Life & Work with Hannah Crews

Today we’d like to introduce you to Hannah Crews.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was introduced to the breeding world at age 14. Working for a breeder who had a lot of dogs gave me a ton of hands-on experience; I got to deliver puppies, help momma dogs postpartum, and be involved in everything leading up to that. It was a front seat to learning about canine healthcare and management.

Something was missing though. This breeding program, like so many other breeding programs, had so many dogs that lived in kennels and didn’t get to experience life with a family or anything outside of kennels. They were cared for yet not at the same time. I ended up quitting as I got older and moved towards college and adulthood but my love of dogs never left.
After college, I was browsing online ads and came across a beautiful 7 month old Golden Retriever named Patti. I know it sounds silly, but I knew when I saw her that she was the one for me. We bonded almost immediately and went paddleboarding together a few hours after I picked her up! The plan wasn’t originally to breed Patti, but as she got older I realized I wanted to share this amazing dog with other people.

I started doing genetic testing, we started going to shows to show off her natural talent, and long story short – I found an amazing stud and now Patti has had 2 litters and is retired happily. She is still showing and paddleboarding with me. I did keep a perfect puppy from her last litter who is growing up to be just like her perfect mom.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not always! I needed to make sure the puppies produced were not only contributing to the health of the breed but also enriching the lives of the families they went to. I follow a puppy program called Avidog. This program is renowned for raising puppies meant for service in all sort of capacities and is scientifically proven to create emotionally healthier adults.
On top of that, my puppies are literally raised in my kitchen! So between working full time from home and putting the effort into having a well rounded, socialized litter of puppies – there are some very long days between birth and their Go Home Day. Patti’s litters were both incredibly healthy and I’m so thankful for that, but a lot of money and effort goes into clearing a dog for breeding and then a lot more into raising the puppies and doing it well.

Then in 2020, we had an opportunity to another Golden Retriever to the family. Her name is Audi. She’s our social media star! Her family was looking for a new home for her; as they felt overwhelmed with a new puppy and toddler- and we fell in love! Audi is amazing and is a favorite with everyone she meets. Unfortunately she originally came from someone who did not do due diligence before breeding and Audi is now suffering with genetic health issues.
I’m hoping her example can be used as education for families looking for a dog – if you’re buying from a breeder, please do the research and find someone who is genetic testing, doing OFAs, and treating the dogs like they deserve rather than looking to make a quick buck off a litter! Dogs are man’s best friend, truly. They should be treated as such.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m proud to say that all my dogs are truly part of the family. Regardless of circumstances, they stay with me for life.

I’m a GoodDog breeder, an advocate of ethical dog training and care, and an AKC Obedience competitor. What I’m most proud of is the effort to better the Golden Retriever breed by contributing not just healthy dogs to the bloodlines, but exceptionally healthy dogs with amazing personalities.

My biggest passion is my dogs and I hope to impart just a little bit of that love to every puppy family who comes through my door.

Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Regardless of where a dog comes from, i believe they’re all special! I tell every puppy family to enjoy their dog and not take things too seriously. Our dogs are not here long enough to take for granted the time you have with them.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.rosemary-goldens.com
• Instagram: @therosemarycrew
• Facebook: Rosemary Goldens

Image Credits
Kalli Jo Photography