I suddenly started seeing them everywhere.

BUT—I could not find even one for sale on the island, so I decided I was going to approach the next person I saw with a Golden and ask them where they got their dog.

Turns out, my husband was at Home Depot buying more wood—as always—and I saw a man with a Golden! I had this overwhelming sense that I needed to specifically talk to this man.

It was movie-like. I ran into the store and asked everyone, 'Where did the man with the Golden Retriever go?' I just knew I needed to meet him.

When I found him, he opened up immediately. Yes, right in the middle of Home Depot. He said, 'Golden Retrievers do something to you. As soon as I got mine, I stopped drinking. I had struggled with it for years, and immediately after getting him, I quit. They help you break free from addictions. I worked through my trauma and never drank again. I don't know what it is, but they change you.'

I knew in my heart the idea that felt like pure joy was my path, and I needed to trust and invest in this dream—even if the timing didn't make sense and the finances weren't quite there yet.

I needed to do this for myself.

This is a lesson Avalon Acres has taught me over and over.

"Apryl, Your joy matters."

I had recently had both of my children diagnosed with autism, and after moving through mountains of research, I was realizing I was also extremely sensitive and autistic. I had this feeling that our home needed their energetic field—like it belonged on Avalon Acres, and all I needed to do was say, 'I am open.'

I also knew it had to be an English Cream, and when I met my Luna—who has now become my best friend and emotional support—I knew exactly why it had to be her. A lot of breeders want an English Cream because it helps the bloodlines of the regular Golden remain stronger with diversity, and this is true. But for me, it was the fact that they are the calmest dogs in the world.

I also put it out there that I would like a momma dog and her daughter... but who sells their momma dog?

I set up a Zoom with a breeder and agreed to purchase her female dog, who we have now named Winnie. A beautiful light golden. I asked her if she had any momma dogs she would part with, and she said, 'I have one. Winnie's mom. She is an ENGLISH CREAM.'

She had previously told me no, but when she met my daughter and me on Zoom, her heart changed.

Her husband drove them all the way to Vancouver for us, and we came home with our best friends!

From day one Luna has been my Best Friend and the Therapy & Anchor I so desperately needed. I have yet to have a women come to my home who is not immediately in love with her.