Hoekema Homestead Goldens

Why Do People Rehome Their Dogs? - A Compassionate Look Behind the Choice Rehoming a dog is one of the most emotional and misunderstood decisions a family can face. From the outside, it can look like failure , abandonment or even cruel—but in reality, most rehoming stories come from a place of true love, reflection, compassion, and a desire to do what’s truly best for the dog. When we step into these families’ shoes, we often find far more complexity and heart than judgment

I thrive off of immersing myself in my breeding community and being part of their joys and sorrows as they go through chapters in their programs that I've either gone through myself or am just not living right at this specific moment. Importing new males, making the hard decision to pull a dog from a program, failing a health test, passing a health test, finding out a girl didn't get pregnant, confirming a pregnancy, ... telling the families, watching pups show up, sitting

Let me touch on a topic of conversation from this week - Misconceptions about young, happy, peppy, bouncy new pups. Most people assume that their new pup that they have just brought home needs to be exercised/played with until they’re exhausted to live a happy life. We’ve all heard the saying, “a tired dog is a happy dog.” While young pups do need appropriate outlets for their happy, enthusiastic energy, playing with them until they’re too exhausted to move is very dangerous

Everyone is gathered and bundled around the fireplace this week, passing the time like we're hosting a 1950's radio segment. The commentary has been riveting stuff, truly. But when it sounds like your roof is about to file for relocation and float down the street, that is exactly the topic of discussion. I wouldn't say my dogs LOVE the rain, a drizzle they don't even notice, even a slight passing rain storm doesn't seem to phase them. "Ah yes...this again. Acceptable" or "Rai

As the air recently spins into a chill, I still spend countless hours each day playing, snuggling, chatting, laughing, and simply loving and living alongside my pack. This daily rhythm with them is grounding — they lift me up, center me, bring balance, entertainment and immense joy to my life. Goldens are acutely aware, emotionally attuned, have an uncanny sensitivity to read people. Often accurately detecting and responding to human affective states. Studies of canine socio-

You’ve anticipated, waited, paced, and dreamt of fur and fluff for months. You wake up early, pack the blankets and make the drive. ...

We spend our days lately loving life, soaking in the slow pace, bathing in the fall air, absorbing some extra family time and of course...

I welcome the rain, gladly running through puddles as they grow by the second. The dogs tilt their heads, as if the sky has decided to...

The art of simple being with a golden is the gentle reminder that life need not rush. It is presence without words, no distractions, just...

This is the story of big dreams, high hopes, full faith, love, loss, crumbled dreams and broken hearts. This is the story of Titus. I...