Building a Legacy: The Dogs Who Shape Our Program

When I set out to create Cavadore Service Retrievers, I knew one thing for certain: the foundation dogs would matter more than anything else. Temperament, emotional stability, handler focus, and real-world adaptability aren’t traits you can manufacture later — they have to exist naturally in the dogs you build from.

The dogs I’ve chosen as the foundation of this program were selected intentionally, not for looks or trend, but for their ability to work reliably, live healthily, and provide consistent support to their handlers. They are the heart of Cavadore Service Retrievers, and every future puppy traces back to them.

What “Founding Dogs” Mean to Me

Founding dogs are more than just breeding stock. They represent the standard I refuse to compromise on — both in temperament and health. They embody the type of working dog I believe people deserve: calm, reliable, and capable of forming strong, supportive bonds.

As a trainer first, every decision in this program starts with behavior, not appearance. Temperament, stability, and work ethic are paramount.

Gracie — Golden Retriever (Medical Alert Service Dog)

Gracie is my medical alert service dog and the cornerstone of this program.

She has a calm, loving temperament and a level of emotional stability that is difficult to find, even within her breed. Gracie is naturally quiet, rarely vocalizing unless she is off duty and actively playing. She respects boundaries, never approaching people or animals without permission, and does not chase or show inappropriate curiosity.

Gracie works for praise rather than food, performing medical alert tasks reliably and confidently. Physically, she is small for a Golden Retriever — as small as possible while remaining in breed standard — making her ideal for handlers who want the Golden temperament without a very large dog.

Overall, Gracie is an exceptionally stable, thoughtful, and capable dog, setting the behavioral and emotional standard I aim to preserve and pass forward.

Sam — Cocker Spaniel (Emotional Support Animal)

Sam brings energy, joy, and emotional attunement to the foundation.

A high-energy, affectionate Cocker Spaniel, Sam helps his owner prevent panic attacks at home and connects deeply with everyone he meets. He loves people unconditionally and thrives on companionship.

Sam carries the ee red gene, So though he doesnt look like you might expect and some puppies may have non-standard colors, his temperament, structure, and incredible work ethic made him the right choice for this program. He represents the heart of Cavadore Service Retrievers — bright, energetic, and deeply people-oriented.

Javi — Long-Haired Chihuahua (Therapy Dog)

Javi is a tiny, quiet therapy dog with a big heart. At just 6 lbs, this long-haired Chihuahua demonstrates that size does not limit capability.

Slightly shy at first, Javi loves being held and works regularly in nursing homes, bringing comfort and joy to residents. He may be startled by children at times, but he has never shown aggression or meanness. His temperament, structure, and coat quality made him the perfect choice for his role in the program, showing that small dogs can excel in therapy and support work.

Miniature Dachshund — “Stabilizer” (Future Founding Dog)

The final founding dog will be a miniature Dachshund, selected with the same care and intention as the others.

We are looking for a long-coated male in red, white, cream, or chocolate, with proper health testing and a stable, confident temperament. This dog will act as the stabilizer in the foundation, balancing the traits of the other three dogs and ensuring the line remains reliable, functional, and healthy.

Health Testing & Ongoing Care

All dogs in the program undergo OFA evaluations, DNA testing, and regular veterinary checkups. Health is always prioritized over appearance or color. Breeding decisions are based on both temperament and structural soundness, and any dog that does not meet these high standards is removed from the program. Puppies are placed based on fit with the handler, ensuring the dogs succeed in their roles and live happy, supported lives.

Why These Dogs Together

Each founding dog brings something unique:

• Gracie: calm reliability and medical alert capability

• Sam: energy, joy, and emotional connection

• Javi: small-dog therapy excellence and gentle confidence

• Miniature Dachshund (future): stabilization, structure, and balance

Together, they form a foundation focused on real-world service suitability, temperament, and long-term health — not just breed or appearance.

Looking Forward

Cavadore Service Retrievers exists because I couldn’t find small, capable service-dog options that met my standards — so I chose to build one responsibly.

These founding dogs are the beginning of that vision. Every decision moving forward honors their traits, their work, and the people who will one day rely on their offspring.