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Meet Winter
Meet Winter
Welcome to Winter's page!
Winter is a dog with a story unlike most other dogs.
We created this page to spread joy and share more about her life and the lives of her 26 puppies and many grandchildren. We hope you'll stick around!
Winter is a 5-year-old, purebred chocolate Labrador Retriever from Denver, Colorado. She is registered as: Goldrush Hoku Lei Hawaiian Pride CGC TKA.
Born in Salt Lake City, Utah, Winter was one of seven puppies born in her litter with Goldrush Labradors. She comes from a long line of grand champion show dogs and successful hunting dogs.
She was chosen out of her litter to come to Colorado and join Freedom Service Dogs' (FSD) assistance dog training program. She was trained in a Colorado prison program before being partnered with me (Kendle) as her volunteer puppy raiser.
As a service dog in training, we had full public access and went everywhere to help her gain confidence, instill her basic obedience training, socialize, and practice good manners. Some of our favorite outings included the Denver Butterfly Pavilion, malls, restaurants, coffee shops, and a retirement home.
After spending about a year together, Winter returned to FSD's formal training program to evaluate her potential career path and work on her service dog skills.
After three months in IFT, it was decided that Winter would join FSD's in-house breeding program! I was given the honor of being her guardian home, where I cared for her while she was pregnant and not pregnant.
Winter had her first litter of puppies on February 2, 2022. She had seven all chocolate puppies, one girl and six boys.
She had her second litter of puppies on November 7, 2022. She had nine all black puppies, six girls and three boys.
Her third and final litter of puppies were born on July 28, 2023. She had ten all black puppies, six girls and four boys.
Out of the 26 puppies she had, 20 went through FSD's assistance dog program, two went through a guide dog program, one became a grand champion show dog, and three passed away as neonates.
Winter was spayed and retired from FSD's breeding program, and I officially adopted her on December 5, 2023.
She is now living her life as a spoiled best friend! Since retiring, she has earned her AKC Canine Good Citizen and AKC Advanced Trick Dog title, and we are working on earning more. In May 2024, she also won the Westminster Kennel Club's "Best at Home" social media contest where she was crowned "2024 Westminster Best at Home!"
Winter enjoys coming to work with me everyday, going for walks, playing with toys, training and learning new things, cuddling on the couch, doing enrichment activities, spending time outdoors, and eating lots of snacks.
In 2025, Winter's lineage carried on, and she is now a grandmother to dozens of Freedom Service Dogs in training as well!
We look forward to all the wonderful memories and adventures ahead!
Follow Winter on social media for more adventures!
Meet Kendle
Meet Kendle
My name is Kendle, and I am the creator of this website, as well as Winte'rs mom.
Winter is my best friend, and I feel so lucky to call her my dog. I enjoy taking her for walks, learning new tricks together, coming up with new enrichment ideas, and playing with toys together.
I work in marketing at a service dog organization and as a freelance writer who specializes in dog content. Since Winter, I have raised two other puppies for Freedom Service Dogs, including the Colorado Avalanche Team Dog, Maxy. When I am not working or spending time with Winter, I enjoy hanging out with my boyfriend, going to dog shows, watching tv, running social media accounts, and crafting.
I am so excited to share more about Winter's life with her friends and family on this website!
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