Wisteria Goldens Welcomes Melissa

We are very excited to have Melissa to come join us at Wisteria Ranch. She has been a tremendous help and blessing in helping take care of our English Cream Golden Retriever puppies. Melissa has worked the last couple of years for Southwest Service Dogs until recently when they relocated back to Clarksville, Arkansas. They work with a few breeds, but primarily Golden Retrievers and have Mia, a Wisteria English Cream Golden who is now grown.

Working with Kate at Southwest Service Dogs was great training for Melissa, and she has brought with her some wonderful skills. She works with our older puppies each day teaching them basic commands such as; sit, come, down, off, and jump on & jump off. The last two commands they jump onto a chair and then onto the grooming table where they are learning to stand still to be brushed. She is also working with them being in the crate and getting them leash trained. The puppies are also learning some advance skills; shake and roll-over.

Melissa spends additional time playing with the younger English Golden puppies, taking them to new areas, exposing them to different sounds, textures, and environments to prepare them for the transition to their new forever homes. Having an extra person has provided our puppies with more interaction and playtime. We are thrilled with the love she has for dogs and puppies, the patience and care she is providing, and the extra special training the puppies are receiving.

Melissa is originally from Northern California near my hometown. How cool is it that we once lived close to each other and didn’t know it?

Melissa is married to a military man and has always traveled where his job has taken him, which included Hawaii. While living on the island of Oahu she became interested in wild bird rehab and rescue. Through this venture she received her first “Fancy Roller Pigeon,” Putter, who is now 9 years old. She began breeding and raising pigeons, but is still involved in wild bird rehab and rescue.

She also has a love of horses and her prize boy is Black Hawk, a Friesian gelding. Melissa has a heart and love for animals and it clearly shows.

We are so happy she is with us at Wisteria Ranch!

Welcome Melissa!