COSTADORO GOLDEN RETRIEVERS
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I've owned Golden Retrievers since 1980 and the constants in my life have been family, friends, and Goldens. I bred using the Sweet Grass prefix when I lived in Montana and the Medallion prefix after I moved to Seattle. Unfortunately both times, in spite of obtaining all available "clearances," I encountered other genetic problems and did not continue breeding those lines. 

The Goldens I've bred/owned have obtained multiple titles including Am/Can CHAMPION, CCA,
CD/CDX, CGC, JH, RA, THDN, TKP, WC/WCX, and VC/VCX; and the honorifics Outstanding Sire, High in Trial, Best in Sweepstakes, Specialty Best of Breed, and multiple Bests in Show. I train and handle my own dogs in field and performance events and occasionally the breed ring. 

I've been a member of the Golden Retriever Club of America (GRCA) for 40 years. Thirty-five years ago when I was Education Committee Chair I created the “Ask the Experts” and “Breeder’s Forum” columns for the national club publication The GRNews, as well as co-authoring the Dog Writer Association of America award-winning booklets “Acquiring a Golden Retriever” and “An Introduction to the Golden Retriever". Recently I served as a member of the Judges' Education Committee and as Chair of the Public Education Committee.

In 2004 I attended the Crufts dog show in England and in 2006 the Golden Retriever Club of Scotland’s 60th anniversary show. I visited Guisachan, the mystical birthplace of the breed in Scotland, both times.
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Licensed for Golden Retrievers by AKC since 1995, I've been privileged to judge at all-breed shows, independent and regional specialties, and the 2013 GRCA National. I've also judged specialties in Canada and Indonesia.  
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Awarding RWD at the Western Regional to Dylan, BISS CH Seeshaw Dylans Evening Blaze, SH, WCX, OS.
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Evie, sired by Dylan (L) out of Allie (R), moved to Costa Rica with us.
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Handling Allie, Am/Can CH Medallion All Decked Out, to "Best Bred-By" under breeder/judge Nancy Talbott.
Contact: MICHELE GAWENKA
[email protected]
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  • HOME
  • MEMORIES
  • FROZEN
  • Bri, Toby, Kraken
  • Salsa
  • British-Style
  • Costa Rica