Our Hunting Training Recipients Are Saying...

Hunting is my identity. My name is John Ryan, but my true identity is being a hunter. I searched for the best partner for many years. I knew I wanted a Golden, so the search was on. I had gone to many kennels and private breeders, but not one had met the criteria held so important.
I had a list of requirements for my Golden: smart, energetic, gentle, dark, attentive and lines. The first kennel wouldn't allow me to visit with both parents, so I walked away. I drove across the state to meet with disappointment when I came into contact with a pup's sire who was vicious, I did not want a pup from that blood. My heart was torn when I saw pups at a huge kennel in Michigan because the poor things were very weak to the point of being ill; I turned them into the professionals. I did meet one nice man with good pups, but I just didn't feel like he cared about the pups wellbeing as much as his money. I was searching for a family; people who cared as much about the dogs as I would care about my pup.

I can confirm Bauer Family Goldens really is a family. I walked in to a meet and greet of hearts. Both parents were super nice. The mom sat by my feet and wanted me to rub her belly. The sire wanted to play fetch with me. The pups were just amazing. I had trouble deciding which one would be my hunting buddy. I played with all of them for an hour. I just couldn't pick. Mary and Bruce said “John breathe, think and revisit them.” I did just that, four times. I never did pick one, he picked me. The same boy kept coming to me and pushing his brothers away so he could get to me first. He made sure I knew he loved me.

Bauer’s treat their dogs like their family members. They aren't known by a number, they don't live in a kennel apart from people. I was there many times, sometimes announced, others just a stopby visit, but I was always welcomed. The way Mary hugs her dogs, rubs their bellies, talks to them just captures my heart. Bruce is the dog whisper man who trains with pride, respect and love. The kids play with the dogs and make time for them; I noticed the parents do not allow video games, they enforce family experiences. It was wonderful.

My boy is in good shape. He is a few years old now, but still duck hunts with the best of them. We hit South Dakota every year for a nice hunt. His hips are in great shape, well "Good", according to the rank. He is a winner I praise all the way.

Make your search for a Golden a mission. Remember what is really important. There are no breed lines that are perfect, they are dogs, just like humans, but yes some are better than others. Watch for temperaments, personalities, socialization, and communicate with the seller. Find a connection you can count on being there for you through the life of your pup. I know I am always welcome at Bauer Family Goldens because it is like going back home. - January 29, 2019 ~ John Ryan

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Hunting is my escape from stress. My career and family life have always created high levels of stress, so I have found my best therapy to be hunting and my best therapist to be my hunting companion.
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Looking back through the years, reminds me just how much Bauers have taught me over time. I was 25 years old, young, naive and pompous; I thought I knew everything, but realized I knew nothing. I decided I wanted a Golden because a friend owned one. She had purchased her dog through Bauers a year prior to my search. I wanted to impress her, so I began visiting a few kennels, telling her I wasn't settling for second best. She smiled, laughed and walked away. Well, I got her to accompany me to a few kennels. I was not happy with the results. Finding breeders cold, impersonal and out for cash, rather than a person willing to share information, I finally gave in and set an appointment with the Bauers.

The meet and greet was like a kick in my attitude. They were so friendly and free with their knowledge. I had done a decent amount of research, so I was prepared to ask many questions; I wanted to appear very smart in front of Lisa. What a learning experience. Mary answered every question, in fact, she returned a few questions which really put me in my place. Bruce set me straight about a few hunting techniques: fetching, flushing, tracking and pointing, telling me the books cannot replace experience and effort. Now came the big boom; they both agreed it wasn't time for me to purchase a pup. The sale wasn't what mattered, it was my abilities to provide care, shelter and attention. They were right, I hadn't a home of my own, I shared an apartment with two others and no pets was in our contract. My knowledge of hunting was not good either, going out with my friends a few times and reading a couple of books wasn't enough to earn a pup. They said get prepared so the pup is healthy and happy.

Bruce offered to allow me to tag along hunting. I was happy to take him up on it. I liked hitting the pheasant farm a few times a month. Watching him work his dog was amazing. I learned a lot from the experiences he was willing to share with me.

My big shot came when my relatives made me an offer to buy their home. It was an excellent location with land. I knew it was my big break. I would have land to hunt and a home for my Golden. I was hoping Lisa would think of it as her home some day.

The time came for me to view the new litters. Mary and I spoke about coats and which pup would be better based on my likes and dislikes. I spent many visits with them. They did not rush me in any way. I had earned my Golden. He was such a good boy. Gunner and I built a good life. We worked hard in hunt classes with Bruce. Learning side by side was just amazing. We got 9 pheasants that year. Luckily we had enjoyed many years of hunting together.

Lisa and I married two years later. Our Goldens sure enjoyed their lives as close friends. The next years were so good; we had returned to Bauers for a few visits, in fact, they came to our wedding and the birth of our sons. They really are about family. We took the boys over to show them pups and play with their dogs on several occasions. It was not like the other breeders; where they were ready to take our money and kick us out the door. They welcomed us every time; they never had a thing to hide or any day they turned us away.

Tragedy hit my family 11 years down life's road. My wife, Lisa died in a car accident. She had been taking my dog, Gunner, in for his shots and got hit by a teen texting on her phone. My dog was in severe shape. We said goodbye to my two loves on the same day. Bauers came to my house, traveling three hours to be by my side. Bruce and I went for a few good walks and talks that week. Mary managed my boys and Lisa's dog, Goldy. I had a few relatives show to help later on, but that night the Bauers saved my heart. I just was lost for a while. Goldy and my sons kept me together.
Time passed and I realized how much my boys liked to hunt. We hadn't seen the Bauers for a year. I decided to make a surprise visit to say hello. My boys just about jumped in Mary's arms at the door. Bruce welcomed us with his jolly smile. They have aged with grace, but had I done so well. I saw this big Golden walk in the room. She was beautiful and so cheerful. I realized right away she was a new mama. She got milk on my pants; I just laughed. Mary took my sons to see pups. This short visit ended up being all day, lunch and dinner together. We left with full bellies, not only ours, but our new puppy's as well. It wasn't on our agenda, but it was like a message from heaven. I said I would only buy a male, but left with a big female. I said I only wanted a dark one, but bought a light coat. She just stole my heart.

Bruce stepped up. He drove all the way to our home for several hunt lessons with my sons and our spunky pup, Gracey. It was the best learning experience of my life. It gave me back my soul. My sons think of Bauers as family. They really love their Goldens and the people they connect with are truly cared about like family. They are open and available to guide and educate, without it being a money thing.

If you seriously want a Golden, research, search, learn, and share; I know Bauers will be the one you trust and bond with for your Golden connection. Thanks for reading my testimonial. I am Steve Miller, sons, Matt and Mike - January 29, 2019 ~ Steve Miller

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