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Credits: Rebecca Worple

Unleash Joy at Golden Dog Farm!

Calling all dog lovers: I’ve just found your new paradise!

Nestled in the idyllic landscape of Vermont’s Green Mountains, the charming Golden Dog Farm is a little slice of heaven located about two hours from Montreal, in the village of Jeffersonville.

An Adorable Experience

Vermont’s Green Mountains set the perfect scene! Credits: Rebecca Worple

Imagine experiencing something truly unique in North America: an afternoon of play and cuddles with a dozen adorable Golden Retrievers! As a passionate dog lover, the Golden Retriever Experience® offered at Golden Dog Farm was everything I’d ever dreamed of.

I was over the moon at the idea of spending an autumn afternoon surrounded by a “happy” of Goldens (the affectionate term used at the farm to describe their pack). My aunt Geneviève, who lives in the suburbs of Montreal, also joined my mom and I to share this experience.

As soon as we arrived, we were met with a warm welcome from Doug and Becca Worple. This dynamic couple founded Golden Dog Farm in 2021, leaving Cincinnati in search of a new adventure during the pandemic. In 2023, they partnered with local breeders Dana and Susan Menne of Butternut Golden Retrievers to create this unforgettable activity!

Endless Golden Cuddles Await!

Love at first sight with the Goldens! Credits: I.Phoenix

The Golden Retriever Experience® begins with the arrival of a Golden Retriever-filled pickup truck, an image that has become the trademark of the farm on social media. I’ll never forget the moment our hearts skipped a beat seeing the van, with a dozen fluffy golden heads peeking out the back.

Eagerly, our group of about 20 people rushed toward the pickup truck, each of us finding a dog to befriend. I was quickly won over by Amber, a caramel-colored Golden, who absolutely loves cuddles!

My new best friend, Amber! Credits: I. Phoenix

After getting to know these adorable animals, Becca and Dana explained how the activity would unfold. They kindly asked us to step back from the pickup so that Dana could open the back and release the dogs. With a playful grin, he warned us that our new friends might not pay much attention to us at first—they’d be too focused on the yellow tennis ball he held in his hand.


Sure enough, as soon as he opened the tailgate, all the Goldens leaped out and dashed down the hill, joyfully chasing after the tennis ball. It was truly a Pinterest-worthy scene!

An afternoon of fun! Credits: I.Phoenix

We spent the next hour playing with the dogs, who also got to take a quick dip in the pond at the bottom of the hill.

A quick dip in the pond Credits: Rebecca Worple

I had so much fun tossing the ball for them with a tennis racket, and even though they came back wet, we were all more than happy to give them some slightly wet cuddles!

Some slightly wet cuddles! Credits: I. Phoenix

Happiness is Golden

Afterward, we headed to the barn, where I got to dry off Jewel, a three-month-old puppy who happens to be Amber’s baby. There, Doug treated each of us to a small tasting of their maple syrup, crafted right on the farm.

Jewel, a three-month-old puppy and Amber’s little baby! Credits: I.Phoenix

He was very proud to mention that his maple syrup is actually recognized as the best in the world, according to a 2023 report from Food & Beverage News. I have to admit, as a Quebecker who knows her maple syrup, his was really delicious!

The farm’s small shop was another treat! Not only do they sell their tasty maple syrup (available for online purchase and shipping to Canada), but they also have honey produced right on the farm. Golden Dog Farm also offers an adorable line of products: t-shirts, hats, and stickers, all embracing their slogan, “Happiness is Golden!”

Time to Capture the Memories!

The afternoon wrapped up with a photo session by Becca, who is a professional photographer. We couldn’t stop smiling as we posed with all the Goldens, the fall colors making for the perfect backdrop to these magical moments.

Photo session with the Goldens! From left to right: me, my aunt, my mom Credits: Rebecca Worple

Want to join in on this cuddle-filled experience? Visit Golden Dog Farm’s website for tickets! The Golden Retriever Experience® is extremely popular, so make sure to plan your visit well in advance!

Enjoy your trip to this Golden paradise!

Pro tip: Golden Dog Farm doesn’t only offer the Golden Retriever Experience®! You can also enjoy the dogs’ company during the “Wines and Wags” events, which combine the Golden Retriever Experience® with a wine tasting. To discover everything the farm offers, the Worples provide guided farm tours as well as a beekeeping experience, where you can get a close-up look at the farm’s hives.

The Worples’ beautiful farm Credits: Rebecca Worple

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Unleash Joy at Golden Dog Farm!