Our Name

As humans, we all have one thing in common: we are on a journey!  For many of us our journeys have had moments we did not choose.  There are twists and turns that lead to heartaches and experiences no one wishes for.  However, as long as we are still breathing, our stories have a chance to change. There still may be chapters that bring heartache and sadness, but there is always hope for chapters that can bring new joy.

Life's Journey -G- is in honor of both types of chapters in my life. When my two children, Lucy and Judah, went to heaven, Gina helped me process their loss.  Gina also gave me the space for new chapters to begin. Her four paws were a breakthrough in my chapters. 

Dogs, especially golden retrievers, have been a tremendous part of my recovery journey.  My passion is giving an opportunity for others to have quality goldies that can bring countless chapters of joy, peace, strength, laughter, and growth into their journeys.

It may seem odd to think of “hope” being a four-legged word.  However, I have seen it time and time again during animal assisted learning.  During the day, I work at a school and support students and staff as needed.  I have a vision of how I want to use dogs to help others. Along the way, God has refined my path.  I will never forget the morning I received a call asking to bring one of my puppies to the school.  A student found out the night before that his mom had passed away.  My goldie was able to bring some solace to a child who was having a tragic chapter.  Since that day, I have brought a puppy to school every day – I believe that it matters.

When I was 15 years old, I lost my mom to cancer. As I lay on my floor next to my dog that night and many nights after, I didn't know what to do.  Yet there were four paws close to me and sitting with all my emotions.  She gave me empathy that I deeply needed. 

Yet so many kids are experiencing trauma without any comforting presence. I consider it a duty and honor to provide dogs for those moments.

There is no better breed than a golden for this task. Their joy, sweetness, and playful personality is quick to understand and create a special bond.  Somehow, they are able to brighten any day.

We have a big vision because there are so many needs in the world. Whether our dogs are used as therapy dogs, comfort measures, support animals, educational assistants, or best friends in a family, our heart is to help as many people as we can. There is something special about a Goldie, and we can't wait for you to experience it as well!  

Our passion runs through everything we do each and every day. That passion fuels us to grow in knowledge and wisdom and to apply all the lessons learned to make our breeding program and therapy services better each and every day. We are far from perfect but know we will strive to make the world a better place four paws at a time.

This website would not be complete without thanking the ones who have invested and poured so much into me to start this venture. To my beloved friends who have walked this journey with me and have supported me through the many ups and downs to get here, thank you. You are and will forever be part of this. I could never do it on my own, and I am thankful I don't have to. Thank you God for all the ways You have provided for all our needs. Without You none of this would be possible. There is an endless amount of gratitude for the gifts You have given and how You have allowed part of your creation to help others. May we reflect that in all we do.

Please feel free to reach out with questions! If we don’t know the answer, we probably know someone who does!