I'm the breeder behind Shadymist Kennel, LLC located in Richmond, VA. We strive to ensure that every puppy we bring into this world has the greatest potential for a long, happy, healthy life. We ensure they are socialized, healthy, and prepared to excel in their forever homes. Our dogs are bred for those specifics and we take pride in our breeding program.
About Marnie J
I am a 3rd generation breeder who prefers the company of dogs to that of humans. At this stage in my life, most of my closest friends are my puppy families, other breeders, and most importantly my veterinarians. I prioritize breeding dogs that have excellent health and longevity. I am completely transparent with my current (& potential) puppy families and ensure they are educated and prepared to be puppy parents.
What makes Marnie J’s program special
Anyone can put two dogs together and produce a litter. Here at Shadymist Kennel, LLC we pride ourselves in the fact that we only use scientifically established means of health testing and we compare the coefficients of potential pairs being bred to reduce incidents of unwanted recessive traits. We commit to staying connected to our puppy families to ensure they never feel alone and can raise their new, furry companion with confidence and joy.
Marnie J’s certifications & recognitions
Multi-National Champions, Working Certificates, Crufts Qualified Stud Dog
Marnie J has been certified by Good Dog's screening team for responsible and trusted breeding practices. When you're ready to reach out, feel free to ask any questions about the breed, their program, or specific puppies. You'll also have the chance to share a bit about yourself and what you're looking for in a new companion. Together, you'll choose the puppy that's right for you, stay in touch with regular updates, and plan how to bring your new puppy home.
Puppy prices range from $4,000 and include a non-refundable deposit of $500.
“All of our dogs are health tested for PennHip, elbows, heart, patellas, dentition, and full DNA profile for genetic disorders prior to being considered for breeding. Our lines boast imported lines with longevity and health. The costs for these tests, maintenance and importing are rarely even offset by the price of the puppies. Our puppy price is standard for such quality dogs, with a 2 year health warranty as nd a lifetime of support. We do not maintain an unsecured waitlist, so a deposit guarantees your spot on our reservation list. While it is nonrefundable, we will refund it if we are unable to provide you with a puppy.”
Marnie J may provide a written contract or health guarantee when you purchase a puppy. This helps protect both you and your breeder, ensuring that you both have a clear understanding of the terms of your puppy purchase. If Marnie J offers a contract or guarantee, the details will be personalized by them. If you have any questions or want to know more, don’t hesitate to reach out to Marnie J directly.
Since our puppies are raised in our home with us and our other dogs, they are well socialized before leaving. They are also desensitized to fireworks, thunderstorms, household items, power tools, traffic sounds, babby crying, etc. I utilize the following enrichment methods: Adventure Box, Outdoors (when Weather permits), Outdoors, e.g. rain, Fireworks , Strangers, Various Surfaces , Noises , Structures, e.g. Climbing, Toys, e.g. Ball, Touch Desensitization, Household Desensitization, Sound Stimulation, Socialized with Other Animals, Socialized with Adult Dogs, Come when Called, Pack Socialization, and Human Interactions .
All puppies are microchipped, receive their 1st set of DHPP, and are vet checked prior to leaving my home.
We send our puppies home with Body Conditioning Assessment Chart used by veterinarians , CPR and Heimlich Maneuver for dogs diagram, Microchip lifetime registration in national Database, Microchipped , Tradeback book: The Complete Guide to Golden Retrievers , AKC Registration Fees, Pet Passport w/deworming schedule, vaccination schedule, and microchip number, Vaccinations, Toy with Littermates' Scent, Puppy Leash, Food Starter Bag, Blanket with Littermates Scent, and AKC Registration.
Marnie J offers options to help you easily get your new puppy home.
If you’re nearby, you can visit in person to pick up your pup. If you’re far away, you can travel by car or plane.
“Puppy families within a couple of hours' drive can come to our home when puppies are 4-5 weeks old to chose their puppy. This is based on the order in which deposits are received. We can video chat with those further away.”
Why Marnie J started breeding
After 20 years in hospice as a bereavement counselor, then as a hospice caregiver during and after nursing school, I hit an emotional brick wall when my best friend was diagnosed with cancer. I realized then that I needed a break from death and dying. Surrounding myself with dogs is how I healed and began my journey as a breeder.
Marnie J has been a member of Good Dog for about 4 years
Marnie J was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2020.
Shadymist Kennel, LLC meets or exceeds our community standards in these areas:
All breeds
Golden Retriever
Golden Retriever
About Tilly
Tilly is a female Golden Retriever over 6 years old. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Marnie J decided to make her part of their program. Marnie J has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Golden Retriever
About Grace
Grace is a female Golden Retriever over 15 years old. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Marnie J decided to make her part of their program. Marnie J has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Golden Retriever
About Google
Google is a male Golden Retriever almost 7 years old. Carefully selected as a great representative of his breed, Marnie J decided to make him part of their program. Marnie J has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Golden Retriever
About Camden
Camden is a male Golden Retriever. Carefully selected as a great representative of his breed, Marnie J decided to make him part of their program. Marnie J has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Golden Retriever
About Regis
Regis is a male Golden Retriever. Carefully selected as a great representative of his breed, Marnie J decided to make him part of their program. Marnie J has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Golden Retriever
About Papa Luke
Papa Luke is a male Golden Retriever about 16 years old. Carefully selected as a great representative of his breed, Marnie J decided to make him part of their program. Marnie J has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Golden Retriever
About Karina
Karina is a female Golden Retriever almost 5 years old. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Marnie J decided to make her part of their program. Marnie J has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Golden Retriever
About Birdie
Birdie is a female Golden Retriever over 5 years old. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Marnie J decided to make her part of their program. Marnie J has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Golden Retriever
About Gladys
Gladys is a female Golden Retriever almost 7 years old. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Marnie J decided to make her part of their program. Marnie J has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Golden Retriever
Good level
Shadymist Kennel, LLC reports to performing the health tests below on their breeding dogs. Ask your breeder about the tests performed on the parents of your litter. Learn more about health testing for Golden Retrievers.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip testing reduces the chance of passing down hip dysplasia, which is primarily found in large breed dogs and can cause hip pain and the eventual loss of the function of the hip joint.
Elbow Dysplasia Finals (OFA, BVA, SV, FCI)
Elbow testing reduces the chance of passing down elbow dysplasia, which is primarily found in large breed dogs and can cause arthritis in the elbow joint and front leg lameness.
Cardiac Evaluation (registered with OFA)
Heart testing reduces the chance of passing down congenital heart disease, which can cause a range of symptoms ranging from trouble exercising to heart failure.
Patellar Luxation
Knee testing reduces the chance of passing down Patellar Luxation, which results in the kneecap becoming displaced or dislocated and can cause mild to severe joint pain.
Dentition
A breeder may perform additional tests on their dogs that do not fall into these general categories. These tests may be more uncommon or very specific to a particular breed.
Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis 5 (NCL5), Golden Retriever Type, Degenerative Myelopathy (DM; SOD1A), PRA, Golden Retriever 2, PRA, Golden Retriever 1, PRA, Rod-Cone Degeneration (PRA-prcd), Ichthyosis, Golden Retriever Type 1, Animal Genetics Panel
Genetic testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide variety of hereditary diseases of differing prevalence and severity such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (an eye disease) and Von Willebrand's Disease (a blood disease).