How I started
As a young boy, I grew up around animals. Like most boys, I loved dogs. Over the years we had many different breeds. My favorite by far was the golden retriever! I was impressed with their loyalty, athletic ability, happy-go lucky personality, and stunning good looks. My brother and I each had our own AKC registered golden. We bred them producing our first litter of puppies over 30 years ago! I have been hooked on the breed ever since. Years later I worked as a veterinary technician at a local animal hospital. I again had experience with many breeds of dogs, but was always partial to the sporting breeds, especially the golden retriever! Now with a family of my own, I enjoy seeing my own children enjoy some of the same experiences I had with this wonderful breed.
![](https://shadowmountaingoldens.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/20150209_214133.jpg)
Me at 3 years old.
![](https://shadowmountaingoldens.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/20150209_213640.jpg)
Me and my brother Jeff riding a pony
![](https://shadowmountaingoldens.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/2015-01-17-15.06.57.jpg)
Here I am as a teenager with my goldens!
![](https://shadowmountaingoldens.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/2015-01-17-15.06.06.jpg)
Look at all that hair….not on the dog, me!
![](https://shadowmountaingoldens.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/2015-02-10-17.41.56.jpg)
Here I am thirty years later, minus the hair….still hanging out with golden retrievers!
![Nikki Kay and Baby Simba](https://shadowmountaingoldens.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6044.jpg)
Nikki Kay with baby Simba
![](https://shadowmountaingoldens.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/hpim5372.jpg)
James (me) and Mango on the pier
![](https://shadowmountaingoldens.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/coris2520party-puppies2520204.jpg)
The Werner gang 2011!