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Hello, and welcome to First Time Dog Mom!
I’m Jenny, and as the name implies, I’m a first-time dog mom to a Golden Retriever named Ellie.
This website is my way of sharing the ups and downs, joys and challenges of navigating the world of dog parenting for the first time.
That’s me in the photo above holding Ellie when she was about 5 weeks old. My husband and I had just visited the breeder to select a puppy from a litter of 8.
A Life-Long Love For Dogs
My love for dogs started when I was just a young child.
Growing up, our household was never complete without a furry best friend by our side.
These early companions taught me the true meaning of love, loyalty, and joy.
I realized early on just how special the bond is between humans and their canine companions.
It wasn’t until my parents brought home a Golden Retriever that I truly fell in love with this breed.
Their gentle nature, boundless enthusiasm, and unwavering loyalty captured my heart from the start.
I remember thinking, ‘One day when I’m older, I’ll own a Golden Retriever of my own.’ Little did I know, that my dream would come true with Ellie by my side.
Meet Ellie, My Golden Inspiration
My journey as a first-time dog mom officially began when Ellie entered my life at 8 weeks old.
Ellie is a typical Golden Retriever who is super sweet, gentle, and spoiled by her humans.
Currently, she is 8 years old and I can’t imagine my life without her!
She’s the inspiration behind “First Time Dog Mom”, and our adventures together have been a source of valuable experience and learning.
Why “First Time Dog Mom”?
As a fellow first-time dog mom, I understand the excitement, the questions, and the rollercoaster of emotions that come with this incredible responsibility.
Just like you, I have experienced the joys and the frustrations that come with being a first-time dog mom.
I started this website as a way to share my experience as 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 offers honest advice.
Over eight years of being a dog mom, I’ve encountered various issues, with allergies being a major concern.
I’m on a constant quest to find the best products and solutions for my dog, just like you.
Dogs aren’t just pets; they’re family!
What You’ll Find Here
First Time Dog Mom is your ultimate resource for all things dog-related, with a special focus on Golden Retrievers, a breed that’s close to my heart.
Whether you’re a proud Golden Retriever parent or considering adding one to your family, you’ll find valuable insight, tips, and advice tailored specifically to this wonderful breed.
But, that’s not all, this website is open to dog lovers of every kind who are looking to make life with their furry best friend the most enjoyable it can be!
Thank You For Visiting
Thanks for stopping by ‘First Time Dog Mom’, I’m thrilled you’re here!
Feel free to explore my articles, and remember to check back often for fresh insights, product reviews, and helpful advice.
Be sure to follow me on social media to stay connected, and remember, your comments and questions are always welcome.
Warm Regards,
Jenny.
Hi, I’m Jenny, the owner and content creator of First Time Dog Mom. As the proud owner of Ellie, my senior Golden Retriever, I share the insights and tips I’ve learned through my own experiences as a dog mom. With a lifelong love of animals, I hope to be a helpful resource for others navigating the joys and challenges of pet parenthood.
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.