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[UPDATED MAY 2020]
Hi everyone and welcome to my website First Time Dog Mom. A site dedicated to all things dog-related, more specifically Golden Retrievers.
Here you will find tips and advice to help make the journey of dog parenting a great one for both you and your dog. My website includes personal product reviews and my experience as a Dog Mom. I only recommend products that I love and use myself.
A Little Bit About Myself
As the website name implies, I am a First Time Dog Mom to a Golden Retriever named Ellie. I’m Jenny, that’s me in the photo above, holding Ellie when she was about 5 weeks old. My husband Aaron and I had just visited the breeder and picked her from a litter of 8 females.
Currently, Ellie is 5 years old, and she has given us so much joy, and we can’t imagine our life without her. The three of us currently live in Peterborough, ON Canada.
Being a First Time Dog Mom is a lot of work and a learning experience. It was very hard in the beginning, especially going from just the two of us to being dog parents. I have learned so much over the past 5 years, and have made a few mistakes along the way too. Every day has its challenges, and there is never a dull moment.
Growing up my parents owned a Golden Retriever, and that is when I fell in love with the breed, and I couldn’t wait until I was able to own one of my own. Anyone who owns a Golden knows that they are so gentle, loving and oftentimes goofy.
Why I Started First Time Dog Mom
I started my website as a way to share my experience of being a First Time Dog Mom and to help other first-time dog owners. There are situations and problems that first-time dog owners will come across, and I want to be that helpful website that people can go to, to find real honest answers.
During my 5 years as a Dog Mom, I have dealt with several dog issues, the biggest issue has been allergies, and trying to find the best food for my dog that doesn’t cause sensitivities. I am constantly researching and finding out the best products for my dog. Everyone who owns a dog knows that a dog is not just a dog, a dog is a loving member of the family.
What You Will Find Here
On this website, you will find helpful information, from how to take care of a Golden Retriever, to the best products to use. You will find honest reviews of products that I find useful and love myself.
This website is not just for Golden Retriever owners, but for all dog owners who are looking to make life with their furry best friend the most enjoyable, it can be.
Meet Ellie
Ellie is a typical Golden Retriever who is super sweet, spoiled by her humans, and enjoys lounging on the couch, playing with her plush toys, and she loves the snow!
Thank You For Visiting
I really hope you enjoy my website and reading my posts. Make sure to check back often, as I am constantly adding new product reviews and helpful advice. From one dog owner to another, make every moment special with your dog, because the time spent with your best friend is never long enough.
Cheers,
Jenny.
Please leave comments below, and any questions you may have. I would love to hear from you. Be sure to follow me on my social media accounts, and share any posts that you love.
Thank you.
What About You?
Are you as passionate about your dog as I am? Perhaps you have a different passion that you want to share with everyone, learn how you too can share your experience and create a website of your own.
Click here to see how you can create your very own website.
I am the proud owner of a Golden Retriever named Ellie. She keeps me busy, and when she is resting, you can find me working on my blog. She is always close by though. I live in Stirling, ON Canada with my husband, and we both enjoy the never a dull moment life with our Ellie.
Hi! I’m currently in the process of adopting a golden retriever and I keep
going back and forth if a male or female would be best. Initially, I was set on adopting a female but after reading more I’m
concerned. My decision isn’t based on temperament but on possible cancer due to spay/neuter. Do you have more info
on this topic that could help me?
Hi Rhonda,
Thanks for reaching out. You are taking the right steps, in that you are researching the breed before you decide to commit. Many people fail to research before adopting or buying a puppy or dog, which is why so many dogs end up in shelters.
When it comes to Golden Retrievers, you cannot go wrong with either male or female, both sexes have the same wonderful qualities.
It is true that this breed is very prone to cancer, more so than any other breed. The Morris Animal Foundation is currently conducting a study specifically on Golden Retrievers, it is called the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study. They are looking at the effects of early spay/neuter on this breed, as well as why cancer is so prevalent.
I recently wrote an article on spaying a female Golden Retriever, you may wish to read it. Basically, spaying a female Golden at any age increases the risk of certain cancers, but if spaying is a must (and it is for many dog owners), spaying should be done at 1 year or older, and then being vigilant of the cancers.
The guidelines for male Golden Retrievers suggest that neutering should be delayed beyond 1 year of age, this is based on increased risks of joint disorders and cancers. You can read the research that was published in 2020 from UC Davis. (You’ll need to scroll down to Golden Retrievers to read the summary of results).
As with any breed of dog, there is always a risk of some sort of health issue or genetic issue. Cancer is found in many dogs. There are many Golden Retrievers that live well beyond their average life expectancy of 10-12 years. Many of them live 14+ years. If you ask any Golden Retriever owner, they will tell you that owning a Golden is truly a blessing and a gift! The love that these dogs will show and give to you is unlike anything else.
I believe that there are many bad breeders who are breeding just for the money and not doing anything to better this breed, which is likely the reason that cancer and other health issues are so prevalent.
All I can say is that you do need to do your research. Search for a responsible breeder, or go through a shelter and adopt a Golden who is looking for their forever home.
I hope this information helps you make your decision.
Jenny.