Billy & Debbie Franklin have been married for almost 25 years! We are city girl meets country boy and living happily ever after! We live in the “boonies” in Arkansas, with our numerous English Cream Golden Retrievers, two cats, and cattle.
We have filled our home with “furry” children, since our human ones had the audacity to grow up into amazing young adults, move out, and begin taking responsibility for their own lives!
They have even blessed us with a three wonderful grandsons. It is true what they say, “Grandchildren are God’s reward for not killing our own.” (Just kidding – they were great kids and wonderful people that we are so blessed to have a part of our lives)
Debbie was born and raised a California girl and my friends that are there, still can’t believe I live in Arkansas – honestly, I still can’t believe I live here either! I miss the beach, I miss the weather, but I love to travel and make those items a priority when I vacation! I hate the humidity in Arkansas, but love that I have very few wrinkles, due to the humidity in Arkansas.
Billy & Debbie started raising English Crème Golden Retrievers in 2004. Those “furry” children are what we do for a hobby, after retiring from having eight (yes, eight) commercial chicken houses for 18 years! We are having a great time and enjoying all the puppies! (Who doesn’t LOVE puppy breath?) It is truly a team effort – especially taking pictures. Imagine two adults, one with a camera, and one with a puppy, both making little noises at the puppy, to capture the perfect shot – it is these moments that Debbie appreciates living in the “boonies.”
Debbie has two business partners that have designed and developed online software for direct sales teams – www.mylistpro.net. It has indeed been a roller coaster ride and we are ready for the time of our lives! One of us is on the East coast, one on the West and me right in the middle.
While the dogs and puppies keep Billy very busy, he also has cattle that he enjoys raising, along with the summer chores of cutting and baling hay. Feeding and playing with the dogs and puppies, checking the cows, fixing fence and being outdoors – that is where you will find Billy!
Billy & Debbie love to laugh, work, and play. We believe all things happen for the right reasons. Our favorite moments are spent with family and friends and playing with all the adorable, teddy bear English Cream Golden Retriever Puppies! We consider it an honor and privilege that families choose Wisteria Goldens for their “furry” family members.
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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!
