In 1980 I answered a newspaper ad and brought my first golden retriever home. Since she was purchased as a pet and didn't have any health clearances, I had her spayed. It was not long after, that I joined the Long Island Golden Retriever Club and learned about all the mistakes I had made. I named her "Chance" and we set off together to learn about obedience and field. Little did I know what a journey we were about to embark on, the people we would meet along the way, and the places we'd be going. We created memories that are irreplaceable. One year later at the Golden Retriever Club of America National Specialty on Long Island we took 3rd place in Novice A Obedience competition and I was hooked. She was so conscientious that we made it through our CDX title without her ever not qualifying. She even managed to win the LIGRC's Obedience Challenge Trophy. We were well on our way to getting ready to enter Utility when vision problems occurred (remember the lack of health clearances when I purchased her.) My sweet Chance was diagnosed with glaucoma. It may have ended her obedience career but not her enthusiasm and love of life. She lived to almost 14 years of age, brought joy to everyone who knew her and certainly taught me the importance of having all of the necessary health clearances on breeding stock.

She also welcomed my second golden into our home who became Am/Can CH Whipaly Sierra Zip'n Zachary CDX JH WCX OS. Zachary is behind all of my current Gadabout golden retrievers. He excelled in conformation, obedience and field and inspired me to breed for sound, good looking dogs that possess that golden temperament and will play whatever game you want whether as a loving family pet or for competition. Over the years, I have put more than 35 titles on my dogs in conformation, obedience and field and only breed when I want to keep something for myself.