This weekend, I checked off the 16th item from my bucket list: visiting the Golden Retriever Farm in Vermont. We had originally planned the trip to Vermont to see Sarah perform in her final Dance Force recital and decided to add this experience as a side adventure.

A gathering of goldens is called a happy—and after this experience, that feels exactly right. You leave with nothing but warmth, joy, and a full heart.

We woke up Sunday morning to pouring rain. After grabbing bagels, we picked Sarah up and started heading northeast toward Jeffersonville, VT as the weather shifted into something even more unexpected—snow. Yes, snow on April 19th.

Eric, Sarah, and I arrived at the farm early and were welcomed by Becca Worple, who owns the farm with her husband, Doug. Becca is also the person I had originally spoken with when we realized we had booked the wrong weekend. Despite their policy of not transferring dates, I shared my 50 by 50 bucket list with her—and she kindly made an exception. I will always be grateful for that gesture.

The farm itself, Golden Dog Farm, is even more magical than you could imagine. Beyond the golden retrievers, it’s a working farm that also raises bees for honey, produces its own maple syrup, and even has a winery. Everything about it feels intentional and deeply connected to the land—like a place where joy is quite literally cultivated in every direction. People travel from all over the world for this golden retriever experience, drawn by the chance to spend time in pure, uncomplicated happiness.

As others arrived, we met Uncle Lenny, the Worples’ sweet dog who immediately made us feel at home. We gathered in a newly built barn that was absolutely beautiful—complete with a small gift shop, restrooms, and wide-open views of the property. Before heading out to meet the dogs, Becca shared the story of how the farm came to be and their partnership with Butternut Goldens—something she described as a moment that truly stopped them in their tracks.

We then walked outside in soft falling snow toward another barn about six minutes away. A fire was going, music was playing (of course, Noah Kahan), and we gathered on a hill to wait for the goldens.

Dana and Susan, who have been breeding golden retrievers for 26 years, currently care for 16 dogs—all deeply loved and incredibly well cared for.

When the truck arrived, two dogs jumped out with Dana while the others waited excitedly in the back. One by one, they were introduced as we gathered around, petting and laughing. Amber was sleepy and instantly my favorite in that moment. Then, with a joyful burst, the rest were released—and pure golden chaos (in the best way) followed.

After fetch, running, and endless petting, we were invited into a cozy cabin to warm up, dry off, and have hot cocoa with the dogs. We took photos, tried to keep track of who was who, and talked about dogs we’ve loved and lost. It’s been five years since we lost Jersey. While he wasn’t a golden, he carried many of the same gentle traits. Sarah said the white-faced dogs reminded her of him.

At the end of our visit, Becca brought each family outside for a group photo with all 16 dogs. You might wonder how you photograph 16 golden retrievers together—but Susan somehow made it happen, while Becca captured some of the most incredible photos I’ve ever seen. She said photography is her love language, and it truly shows.

A gathering of goldens is called a happy. After this experience, I understand why. Becca captured the pure joy and warmth that filled every moment of the day.

A huge thank you to Eric for planning, Becca for making an exception, Farmer Doug for the laughter, and Susan and Dana for raising such incredible dogs. And of course, to the goldens who completely stole my heart:

Uncle Lenny, Bobby “the Monster,” “Fat Headed” Steve, Wyatt “the thief,” Gina “the hitchhiker,” Amber, Jewels, Kimba, Lily, Mia, Blondie (with the long eyelashes!), Annie, Ginger, Wilson, Joni, Piper, and Padraig “the Quarterback.”