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Cappuccino

Sunbuilt's 'C'offees Signature Blend CGC

Cappuccino

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Hank

Austin's King of the Hill CAA, FCAT, DM, DS, AS, HDM

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✨The ‘F’riends Litter 7️⃣ Week Photos Are Here! ✨These little ones have been living their very best lives and keeping us incredibly busy. ❤️ They’ve already ventured out on a few crate/stroller field trips, and continue to tackle each new adventure with confidence and curiosity. A huge thank you to Katie for conducting their temperament evaluations! 🐾 These assessments, combined with our daily observations and one-on-one work with each puppy, help us make the best possible matches for their future families.
We’ve been spending a lot of our time working with the puppies individually every day, focusing on confidence building, handling, problem-solving, socialization, potty training, and the foundations that will help set them up for success in their future homes. Every spare moment is being spent making the most of the precious time we have left with them. In the coming weeks, we’ll begin the matching process, and we feel incredibly blessed to have such thoughtful, dedicated families preparing to welcome their next best ‘F’riend home. 🥹 We may have availability, likely for a female puppy, for the right person looking to join the Sunbuilt family. If you’ve been following along and think one of these special puppies might be your perfect match, we’d love to hear from you. The puppies have even more adventures planned, including meeting lots of new people and children as we continue building positive experiences during this critical developmental period. Can’t wait to show you all the fun! ⛅️ 🐾 🦮#sunbuiltretrievers #sunbuilt #akcgoldenretriever #puppyculture

✨The ‘F’riends Litter 7️⃣ Week Photos Are Here! ✨These little ones have been living their very best lives and keeping us incredibly busy. ❤️ They’ve already ventured out on a few crate/stroller field trips, and continue to tackle each new adventure with confidence and curiosity. A huge thank you to Katie for conducting their temperament evaluations! 🐾 These assessments, combined with our daily observations and one-on-one work with each puppy, help us make the best possible matches for their future families.
We’ve been spending a lot of our time working with the puppies individually every day, focusing on confidence building, handling, problem-solving, socialization, potty training, and the foundations that will help set them up for success in their future homes. Every spare moment is being spent making the most of the precious time we have left with them. In the coming weeks, we’ll begin the matching process, and we feel incredibly blessed to have such thoughtful, dedicated families preparing to welcome their next best ‘F’riend home. 🥹 We may have availability, likely for a female puppy, for the right person looking to join the Sunbuilt family. If you’ve been following along and think one of these special puppies might be your perfect match, we’d love to hear from you. The puppies have even more adventures planned, including meeting lots of new people and children as we continue building positive experiences during this critical developmental period. Can’t wait to show you all the fun! ⛅️ 🐾 🦮#sunbuiltretrievers #sunbuilt #akcgoldenretriever #puppyculture

The ‘F’riends 6️⃣ week old photos! 🙌 This week we began manding, clicker training, luring, teaching sit, more crate and car training, real-world firework and loud noise desensitization, new playground obstacles, strengthening balance on wobbly surfaces, finding the exit to the backyard to potty while lessening opportunity for indoor pottying, we’ve moved to slightly softener kibble, and SO much more. Watch our upcoming outings, scent circle fun, and training sessions (when we find the time to post them)! We are having such a great time with these guys!!! #puppyculture #sunbuiltretrievers #goldenretrieverbreeder #professionaldogtrainer

The ‘F’riends 6️⃣ week old photos! 🙌 This week we began manding, clicker training, luring, teaching sit, more crate and car training, real-world firework and loud noise desensitization, new playground obstacles, strengthening balance on wobbly surfaces, finding the exit to the backyard to potty while lessening opportunity for indoor pottying, we’ve moved to slightly softener kibble, and SO much more. Watch our upcoming outings, scent circle fun, and training sessions (when we find the time to post them)! We are having such a great time with these guys!!! #puppyculture #sunbuiltretrievers #goldenretrieverbreeder #professionaldogtrainer

Clips from the puppies first clicker training session last week! 🎉 🍪 🦮 ⛅️ #sunbuiltretrievers #akcgoldenretriever #servicedogintraining #puppyculture #professionaldogtrainer

Clips from the puppies first clicker training session last week! 🎉 🍪 🦮 ⛅️ #sunbuiltretrievers #akcgoldenretriever #servicedogintraining #puppyculture #professionaldogtrainer

Couldn’t be more proud of these two!! 🏅 @zukoandthefambam #highintrial #sunbuiltretrievers #barnhunt #akcgoldenretriever

Couldn’t be more proud of these two!! 🏅 @zukoandthefambam #highintrial #sunbuiltretrievers #barnhunt #akcgoldenretriever

Real World Socialization: Texas Edition 🤠🌧️ I had the ‘F’riends puppies outside when it unexpectedly started POURING, with heavy rain making extremely loud noises on the metal roof of their play area. Instead of making it scary, we turned it into a puppy party! 💃🎉 It was SO loud that I was literally yelling “YAAAY!” in my happiest excited voice and dancing around while the puppies confidently played. Pro tip: when something startling happens around your puppy, your response matters. Dogs are incredibly observant of our body language, tone, and emotional cues. By staying upbeat, playful, and confident yourself, you can often help shape how they interpret novel experiences. For example, if a motorcycle backfires, something falls unexpectedly, or there’s a sudden loud noise like a firework boom, avoid accidentally communicating concern through tense body language or anxious reassurance like saying “it’s okay”. Instead, if your puppy seems comfortable enough to keep engaging, act like something fun just happened. 🎉 Building positive associations with novel sounds, environments, and experiences early REALLY matters, especially for future service dogs. These little babies handled it beautifully! 🦮🙌
#sunbuiltretrievers #puppysocialization #puppysocialization #certifiedprofessionaldogtrainer #servicedogprospect

Real World Socialization: Texas Edition 🤠🌧️ I had the ‘F’riends puppies outside when it unexpectedly started POURING, with heavy rain making extremely loud noises on the metal roof of their play area. Instead of making it scary, we turned it into a puppy party! 💃🎉 It was SO loud that I was literally yelling “YAAAY!” in my happiest excited voice and dancing around while the puppies confidently played. Pro tip: when something startling happens around your puppy, your response matters. Dogs are incredibly observant of our body language, tone, and emotional cues. By staying upbeat, playful, and confident yourself, you can often help shape how they interpret novel experiences. For example, if a motorcycle backfires, something falls unexpectedly, or there’s a sudden loud noise like a firework boom, avoid accidentally communicating concern through tense body language or anxious reassurance like saying “it’s okay”. Instead, if your puppy seems comfortable enough to keep engaging, act like something fun just happened. 🎉 Building positive associations with novel sounds, environments, and experiences early REALLY matters, especially for future service dogs. These little babies handled it beautifully! 🦮🙌
#sunbuiltretrievers #puppysocialization #puppysocialization #certifiedprofessionaldogtrainer #servicedogprospect

We’re putting some serious work with our ‘F’riends behind the scenes! We are using diabetic and heart rate samples and starting crate training! #sunbuiltretrievers #servicedogintraining #puppyculturebreeder #puppyculture #scenttraining

We’re putting some serious work with our ‘F’riends behind the scenes! We are using diabetic and heart rate samples and starting crate training! #sunbuiltretrievers #servicedogintraining #puppyculturebreeder #puppyculture #scenttraining

‘F’riends 5️⃣ week old photos! This week’s adventures included:
☀️ box & backyard expansion
💦 first doggie pool experience
🎪 activities for confidence building
🏡 continued socialization with new sights, sounds, textures, grooming, and experiences like watching the school bus & construction trucks passing 🚌 🚧
🚽 AMAZING progress with potty training (many are already choosing to go outside!)
🛏️ short happy crate & car sessions
🥣 softened kibble meals while still spending time with mom
Thoughtful early development matters, and this litter is already making us so proud!!! 💛
#sunbuiltretrievers #puppyculture #goldenretrieverpuppy #akcgoldenretriever #puppysocialization

‘F’riends 5️⃣ week old photos! This week’s adventures included:
☀️ box & backyard expansion
💦 first doggie pool experience
🎪 activities for confidence building
🏡 continued socialization with new sights, sounds, textures, grooming, and experiences like watching the school bus & construction trucks passing 🚌 🚧
🚽 AMAZING progress with potty training (many are already choosing to go outside!)
🛏️ short happy crate & car sessions
🥣 softened kibble meals while still spending time with mom
Thoughtful early development matters, and this litter is already making us so proud!!! 💛
#sunbuiltretrievers #puppyculture #goldenretrieverpuppy #akcgoldenretriever #puppysocialization

Happy birthday Zuko!!!! 🚀 We had such a blast! Two infinity and beyond! ✌️🤠#sunbuiltretrievers #houstontx #birthday

Happy birthday Zuko!!!! 🚀 We had such a blast! Two infinity and beyond! ✌️🤠#sunbuiltretrievers #houstontx #birthday

‘F’riends Litter had their first exposure to the shower sprayer last week! 🚿 We have experienced difficulties with posting this reel, so hopefully this works! #sunbuiltretrievers #sunbathing #goldenpuppies

‘F’riends Litter had their first exposure to the shower sprayer last week! 🚿 We have experienced difficulties with posting this reel, so hopefully this works! #sunbuiltretrievers #sunbathing #goldenpuppies

The ‘F’riends litter’s 4️⃣ week photos! These guys are becoming more interactive by the day! This stage brings more exploration, social development, play, and early exposure to the building blocks that help shape resilient puppies. We are loving every second! They’ve started car and crate exposure, baths and blow drying, meeting the family dogs, moving into a larger space, bigger collars, barrier challenges, scent imprinting on heart rate and glucose samples, and are doing amazing every step of the way. They continue with daily handling, socialization sounds, nail dremeling, meeting new people and so much more! 🛀 ☔️ #sunbuiltretrievers #puppiesofig #puppyculture

The ‘F’riends litter’s 4️⃣ week photos! These guys are becoming more interactive by the day! This stage brings more exploration, social development, play, and early exposure to the building blocks that help shape resilient puppies. We are loving every second! They’ve started car and crate exposure, baths and blow drying, meeting the family dogs, moving into a larger space, bigger collars, barrier challenges, scent imprinting on heart rate and glucose samples, and are doing amazing every step of the way. They continue with daily handling, socialization sounds, nail dremeling, meeting new people and so much more! 🛀 ☔️ #sunbuiltretrievers #puppiesofig #puppyculture

First puppy mush meal for the F’riends crew! 🥣✨🐾

They’ve grown 🦷 now! So around this age, we begin the gradual weaning process by introducing a soft “puppy mush” while puppies are still actively nursing from mom. This helps support healthy growth while allowing puppies to slowly learn how to eat independently at a developmentally appropriate pace.

Their mush is made from a carefully soaked blend of high-quality puppy kibble and puppy milk replacer to create a warm, easy-to-eat meal that supports hydration, digestion, and nutrition during this transition period.

At this stage, meals are about much more than nutrition alone. Puppies are learning how to approach food confidently, appropriate social behavior around littermates during meals, early problem-solving and sensory exploration, independence away from mom in short, positive experiences!

We keep the process slow and gradual to help protect both physical health and emotional development. Mom is still nursing and continues to play a very important role in their growth, comfort, immune support, and social learning. ⛅️

Watching puppies discover their first meals is always one of my favorite milestones in raising a litter.

#sunbuiltretrievers #puppyculture #goldenretrieverpuppies #puppydevelopment

First puppy mush meal for the F’riends crew! 🥣✨🐾

They’ve grown 🦷 now! So around this age, we begin the gradual weaning process by introducing a soft “puppy mush” while puppies are still actively nursing from mom. This helps support healthy growth while allowing puppies to slowly learn how to eat independently at a developmentally appropriate pace.

Their mush is made from a carefully soaked blend of high-quality puppy kibble and puppy milk replacer to create a warm, easy-to-eat meal that supports hydration, digestion, and nutrition during this transition period.

At this stage, meals are about much more than nutrition alone. Puppies are learning how to approach food confidently, appropriate social behavior around littermates during meals, early problem-solving and sensory exploration, independence away from mom in short, positive experiences!

We keep the process slow and gradual to help protect both physical health and emotional development. Mom is still nursing and continues to play a very important role in their growth, comfort, immune support, and social learning. ⛅️

Watching puppies discover their first meals is always one of my favorite milestones in raising a litter.

#sunbuiltretrievers #puppyculture #goldenretrieverpuppies #puppydevelopment

The ‘F’riends 3️⃣ week photos are here and they just keep getting cuter! ⛅️

These little ones have already started their early socialization journey. They’ve been listening to curated sound exposures and exploring new experiences like rain, novel objects in their box, a mini playground, meeting new people, and interacting with safe, well-mannered doggy family members.

We’re also continuing our early handling routines, including nail trims every 3 days, and they’re doing so well learning to be comfortable with the process.

I’m excited to keep sharing more of their daily development and behind-the-scenes moments on our stories ✨

#sunbuiltretrievers #akcgoldenretriever #puppyculturebreeder #houstontx #certifiedprofessionaldogtrainer

The ‘F’riends 3️⃣ week photos are here and they just keep getting cuter! ⛅️

These little ones have already started their early socialization journey. They’ve been listening to curated sound exposures and exploring new experiences like rain, novel objects in their box, a mini playground, meeting new people, and interacting with safe, well-mannered doggy family members.

We’re also continuing our early handling routines, including nail trims every 3 days, and they’re doing so well learning to be comfortable with the process.

I’m excited to keep sharing more of their daily development and behind-the-scenes moments on our stories ✨

#sunbuiltretrievers #akcgoldenretriever #puppyculturebreeder #houstontx #certifiedprofessionaldogtrainer

Have you ever seen the RRainnn? Nope. This is their first time! They’re getting to smell real sky water and take it all in ☔️ Here’s a clip of us introducing the baby ‘F’riends pups to the elements! #sunbuiltretrievers #rainbuilt #socialization #puppyculturebreeder #akcgoldenretrieverpuppies

Have you ever seen the RRainnn? Nope. This is their first time! They’re getting to smell real sky water and take it all in ☔️ Here’s a clip of us introducing the baby ‘F’riends pups to the elements! #sunbuiltretrievers #rainbuilt #socialization #puppyculturebreeder #akcgoldenretrieverpuppies

Nothing quite like puppy snuggles 🥰 #sunbuiltretrievers #cuddletime #goldenpuppies #friends

Nothing quite like puppy snuggles 🥰 #sunbuiltretrievers #cuddletime #goldenpuppies #friends

‘F’riends Week 2️⃣ photos! Their eyes have opened and they’re exploring the world. They are also now hearing and have learned to use their voices to communicate with us 😂, Allya, and littermates. They’re toddling around and forming their own little personalities already! Now that we’ve finished with Early Neurological Stimulation and Scent Introduction, we are excited to see them in their Transitional Period! Watch our daily stories to see what their Novelty Items in the box and Socialization Sounds are for the day!🏃‍♀️ 🐾👂👀 #sunbuiltretrievers #akcgoldenretriever #puppyculturebreeder

‘F’riends Week 2️⃣ photos! Their eyes have opened and they’re exploring the world. They are also now hearing and have learned to use their voices to communicate with us 😂, Allya, and littermates. They’re toddling around and forming their own little personalities already! Now that we’ve finished with Early Neurological Stimulation and Scent Introduction, we are excited to see them in their Transitional Period! Watch our daily stories to see what their Novelty Items in the box and Socialization Sounds are for the day!🏃‍♀️ 🐾👂👀 #sunbuiltretrievers #akcgoldenretriever #puppyculturebreeder

Our One Week Old ‘F’riends! 💞 #sunbuiltretrievers #puppyculturebreeder #akcgoldenretriever

Our One Week Old ‘F’riends! 💞 #sunbuiltretrievers #puppyculturebreeder #akcgoldenretriever

Our condensed ENS/ESI protocol with ‘F’riends Phoebe 💛, KayLynne & the boys! The why? The first three weeks of a puppy’s life are ✨crucial.✨ Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) exercises are conducted once daily from days 3-16, a period of rapid neurological growth and development. Even though puppies are immature during this time, they are sensitive and respond to slight stresses of ENS.

ENS involves handling each puppy individually and performing five exercises:

1. 🖐️ Tactile stimulation

2. 🆙 Head held erect

3. 👇 Head pointed down

4. 🛌 Supine position

5. 🧊 Thermal stimulation

6. 👃 Novel Scent

During this neonatal stage, puppies are vulnerable and depend on their mother Allya and us for everything, including even going to bathroom. The dam handles most of the care, but it our job is to keep the environment warm, safe, and clean. Puppy eyes do not open until around 10 days, and their sense of hearing begins around 2 weeks. So during this phase, gently handling and stroking the puppies helps them associate human touch and scent with positive experiences.
ENS does not replace daily handling but complements it! When performed correctly, ENS is believed to enhance the neurological system promoting earlier developmental growth which leads to improved performance and adjustment later in life. Studies have shown puppies that’ve undergone ENS & ESI are more active and exploratory compared to their non-stimulated littermates.

Early Scent Introduction (ESI) provides a great benefit of becoming acquainted with scents the pups will be encountering later in their lives, and can be potentially useful for imprinting scents for future jobs as service dogs.

Follow our journey 🫶 Find more on ENS on AKC, AVIDOG, and Breeding Better Dogs.

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#sunbuiltretrievers #sunbuilt #futureservicedogs #servicedogprospect #servicedogintraining sdit ethicalbreeder purebred akcgoldenretriever goldenretrieverbreeder houston ens puppyculture puppyculturebreeder avidogprofessionaldogtrainer earlyneurologicalstimulation certifiedprofessionaldogtrainer servicedogtrainer goldensofinsta goldenpuppies

Our condensed ENS/ESI protocol with ‘F’riends Phoebe 💛, KayLynne & the boys! The why? The first three weeks of a puppy’s life are ✨crucial.✨ Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) exercises are conducted once daily from days 3-16, a period of rapid neurological growth and development. Even though puppies are immature during this time, they are sensitive and respond to slight stresses of ENS.

ENS involves handling each puppy individually and performing five exercises:

1. 🖐️ Tactile stimulation

2. 🆙 Head held erect

3. 👇 Head pointed down

4. 🛌 Supine position

5. 🧊 Thermal stimulation

6. 👃 Novel Scent

During this neonatal stage, puppies are vulnerable and depend on their mother Allya and us for everything, including even going to bathroom. The dam handles most of the care, but it our job is to keep the environment warm, safe, and clean. Puppy eyes do not open until around 10 days, and their sense of hearing begins around 2 weeks. So during this phase, gently handling and stroking the puppies helps them associate human touch and scent with positive experiences.
ENS does not replace daily handling but complements it! When performed correctly, ENS is believed to enhance the neurological system promoting earlier developmental growth which leads to improved performance and adjustment later in life. Studies have shown puppies that’ve undergone ENS & ESI are more active and exploratory compared to their non-stimulated littermates.

Early Scent Introduction (ESI) provides a great benefit of becoming acquainted with scents the pups will be encountering later in their lives, and can be potentially useful for imprinting scents for future jobs as service dogs.

Follow our journey 🫶 Find more on ENS on AKC, AVIDOG, and Breeding Better Dogs.

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#sunbuiltretrievers #sunbuilt #futureservicedogs #servicedogprospect #servicedogintraining sdit ethicalbreeder purebred akcgoldenretriever goldenretrieverbreeder houston ens puppyculture puppyculturebreeder avidogprofessionaldogtrainer earlyneurologicalstimulation certifiedprofessionaldogtrainer servicedogtrainer goldensofinsta goldenpuppies

Milk drunk 🥛 🐾 🤭 #sunbuiltretrievers

Milk drunk 🥛 🐾 🤭 #sunbuiltretrievers

‘F’riends Puppies have arrived!! 🙌 We have 7 pups - 4 girls and 3 boys! Right before heading out the door for Allya’s C section, the puppy warmer disc burst all over my hand causing excruciating burns. After puppies were born, I went outside to my car for supplements, and I stepped off of the vet’s office deck into an invisible dip and sprained my ankle! 🤒 Needless to say, all of this resulted in an urgent care visit for myself after bringing the pups home. Sooo I’m exhausted and behind on posting but just trying to make it through the lack of sleep and pain lol. They’re absolutely beautiful! I will post more soon (but might be at odd hours). Love you all!! 🥰 #sunbuiltretrievers

‘F’riends Puppies have arrived!! 🙌 We have 7 pups - 4 girls and 3 boys! Right before heading out the door for Allya’s C section, the puppy warmer disc burst all over my hand causing excruciating burns. After puppies were born, I went outside to my car for supplements, and I stepped off of the vet’s office deck into an invisible dip and sprained my ankle! 🤒 Needless to say, all of this resulted in an urgent care visit for myself after bringing the pups home. Sooo I’m exhausted and behind on posting but just trying to make it through the lack of sleep and pain lol. They’re absolutely beautiful! I will post more soon (but might be at odd hours). Love you all!! 🥰 #sunbuiltretrievers

Cobalt had a lot of fun at the show in Rosenberg this past weekend! He earned his FTN and FTI as well. Now we’re recovering from the LONG weekend with lack of sleep and are on puppy watch for the F litter! Stay tuned! Thank you soo much to KayLynne for waking up super early to come to the show with me!!!! I don’t think I could’ve survived without her. #sunbuiltretrievers #akcgoldenretriever #akcshowdog #akcfetch

Cobalt had a lot of fun at the show in Rosenberg this past weekend! He earned his FTN and FTI as well. Now we’re recovering from the LONG weekend with lack of sleep and are on puppy watch for the F litter! Stay tuned! Thank you soo much to KayLynne for waking up super early to come to the show with me!!!! I don’t think I could’ve survived without her. #sunbuiltretrievers #akcgoldenretriever #akcshowdog #akcfetch

Oh Enzo! He’s just like the others here 🙈❤️🫶 @enzo_the_htxgolden #sunbuiltretrievers

Oh Enzo! He’s just like the others here 🙈❤️🫶 @enzo_the_htxgolden #sunbuiltretrievers

Sunbuilt’s ‘C’offees Signature Blend Cappuccino is officially on the board! ☕🐾 We all need a little bit of SUNbuilt fun! 🏅

He earned his AKC Fetch Novice title today, and we’re just getting started. Cappuccino has now achieved:
• AKC Fetch Novice (FTN)
• Canine Good Citizen Advanced Community Canine (CGCA)
• Canine Good Citizen Urban (CGCU)
• AKC Temperament Test (ATT)
• AKC Farm Dog Certified (FDC)

So far we’ve had an absolute blast in Rally. He scored a 92 and a 98 on his first two runs, placing 3rd and 2nd (by just one point!). I didn’t even realize placements were a thing at first… clearly we’re learning as we go 😅

We’re still new to a lot of this and have a long way to go, but it’s been so much fun. We are currently working on other titles. I’m incredibly proud of this dog and excited for what’s ahead.

Truly can’t wait to share more of all our dogs’ achievements with you all soon ⛅️
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#sunbuiltretrievers #akcgoldenretriever

Sunbuilt’s ‘C’offees Signature Blend Cappuccino is officially on the board! ☕🐾 We all need a little bit of SUNbuilt fun! 🏅

He earned his AKC Fetch Novice title today, and we’re just getting started. Cappuccino has now achieved:
• AKC Fetch Novice (FTN)
• Canine Good Citizen Advanced Community Canine (CGCA)
• Canine Good Citizen Urban (CGCU)
• AKC Temperament Test (ATT)
• AKC Farm Dog Certified (FDC)

So far we’ve had an absolute blast in Rally. He scored a 92 and a 98 on his first two runs, placing 3rd and 2nd (by just one point!). I didn’t even realize placements were a thing at first… clearly we’re learning as we go 😅

We’re still new to a lot of this and have a long way to go, but it’s been so much fun. We are currently working on other titles. I’m incredibly proud of this dog and excited for what’s ahead.

Truly can’t wait to share more of all our dogs’ achievements with you all soon ⛅️
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#sunbuiltretrievers #akcgoldenretriever

Today we celebrate a very special milestone… Duchess turns 10 🤍🙌

Duchess is truly the heart and foundation of Sunbuilt Retrievers. Before there was a program, before there were carefully planned litters and structured curriculums, there was this amazing gal. She is the dog who started it all and shaped so much of what I believe about temperament, trainability, and what a truly good dog should be.

She is a retired service dog who gave so much of herself, and that same steadiness, intuition, and kindness is what she has passed down to these future generations. When I look at our puppies, I still see the very best pieces of her in them. That same softness, that same willingness to work, drive to learn, and that same soulful heart.

At 10 years old, she’s earned every bit of her retirement. These days she looks a little bit whiter, a little softer, and enjoys her very well deserved relaxation. She spends her time exactly how she should, doing sports, being loved, spoiled, and beyond appreciated for everything she’s given.

There will never be another Duchess. Period. She is once in a lifetime kind of dog, and Sunbuilt Retrievers exists because of her. She is the best grandma to our litters and shows them the ropes gladly!

Happy 10th birthday to the girl who started it all and my heart dog 🤍 ⛅️ 🦮 We will celebrate all week and will be sharing more posts! #sunbuiltretrievers #happybirthday

Today we celebrate a very special milestone… Duchess turns 10 🤍🙌

Duchess is truly the heart and foundation of Sunbuilt Retrievers. Before there was a program, before there were carefully planned litters and structured curriculums, there was this amazing gal. She is the dog who started it all and shaped so much of what I believe about temperament, trainability, and what a truly good dog should be.

She is a retired service dog who gave so much of herself, and that same steadiness, intuition, and kindness is what she has passed down to these future generations. When I look at our puppies, I still see the very best pieces of her in them. That same softness, that same willingness to work, drive to learn, and that same soulful heart.

At 10 years old, she’s earned every bit of her retirement. These days she looks a little bit whiter, a little softer, and enjoys her very well deserved relaxation. She spends her time exactly how she should, doing sports, being loved, spoiled, and beyond appreciated for everything she’s given.

There will never be another Duchess. Period. She is once in a lifetime kind of dog, and Sunbuilt Retrievers exists because of her. She is the best grandma to our litters and shows them the ropes gladly!

Happy 10th birthday to the girl who started it all and my heart dog 🤍 ⛅️ 🦮 We will celebrate all week and will be sharing more posts! #sunbuiltretrievers #happybirthday

These boys are tooooo cute! Chomp chomp ��🥰 #sunbuiltretrievers

These boys are tooooo cute! Chomp chomp 🥰 #sunbuiltretrievers

I just decided I might start posting our stories as reels now 🤷‍♀️ ⛅️ not my usual voice haha sorry have to sound like his dad lol #sunbuiltretrievers

I just decided I might start posting our stories as reels now 🤷‍♀️ ⛅️ not my usual voice haha sorry have to sound like his dad lol #sunbuiltretrievers

These goofy goobers lol 😂 🛝 🐐 #sunbuiltgoats #nigeriandwarfgoats

These goofy goobers lol 😂 🛝 🐐 #sunbuiltgoats #nigeriandwarfgoats

This has been a season of heartbreak, excitement, and gratitude for our family.

We recently received the devastating news that my grandmother has been diagnosed with Stage IV peritoneal cancer following a sudden hospitalization. She has always been perfectly healthy with consistently clear checkups, so this has come as an incredible shock to all of us.
She has been such a meaningful part of this program, helping care for our puppies especially in the early neonatal days and cheering us on from the sidelines at events. I am her only grandchild, and we have a very small, close-knit family of 3 left. Having already experienced profound loss with my mom’s sudden passing at 44 and my grandpa during a hip replacement surgery, this has been especially difficult.

Even so, we continue to move forward with faith, strength, and a deep sense of purpose. In the midst of this, we were also given something to look forward to. Allya’s breeding was successful and were expecting puppies this April!

I considered skipping this heat due to the timing of my grandma’s hospitalization, but she strongly encouraged me to continue pursuing what I’ve built here. She has always believed deeply in me, in this program’s mission, and in the dogs we are raising. Her support played a meaningful role in this decision.

We’re incredibly grateful for this special ‘F’riends litter. The sire brings exactly the temperament we prioritize, calm, handler-focused, and naturally in tune with people, aligning beautifully with our goals for service and therapy prospects.

While not every plan unfolds exactly as expected, this pairing came together in a way that feels right. We anticipate a beautiful, well-balanced litter with medium energy and affectionate, easy-to-train, and snuggly temperaments.

This experience has also been a reminder of how important it is to have a genuinely supportive community around you. We are deeply grateful for those who love and trust us and continue to support our journey.

We’ll be conducting interviews this week to finalize our waiting list. We’re looking forward to welcoming these pups soon and invite you to follow along in our daily stories.

This has been a season of heartbreak, excitement, and gratitude for our family.

We recently received the devastating news that my grandmother has been diagnosed with Stage IV peritoneal cancer following a sudden hospitalization. She has always been perfectly healthy with consistently clear checkups, so this has come as an incredible shock to all of us.
She has been such a meaningful part of this program, helping care for our puppies especially in the early neonatal days and cheering us on from the sidelines at events. I am her only grandchild, and we have a very small, close-knit family of 3 left. Having already experienced profound loss with my mom’s sudden passing at 44 and my grandpa during a hip replacement surgery, this has been especially difficult.

Even so, we continue to move forward with faith, strength, and a deep sense of purpose. In the midst of this, we were also given something to look forward to. Allya’s breeding was successful and were expecting puppies this April!

I considered skipping this heat due to the timing of my grandma’s hospitalization, but she strongly encouraged me to continue pursuing what I’ve built here. She has always believed deeply in me, in this program’s mission, and in the dogs we are raising. Her support played a meaningful role in this decision.

We’re incredibly grateful for this special ‘F’riends litter. The sire brings exactly the temperament we prioritize, calm, handler-focused, and naturally in tune with people, aligning beautifully with our goals for service and therapy prospects.

While not every plan unfolds exactly as expected, this pairing came together in a way that feels right. We anticipate a beautiful, well-balanced litter with medium energy and affectionate, easy-to-train, and snuggly temperaments.

This experience has also been a reminder of how important it is to have a genuinely supportive community around you. We are deeply grateful for those who love and trust us and continue to support our journey.

We’ll be conducting interviews this week to finalize our waiting list. We’re looking forward to welcoming these pups soon and invite you to follow along in our daily stories.

Happy St Patrick’s Day from the Sunbuilt Girlies! 🍀 🎩 💰 🌈 #sunbuiltretrievers #sunbuilt #stpatricksday☘️

Happy St Patrick’s Day from the Sunbuilt Girlies! 🍀 🎩 💰 🌈 #sunbuiltretrievers #sunbuilt #stpatricksday☘️

Coby and I decided to crash the Navasota show yesterday 🙌 We had our worst run in the ring but he had fun, and that’s what matters most to me. That’s why I woke up at 3 am and paid money to be judged... for him. Just to get to go out and do something special together. Life has been really heavy lately so we’re just taking the little wins where we can! Congratulations to all those who placed!! 🏅 #sunbuiltretrievers #sunbuilt #conformation #showdog

Coby and I decided to crash the Navasota show yesterday 🙌 We had our worst run in the ring but he had fun, and that’s what matters most to me. That’s why I woke up at 3 am and paid money to be judged... for him. Just to get to go out and do something special together. Life has been really heavy lately so we’re just taking the little wins where we can! Congratulations to all those who placed!! 🏅 #sunbuiltretrievers #sunbuilt #conformation #showdog

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Houston, Texas

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