"Solo"
"Jackson"
'Patty"
'Palmer"
"Mac"

"Buddy"
"Calvin"
2005
2004
2004
2004
2004
2004
2005
"Recently we had the pleasure of bringing home a Calico puppy to be part of our family. We had know Joy Van Wie for many years, but had lost touch after we moved to Orange County: then reconnected with her at a Golden Retriever show several years ago. She introduced us to Mary and the rest, as they say, is history!
We immediately got sense for what dedicated and conscientious Golden retriever breeders Mary and Joy are. We saw their beautiful dogs competing in the confirmation ring, and I said to myself,"Some day, we will have one of their dogs." Sadly, earlier this year, we lost our 12-year-old Golden girl and wanted a companion dog for her daughter who was suddenly left without her mother. We contacted Mary and Joy to let them know of our interest in having one of their pups. After a long wait, and thinking we wouldn't be able to get the one girl from this most recent litter, good fortune smiled down upon us and we were able to bring our girl Hannah home.
Even though we've had two litters of our own, I must say Hannah is,by far, the easiest and best-behaved pup we have ever had, and we've had a lot of goldens over the past 38 years! What an easy transition it was taking Hannah from the life at Mary's with her mom and litter mates, to bringing her to our home with our 8-year-old Golden. She adjusted so quickly to her new surroundings. At 9 weeks of age, she came to us sleeping through the night and has never had an accident in her crate or in the house. She is walking well on a leash and is learning basic commands. We credit this, in no small part, to good breeding and the great early training a nd nurturing given by Mary and Joy. It is obvious that they both have a love for their dogs and go the extra mile to ensure that their dogs are given the best possible start in life. Even though we feel we're pretty knowledgeable about Goldens, Mary and Joy are a wealth of knowledge and information and are readily available should we have any questions or concerns. They are the epitome of everything ideal breeders should be, and we would recommend them, without hesitation, to anyone looking to bring a Golden into their family. Thank you so much Mary and Joy for all you do to further this wonderful breed. We consider ourselves very fortunate to be a part of the Calico Family and look forward to sharing many golden moments in the years ahead!"
                                                                                                                                                                          - Kathy & George Plescher


My family and I recently purchased/"adopted" a wonderful Golden Retriever puppy from Calico Golden Retrievers. From the moment we met Mary and later Joy, we knew we had come to the right place. Being proud owners of Golden's for over 20 years, we could immediately tell that Mary and Joy have a profound love for the breed. In spite of our own experiences, Mary and Joy were an overflowing fountain of knowledge and information.
Once we began our road to finally bring our new baby home, the trip/process was flawless. Mary kept us informed through the latter parts of pregnancy and once the puppies were born, the flow of information about them was ongoing including photos and videos. When the puppies were old enough to visit, weekly gatherings occurred until that special moment when we took our bundle of joy home with us.
When  the day arrived to bring our Calico Golden home, we sat with Mary and Joy and went over in detail how to raise our puppy including its diet (we even got a supply of food and a toy), vitamins, and vaccinations. No question from us was considered unimportant. Mary and Joy sat with us and answered each and every question and concern we had. What a special treat it was to also be given a special photo album of some of the highlights of our puppy's first 9 weeks in addition with a binder full of important information.
Our experience with Calico Golden Retrievers has been nothing short of amazing. Not only are we looking forward to many years of joy with our new puppy Marty, we look forward to continueing our relatioship with mary and Joy. If you are considering bringing a Golden Retriever into your family, Calico Golden Retrievers is the place to begin that special journey.
                                                                                                                                                                            -Jim and Marilyn Orens

"An important part of my retirement program was to carefully select a golden retriever puppy to become my companion during my time home. (my wife still works full time) I was looking for a pup from a breeder that carefully selected mates and bred healthy and happy offspring.
Attending many notable dog shows and speaking to owners, handlers and other breeders, I was advised to contact Calico Golden Retrievers. When my wife and I first met with Mary to discuss a recent litter, we immediately knew we were dealing with and experienced, knowledgeable and caring breeder. The selection process promised to match owner and pup to ensure compatibility and the weekly visits to the litter were a joy for all of us. More and more we could see how the pups were cared for and loved. Joy joined us during the visits and it was plain to see that she shared her commitment to breeding as did Mary, making us even more assured that we made the right decision.
Pick up day for our little "Leopard Girl" (now known as Ruby) was very special. Mary made sure we had all the information and start up items to start our new lives together. She presented us with a beautifully prepared binder of Ruby's first weeks in photos along with her health records to date and a great deal of information on puppy raising.
If you select Calico Golden Retrievers for your pup, you'll see continued support as your puppy grows. Puppy training, any advice needed at any time and even boarding service is available.
Ruby makes our day, every day and we share our love and joy together as family. Please check with Mary and Joy if you're looking for your Golden Retriever, you won't be disappointed!
                                                                                                                                                                                 -Bill & Blanca Gyore


It is difficult to find the words that describe our gratitude for Mary and Joy. These two ladies have gone above and beyond our expectations. My husband and I searched for two years to find a solid, dedicated and loving breeder. We feel so lucky to have found Mary and Joy who are the perfect examples of all that we ever wanted. Not only is our puppy the most beautiful puppy we have seen, his temperament and manners are perfection. Mary and Joy have been there for us every step of the way. We feel so comfortable knowing we can contact them at any time and they will be there to answer any questions we have, along with giving us guidance with any concerns that may arise. Finding and selecting a breeder is very stressful and we are beyond pleased with the choice we have made. These are breeders that truly love their puppies. Our little boy is a dream come true and we will forever be grateful to Calico Golden Retrievers."
                                                                                                                                                                      -Scott & Gretchen Edwards




"Mary and Joy are two of the most ethical and dedicated breeders you will find! They are not just breeding dogs, but beautiful, loving, sweet natured and healthy Golden family members! Tanner is the biggest blessing for our family and we could not love him more! He has the sweetest temperament and he is a gorgeous boy! Tanner came to us with his own baby book complete with darling pictures, health clearances, and complete lineage information. Even our vet was in awe of the attention to detail. Mary and Joy's love and knowledge of Golden's is evident when you meet them and their dog family. They are always there to answer questions, give helpful advice and even "babysit" when we go out of town. We couldn't ask for more! We will be forever thankful to Mary and Joy for competing our family!"
                                                                                                                                                                               -Tracy and Doug Nock





"Last summer we had the pleasure of obtaining our first golden retriever from Mary and Joy, the wonderful breeders of Calico Golden Retrievers.
What a wonderful experience! These two ladies are so knowledgeable and dedicated to their profession. They invest so much love and time into their puppies that this experience felt more like an adoption than a purchase. Our Julie, " the lime-green girl" has been a delight since we brought her home. Mary and Joy are always available for advice and support with every aspect of bringing a puppy home.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           -Beverly & Bill Stotts





"Cali came into our lives when we needed her most. She was and is the sweetest girl who is so gentle and playful with us and our grandchildren thanks to Mary, who raises her puppies in her home with lots of love. We were able to keep in contact with Mary all the time--even after these three years. Anytime I have questions, Mary is right there with the answer. She is truly a hands-on breeder who loves her dogs and it shows in the quality and temperament of these beautiful golden's. I treasure the photo album she gave us when we adopted Cali, and look at it often. Thanks, Mary, for bringing our Cali into our lives".
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                -Carol Lambrecht



"When Mary wrote to tell me that she and Joy had a new litter of puppies in July 2010 I knew I had to have another one. I had already gotten my other golden, Cali, from Mary three years ago and she was in need of a playmate. So..we got Enzo (blue boy) when he was nine weeks old. He is absolutely beautiful and such a wonderful addition to our family.
Everywhere I take them, people ask me what breeder I got them from because not only are they beautiful, but so good natured and friendly. Mary and Joy take great pride in all their dogs and are always there to answer questions about nutrition, training, grooming and anything else you can think of. They are a wealth of information and support".
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               -Carol Lambrecht




"Just wanted to let you both know that Ed and I were very impressed by your thoroughness and professionalism. "Bentley" is our seventh dog and you were the most conscientious and organized breeders we have ever encountered. We absolutely *LOVE* the puppy book. You and Joy are shining examples of what all dog breeders should strive to be".
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 -Cindy & Ed Fern




"We LOVE our golden that we purchased from you both. The process was helpful and easy and our puppy settled in very well. He has a lovely temperament and is a beauty....Of course we are biased. We also appreciated your ongoing support and, especially, the support provided during the first few weeks of our ownership. We would be happy to speak with anyone thinking of purchasing one of your puppies".                                                      
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   -The Claymans
    



"After losing a beloved retriever who had numerous health issues from the time he was 6 months old, we decided we would do a LOT of research before getting a new puppy. It was extremely important to find a breeder who was in it for the love of the dogs and the enhancement of the breed and not simply out to make money without regard to the health of the animals. Mary & Joy of Calico Golden's were exactly who we were looking for! Their dogs are members of their families--puppies are raised inside immaculate homes around their other dogs and family members. They breed with the highest standards and do their best to ensure their puppies end up in the best possible homes. Mary & Joy are always available to answer questions an give training advice. We were fortunate to get our boy Casey who is gorgeous, brilliant and loving! The experience was so positive that 14 months later we got a little sister for him, Cali. Our dogs are happy, healthy & amazing and they love going up to Joy's house to visit and swim in her pool! We will have a lifetime bond with Mary & Joy-they, and their dogs are  now part of our family!"
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               -Danni & Stephen Sangston                                                                                                                                      


I cannot say enough about our positive experience with Mary and her "golden gang". Mac is stand out among the five Goldens we have had the pleasure of raising".                                                                                             -                                                                                                                                          -                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     -Ron Pion




“As for our experience in purchasing Jackson from you, IT WAS FABULOUS!! We loved the puppy photos and especially the different colored string. We still call Jackson the green boy. Also loved the book you put together with weekly pictures and advice on taking care of a puppy. That was very useful. Coming to your house it was very apparent that you loved goldens and we knew that love and attention was given to every puppy. We just knew Jackson was meant to be ours".
                                                                                                                                                                                                          -Nancy, Vic, Jackson, Kobe and Tasha



"Patty has brought so much love, and joy to our little family. Patty teaches all the dogs their manners, since she was so well trained by you. We were both commenting  on the fact that Patty is flawlessly beautiful-- she was really bred to be a show dog, but now she is a love puppy!"
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        -Nancy Walker
            


“We couldn't be happier with Palmer. He is a beautiful boy. We have been stopped on numerous occasions to ask where he came from. We had such a great experience with you from the very first phone call to the day we brought Palmer home! We really appreciated all of the pictures that you sent. It was so much fun for the girls to get to watch Palmer from birth to 8 weeks. It was just like adopting a new baby, and he even came with his own baby book! We know how much you truly care about your babies and we appreciate all of the helpful advice we continually receive from you! You are the best Grandma ever! Best of luck in the future and keep the pictures coming!"
–Kristi ,Brian, Haley, Sydney & Lexey Seligman




"Mary Thompson is all that a serious and committed dog owner should want in a breeder. She raised, trained,and then sold us the most beautiful Golden Retriever God has ever made...named Calico's Surfin' Solo!!! Her paperwork on Solo's lineage, and his parent's health clearances was absolutely immaculate and by the book. In addition, she allowed us to meet with and interact with Solo's sire and dam for
as long as we wished, inviting us into her own home to do so. Her dogs are a picture of beauty and health. In Mary, we found the real thing: an amazingly dedicated, ethical breeder who breeds out of love and deep respect for her dogs - she's an owners' dream come true for those of us that want healthy, happy, and loving (not to mention incredibly gorgeous) Goldens!"
                                                                                                                                                                                                                   -KerryTraylor and Scott Williams





"We had a fabulous experience when we purchased Buddy and couldn't be happier having him as part of our family. When we first spoke to you about looking for a Golden Retriever puppy, it was clear to us that you truly cared about breeding the best dog you could. You also tried to ensure that your dogs were placed with loving families, evidencing your love for your dogs. We also appreciated your availability and support after we brought Buddy home. We cannot imagine our family with out him and feel so lucky to have found him."
                                                                                                                                                                                   -David, Dana, Danielle, Jessica and Madison Wolf





"Our golden retriever, Calvin, is the sweetest, best tempered, and dare I say, most beautiful dog in the world! He is just like his wonderful mother, Secret. We couldn't possibly love him more. We were first time puppy owners when we got Calvin from Mary. She was- and continues to be- a guardian angel for us.We were in almost daily contact with Mary when we first took Calvin home, and she was always, always there for us-answering questions, providing thoughtful advice, and encouraging us in our new pursuit! We consider Mary and her family (human and golden) as a part of our family now, and we are so thankful to know them!
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            - Rob, Renee Hannon   
2007
"Cali"
2009
"Tigger"
2009
Casey & Cali
2010
"Bentley"
2010
Enzo, Cali & Carol
2010
"Julie"
2013
"Marty"
2012
"Tanner"
2011
"Tanner"
"Ruby"
2012
2013
"Hannah"
Calico Golden Retrievers