Real Life Tales from Beyond our Garden Gate...
We have the GREATEST job in the whole world and get to share puppy love with so many wonderful families from all over the United States and internationally as well.
We enjoy long-term relationships with those who have adopted Cottage Garden puppies and are privileged to feature a glimpse of their lives with you!
Marbles - Autism Assistance Dog
Marbles is a 2023 graduate of Cottage Gardens Puppy Academy 13 week training program customized to meet the special needs of his family’s 10-year-old son, Finn, who carries an Autism Spectrum diagnosis.
Marbles went to his new home in Northern Virginia at just over 5 months of age and has bettered their lives in so many ways. From the moment they met, Marbles knew that Finn was his responsibility. Finn (who did not converse with many people) began to have conversations with Marbles, and Marbles listened.
On the drive home, Finn’s parents reported immediate positive changes in Finn, and he is now a happy little boy who is learning to enjoy the world in a way that he had not with Marbles at his side. Finn can now be separate from his mom, enjoys going outside, and even began attending school again.
“Marbles” is one of Snoopy’s littermates and Peanuts is Finn’s Favorite comic: “When you have a FRIEND who checks on you and wants nothing but the best for you without motive, keep them close, because such souls are hard to find.” Charles M. Schultz
Grady - Autism Assistance Dog
Grady is a 2021 Graduate of Cottage Gardens Puppy Academy 15 week training program customized to meet the special needs of his family’s 9-year-old son, Connor, who carries an Autism Spectrum diagnosis.
Grady went to his new home at just over 5 and a half months of age in New Jersey. Grady was specifically trained to provide deep pressure for Connor. Grady formed an immediate bond with Connor and in him mom’s words, ” He ahsbeen doing pressure for Connor even without asking. He just picks up on his need and does it. “
Grady loves the beach and he loves to swim. He has continued on with a new trainer and is working towards his service dog certification.
Brooke - Certified Therapy Dog in Florida
Brooke volunteers at several hospitals including All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg – the former workplace of her owner. She’s a talker and loves to visit with the patients and their families.
At home, she enjoys riding in the golf cart and will jump aboard at a moment’s notice – sitting patiently until she gets a ride. She is an avid swimmer in the pool and ocean and has learned to dive with huge splashes. Chasing tennis balls is another favorite pastime.
Mary and Wally report her personality cannot be beaten. She is sweet and calm and has great eye contact when directed to do something. Brooke was very easy to train.
About Cottage Garden, “You were very easy to work with from day one and always took time to answer my many questions. I felt confident that we would get the dog you promised even though we hadn’t met you or visited the puppies.
We got more than we bargained for. She is an awesome dog – everyone who meets her realizes she is a great dog.
When asked what breed of dog she is, I answer, Goldadorable – which she definitely is!”
Brooke’s best friend is Gunner (black Lab pictured below) – a retired Southeastern Guide Dog.
Cooper - TDI Certified in North Carolina
Ann reports: Cooper is the most intelligent dog we’ve ever owned of the ten or so dogs we’ve had throughout our lives. He has excelled in his schooling and is running his obedience and agility courses with body and hand signals. He easily acquired his Therapy Dog International certification at 16 months of age.
He has been an excellent traveler from the beginning – with many 12 hour trips back and forth between home in North Carolina and Florida. Cooper serves as an emotional support companion in an intensive rehabilitation center. He naturally gravitated toward calming people with special needs.
He is the most lovable creature and constantly has everybody wanting to “steal” him and in stitches with his antics. We rarely meet a person who doesn’t comment on what a beautiful and well-mannered dog he is.
We thank Cottage Garden for producing this exceptional and hearty breed of dog. He is a wonderful companion!
Pictured below: Cooper with his Doradoodle brother Darby who is following in his footsteps!
Bailee - Canine Good Citizen in Tennessee
Bailee resides in Tennessee with her owners, Susan and Bob. Her passion is swimming in the lake, and she enjoys rides on the boat and paddleboard. She jumps off the dock after tennis balls, and her family wears out long before she does!
Bailee easily passed her Canine Good Citizenship class. She seldom barks and follows Susan around the house (right on her heels). She loves everyone and does not know a strange person or dog – everyone is her friend! At one year old, Bailee weighs 45 pounds (and is so exceptionally good that her owners are considering getting another one).
She understands numerous commands and hand signals, and her trainer reports that she is the best dog he has ever worked with. She is quick, eager to please, and extremely bright.
After owning numerous dogs of different breeds, Susan states, “Bailee has been the best behaved and easiest to train with the cutest personality that she has ever dealt with. Goldadors are so exceptional because they exhibit the best of both the Golden Retriever and the yellow Lab, and I have previously owned both breeds.
The folks at Cottage Garden respond to questions regarding any subject – even a year after we brought Bailee home. They selected her for us, and we are eternally grateful for such a perfect matchup. Bailee is well worth more than her weight in GOLDen.”
Dakota - Family Dog
I just wanted to let you know how our Dakota is doing now that she is going on 5 years old. Not to overstate it, but she is possibly the best dog in the world. We could not be happier. Thank you for breeding the best combination of breeds there could ever be.
Guinness - Certified Service Dog
At one year old, Guinness received his certification as a service dog. He loves to work and is at his best when working. He is trained to retrieve my phone, cane and almost anything I accidentally drop. His favorite task is doing laundry! As my service dog, Guinness has traveled by car, tram, shuttle and in the cabin of planes (earning his Delta wings).
He has a custom fitted mobility harness to assist me with balance. The trainer is so pleased with his personality and work ethic. When Guinness is being a dog he loves to swim, dig holes, roll in the dirt and fetch!
Thank you and your family for raising such a wonderful companion!
Riley - Seizure Alert Dog
Henry - Canine Good Citizen
Henry is the star student at his school and has received his Canine Good Citizen Certificate. He is so good and gentle with kids. My goal is to enroll him in training this fall to get certification to go into hospitals and elementary schools. He is a great walking partner, enjoys his naps and interacts well with horses! He loves the water and has no reaction to thunder, fireworks or other loud noises! He has never met a stranger and rolls over for belly rubs upon meeting someone new. He doesn’t chase the deer, but seems very interested in having conversations with the bunnies! He doesn’t chew or destroy anything but does love to carry flip-flops around in his mouth like they are his prize trophy! He is just the best dog EVER!
