out your breed offerings. Our donations are down to the pitiful level, so I have to depend on store sales to keep my nonprofit Land of PureGold Foundation afloat.

Golden Retriever Garden Stake

Golden Retriever Garden Stake

Golden Retriever Bird Feeder

Golden Retriever Bird Feeder

Golden Retriever Wall Clock

Golden Retriever Wall Clock

Pure Golden Love

Two-year-old Golden Retriever Lily loves Kelsie to pieces


“The dog was created specially for children. He is the g-d of frolic.”
— Henry Ward Beecher

I absolutely adore this photo. Just look at how much love is in evidence between these two. I met Lily a couple years ago, and she is just the most demure and gentle dog you could ever meet.

It is an entry in my Kids and Paws Photo Contest, and comes from big Golden Retriever rescue supporter, Chandler Rudd (Kelsie is his granddaughter). But, amazingly it has NO votes at all! That is unbelievable, and in my opinion, just unacceptable. Come on guys, I need your votes on all the wonderful entries. You can vote for Lily by going here, or you can check out all 42 current entries by clicking here.

Our goal is to have 800 votes cast before awarding our $600+ prize package between the top 6 vote-getters. Currently, there are 531 total votes cast, so we are not too far away from this goal.

Of course, you too, can also still submit an entry in my Kids and Paws – Furever Love Photo Contest. The entries can incorporate any breed dog and any aged youngster (ages 0 to 18), so featuring a bond between the two.

And, remember, my nonprofit foundation’s contest will benefit not only the winning participants but 100% of the proceedings will go toward funding cancer treatment for our working dogs.

Kids and Paws – Furever Love Photo Contest

“The dog was created specially for children. He is the g-d of frolic.”
— Henry Ward Beecher

Now, get on over and submit an entry in my Kids and Paws – Furever Love Photo Contest . It costs nothing to enter and there is a HUGE $600 prize package. The entries can incorporate any breed dog and any aged youngster (ages 0 to 18), so featuring a bond between the two.

And, remember, my foundation’s contest will benefit not only the winning participants but 100% of the proceedings will go toward funding cancer treatment for our working dogs.

Okay, let’s get real now.

This is just crazy. I’ve been running a fun Kids and Paws – Furever Love Photo Contest for a bit now and am thoroughly bewildered at the lack of votes for some of the incredible entries. For instance, all of the fabulous entries below have 0 votes. Zero, none, zip, nada.

This is Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Abby, and Kiersten, who have been buddies since birth. Here they are sharing bath time.

Black Lab mix Kira and Katherine are enjoying the warm weather and also a quiet moment together.

Senior Golden Maddie and 6-year-old Brianna Johnso are enjoying a day of swimming in the pool.

Sweet 3-year-old Dylan was off to take a nap and next thing Mom knew, her four legged and two legged son were spooning. They are best of friends, Golden Diesel a loving big brother.

Go vote on these entries or go here to check out the other 38 that we have so far. And, remember, my foundation’s contest will benefit not only the winning participants but 100% of the proceedings will go toward funding cancer treatment for our working dogs.

You can also submit an entry. It costs nothing to enter and there is a HUGE $600 prize package. The entries can incorporate any breed dog and any aged youngster (ages 0 to 18), so featuring a bond between the two. Just click here to enter.

Golden Tally . . . what a charmer!

This is Entry 14 from my Kids and Paws – Furever Love Photo Contest. Golden Retriever Tally and pal Keller are currently in the lead with 86 votes, but there is one challenger nipping at their heels.

Keller and Golden Tally (Goldiva's Tangled Up In Blue CGC) are the world's best playmates.

Go vote on these entries or check out the other 37 that we have so far. And, remember, my foundation’s contest will benefit not only the winning participants but 100% of the proceedings will go toward funding cancer treatment for our working dogs.

You can also submit an entry. It costs nothing to enter and there is a HUGE $600 prize package. They can incorporate any breed dog and any aged youngster (ages 0 to 18), so featuring a bond between the two. Just click here to enter.

Golden lovin’ & savin’ Sam Connelly made my day!

A Serious Golden Retriever Salsa ready for her next important mission

Sam Connelly became known to the Land of PureGold when she won Fourth Place in our Treasured Golden Bonds Storywriting Contest, with: Emilee, The Throw Away Dog. Sam also provided us with a wonderful tracking tale: Darla Lost and Found. An experienced Search & Rescue professional, Sam recently formed her own company, Pure Gold Pet Trackers, the team consisting of Sam and her Golden Retrievers, Salsa & Brando.

Working dog teams (including scent dogs for SAR, tracking & trailing; substance detection dogs for agriculture, explosives, human remains, etc.) do their jobs under the most hazardous environmental conditions to help find the lost, bring help to the injured, and so much more. So, finding a cost-effective and safe product to make their lives easier would genuinely be a great help.

For whatever reason, Sam happened onto my website within a week of my adding Liquid Net for Pets, a new, natural flea, tick & insect repellent product. She ordered two bottles. And, this is what happened . . . .

[June 6, 2009] It has been such a horrible year for ticks. I have had numerous searches in Virginia where my Golden Salsa and I were bitten so badly that I look like I just got over the worst case of chicken pox. We’re positive for Lyme Disease, but at the moment our bodies are successfully fighting off the disease and we are without symptoms.
I just feel bad for Salsa because her fur is so thick and fluffy that the ticks are just all over her as soon as she goes through the first field of tall grass. We had one search in Ashburn, VA where I pulled nearly 100 ticks off of her after only three hours of tracking. It was disgusting. When I ran my hand down her front legs they felt like washboards from all of the ticks. She has been on Frontline Plus and then I switched to K9 Advantix and neither has stopped the ticks. The only comfort is that any ticks I miss will die as soon as they bite her. I would love something that actually repels them and can be used on both of us. So I’m really looking forward to trying Liquid Net for Pets Ultimate Flea, Tick & Insect Repellent. And, BELIEVE ME, if it works as well as it says, I will be letting you know.

[Ten days later] I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The two Liquid Net for Pets bottles I just purchased are gifts for rescue managers that I work with who spend a lot of time out chasing lost foster dogs in Virginia—which has got to be one of the most tick-ridden places I have ever searched. I can put Liquid Net for Pets on my face (I’m allergic to EVERYTHING and most repellents cause me to break out in a rash), in my hair, on my clothes, on my DOG (which is so fantastic because I worry about causing her to not be able to smell when I use chemicals on her), and my gear.

Last night we were tracking a little Italian Greyhound down in Richmond that got away from a boarding kennel. We were in woods and in a field with grass and weeds that were up to our chests and when we got home there wasn’t a tick on either of us! The owner of the dog who has been looking for her little dog for two weeks now— and has been plagued with ticks every time she goes anywhere off of paved areas — called me this morning and begged me to send her the link for the spray, because she didn’t have any ticks either this time. This is a wonderful product and I will be recommending it to everyone I know. Thanks for introducing this to us. I’m going to take a picture of Salsa wearing her tracking harness sitting next to the bottle! — Sam Connelly

In the video below Sam demonstrates two pet tracking techniques, air scent tracking and straight tracking.

Go visit Sam’s website, Pure Gold Pet Trackers, to pick up some GReat tips on how to keep your pets safe, and on what to do if they get lost.

And, be sure to get some Liquid Net for Pets for your treasured dogs and yourself as well, this strength perfect for adults as you can tell by Sam’s immersing her whole body in it [ingredients shown below].

  • Citronella Oil – essential oil derived form different species of ‘lemon grass’, a natural animal and insect repellent.
  • Cedarwood Oil – fragrant natural insect repellent. Cedar has been used for centuries to repel various insects, and is regarded for it’s fresh clean scent.
  • Lemon-grass Oil – derived from tall perennial grass, lemon grass oil has been used for centuries as a natural insect repellent.
  • Geraniol – an extract of thyme, a natural insect repellent with a sweet, fresh and spicy scent
  • Sodium Lauryl Sulfate – naturally occurring wetting and thickening agent. Commonly used in toothpaste, shaving cream, bubble baths and other health and beauty products.
  • Peppermint Oil – natural insect repellent, produces a wonderful scent, and a pleasant cooling on the skin.
  • Eugenol – an essential oil from clove and cinnamon. Natural insect repellent, and used as an artificial vanilla flavoring and scent.
  • Lime juice and zest of limes are highly valued for their floral aroma and acidity.
  • Wintergreen – natural insect repellent, produces a wonderful scent, and a pleasant cooling on the skin.
  • Water essential to all known forms of life and is known as the universal solvent. Used to dissolve and mix active ingredients to allow them to be readily applied.

Dress-up or bubbles. Fun for all kids, furry or not!

I just received these adorable entries. This is Entry 34 from my Kids and Paws – Furever Love Photo Contest. I just love when kids play dress-up with our Golden Retrievers and they just smile merrily and enjoy it somehow.

Here are Goldens Kelly and Ridley (left to right) with sweet little Emily between. They are trying different hats on in the old boat.


And, this is Entry 35 from my Kids and Paws – Furever Love Photo Contest. What I love about this one is how everyone, furry or not, seems to be enjoying themselves.

Everyone is enjoying the bubbles. There are Golden Retrievers Ridley, Kelly, and Morgan (left to right). Sarah is in charge of making bubbles while Emily is embracing her fur pals and just loving it all.


Go vote on these entries or check out the other 34 that we have so far. And, remember, my foundation’s contest
will benefit not only the winning participants but 100% of the proceedings will go toward funding cancer treatment for our working dogs.

You can also submit an entry. It costs nothing to enter and there is a HUGE $600 prize package. They can incorporate any breed dog and any aged youngster (ages 0 to 18), so featuring a bond between the two. Just click here to enter.

FOOD! WHERE?

Find the Food with Goldens (left to right) Amber, Ernie & Josey

This is Entry 4 from my Kids and Paws – Furever Love Photo Contest. I just love it to pieces as we all know how equal opportunity Goldens hone in on a child (just at their level) with food. Go vote on this entry or check out the other 29 that we have so far. And, remember, my foundation’s contest will benefit not only the winning participants but also a worthy charity dedicated to helping our four-legged friends.

You can also submit an entry. It costs nothing to enter and there is a HUGE $600 prize package. They can incorporate any breed dog and any aged youngster (ages 0 to 18), so featuring a bond between the two. Just click here to enter.

SQUIRREL?

Baby Camden with Goldens Indiana and Dakota

This is Entry 28 from my Kids and Paws – Furever Love Photo Contest. I just love it to pieces as “Squirrel” is one of Alfie’s favorite words and things as well. Go vote on this entry or check out the other 29 that we have so far. And, remember, my foundation’s contest will benefit not only the winning participants but also a worthy charity dedicated to helping our four-legged friends.

You can also submit an entry. It costs nothing to enter and there is a HUGE $600 prize package. They can incorporate any breed dog and any aged youngster (ages 0 to 18), so featuring a bond between the two. Just click here to enter.

Kids and Paws — Furever Love Photo Contest

I needed a cheer-me-up, so what better way than soliciting photos of dogs with kids. So, now that the school year is ending, folks should have lots of opportunity to get those irresistible photos.

There are no more heartfelt images than those which showcase the bond between kids and animals. W.C. Fields once said, “Never work with children or animals.” That’s because these special souls will upstage and outshine all that surrounds them. And, what better way to celebrate the bond between kids and dogs than with a photo contest that will benefit not only the winning participants but also a worthy charity dedicated to helping our four-legged friends?

It costs nothing to enter and there is a HUGE $600 prize package, so please provide your most adorable photos. They can incorporate any breed dog and any aged youngster (ages 0 to 18), so featuring a bond between the two. Just click here to enter.

PupStarts . . . finally Beginnings done Right

I recently learned about a loss in our Land of PureGold Foundation family, a loss for Marti Brown, one of our wonderful Board Members. Sadly, she lost her Golden Angel Carly girl to cancer on January 18, 2009. This is the new puppy in Marti’s life and she is committed to providing her an organic, chemical-free, eco-friendly environment.

Of course, I already helped by sending some of our favorite, healthy, moo tube chews from USDA & FDA approved free-ranging, grass-fed beef. There is NO irradiation; NO hormones, no antibiotics, no steroids to the beef; NO chemical processing; NO preservatives or nitrates; NO fillers, additives or added flavors; NO smoking or basting; and, NO colors or dye, so won’t stain carpet

Here at the Land of PureGold, I often come to meet people after life has gone wrong, their dogs diagnosed with major health conditions or cancer. It is a sad, sad time for sure, and I am sending out far more sympathy cards than you can imagine. But, just like with us 2-legged folks, Prevention is the Best Defense. Besides giving our dogs the healthy basics of life such as good food, clean filtered water, regular exercise and grooming, we can do many other things to keep them well. These include providing regular exams, scheduling biannual exams for dogs 8 years and older, having frequent oral exams, and paying close attention to changes in eating and bowel habits.

Surveys show that cancer is the leading cause of death in the Golden Retriever breed, Hemangiosarcoma and Lymphosarcoma leading the list. This has brought the Golden’s average lifespan down to 10½ years. While we believe they should be long-lived (12-16 years) and healthy and active during most of this time, no screening test for cancer is currently available. One approach is for breeders to select bitches from lines where more than 75% of the dogs in the pedigree lived to at least 11 (longer than the golden average). Breeders can also research the cause of death on as many dogs in the pedigree *and their siblings* as possible, and additionally breed to older males who have already reached the average age. Unfortunately, this is seldom done as many want to breed to today’s top-winning dogs. Rather, we need to be breeding to their sires.

Although there are no statistical studies that prove you can prevent cancer in at-risk dogs, “common sense and clinical experience make a strong case for avoiding anything that exposes an animal to known carcinogens or weakens the immune system,” says Stacey Hershman, DVM, a holistic house-call veterinarian in Rockland County, New York. Just like their human companions, dogs live longer, healthier lives when they eat organic foods, get enough exercise, breathe clean air, drink clean filtered water, and stay away from harmful substances. They also are helped by supplements, food-source antioxidants, and free-range, antibiotic-free, and chemical-free proteins.

We have selected our favorite must-have products and developed 3 fun and attractive collections to get folks off to the best start with new pups or adopted dogs.

  1. One collection is focused on keeping our chewers busy and satisfied: PupStarts Chews.
  2. A second collection stresses our need to reward desired behaviors: PupStarts Rewards.
  3. The final collection helps in boosting a healthy immune response in your dog: PupStarts Boosts.

We actually use EVERY ITEM that has been included in these collections. It surely impacts our daily lives and we could not imagine not having them help to create the best in health and training.

Each collection includes a SimplyFido Limited Edition 100% Organic & Dye-Free Character Plush Bone Toy. Our dogs are always chewing or sucking on something. From puppyhood, they, like babies, love to put things in their mouths. Given the prevalence of oral cancers, we wondered if their dog toys were safe and non-toxic. Do I want my dog chewing on toys that have PVC (polyvinyl chloride, a toxic chemical) in the plastic? Do I want him ingesting processed materials or those made using pesticides and growth hormones? I don’t think so. That is why the collections include this fabulous toy.

This 9 inch long toy’s fabric and stuffing are grown without pesticides or herbicides, preventing your dog from ingesting toxic materials. Organically grown, the fibers are unbleached, untreated, and unprocessed. The company uses their unique PureWaterWash™ process to achieve their charming colors. The untreated cotton is then woven and color-brightened through Mother Nature’s own plants and minerals. Beige comes from a Chestnut Bur, red from the Madder Root, yellow from a Gardenia Seed, and grey from the mineral Charcoal The fabric is then triple-washed in pure water to set the color. As a result, each toy has its own unique appearance and color variance.

The collections also include your choice of a gorgeous Pawprints Scrapbook or Pawprints Journal to capture your furkid’s many special moments. Collecting your dog’s most expressive and fun photos and sticking them in a scrapbook is a wonderful way to celebrate your special bond. You can also use special embellishments to make your Pawprints scrapbook or journal attractive, adorning it with ribbons, first collars, baby teeth, and more. You can note progress in dog training classes, note accomplishments, and record difficulties as well. You would otherwise forget about these over time, but scrapbooking your dog will keep these memories for a lifetime.

Our 3 theme assortments are each arranged in a whimsical bone-shaped wire basket that measures 10″ L x 6″ W x 3″ H and includes a useful handle. This elegant shiny basket is simply perfect for holding dog wares and is a true keepsake storage container. This gift can be bought to treat yourself right (which is really important) or to present to a fellow dog lover—a special gift note card provided if requested with your order.

All of these collections are beautifully shrink wrapped and topped with a bow. A detailed brochure additionally accompanies each collection, providing insightful information about the contents and why each item was included.

These collections are great for yourself or to give as a gift. They are equally fabulous for a young pup or a newly adopted adult dog coming into your family.

Why Puppies Do That: A Collection of Curious Puppy Behaviors
Why do puppies sometimes lie on their backs when approached? Why do they sleep in a pile? Why do puppies have that special “puppy smell”? Why are some puppies runts? Few things can cause as much head scratching as the peculiar behavior and characteristics of a new puppy, and this book aims to answer all of the questions new dog owners wonder about their new little charge.

Illustrated with pencil drawings, Why Puppies Do That is lighthearted, informative, and as fun as a new puppy. The author, Tom Davis, has been living with and writing about dogs for 30 years. He has written several Golden books and is an editor for several magazines including Sporting Classics and Pointing Dog Journal. Regular Price: $13.95 but only $10 with a PupStarts Basket purchase!

Come check them out here.

USDA & FDA approved