Golden Acres marks 20 years of raising family companions

After two decades of raising golden retrievers, Maryann Whipkey Smith says the reason she continues hasn’t changed.

“It’s the love and the passion,” she said. “You can give it to them, and they give it back more than you’ll ever get in return.”

Smith, owner of Golden Acres AKC Golden Retrievers, started her kennel in 2006 and is now celebrating 20 years of breeding and raising the popular family dogs just south of Carrollton.

What began with two dogs, Sable and Simba, has grown into a full operation with 13 dogs on the property and a reputation built largely through word of mouth.

“They were the ones that started my business,” Smith said of her first two golden retrievers. “They made it what it is today.”

A Carroll County native who grew up on a farm in Augusta, the daughter of Richard and Stella Whipkey, Smith said her love of animals came naturally. She is married to Bud Smith, and together they own S&S Equipment.

“I’ve always had animals. It’s just in my blood,” she said.

Over the years, that passion has developed into a structured, state-licensed and inspected kennel. Smith raises all of her dogs on-site, maintaining her own breeding males and females and carefully selecting bloodlines for health and temperament.

“I look at pedigrees and make sure they have everything,” she said. “I want to breed the right male with the right female.”

Her kennel includes breeding females, stud dogs and retirees. Unlike some breeders, Smith does not rehome her dogs when they are no longer part of the breeding program.

“They’re family,” she said. “I brought them up from puppies. Why take them out of their comfort zone? They stay here with me.”

Smith said she typically retires her dogs around six years old and allows them to live out their lives on the property, where she has also created a small pet cemetery for those she has lost over the years. She keeps music playing 24/7, saying her retired dogs have grown to love country music.

The breeding process itself requires constant attention, from tracking cycles to veterinary care and preparing for litters. Once puppies are born, they are raised in a controlled environment and receive regular care before going to their new homes.

Each puppy is wormed, vaccinated, microchipped and registered before leaving at eight weeks old.

Smith also spends time socializing the puppies, exposing them to noise and handling so they are comfortable in a home environment.

“You don’t want them scared of everything,” she said. “You treat them like you would a baby, get them acclimated to noises and the environment.”

While the work can be demanding, Smith said the reward comes when families take a puppy home.

“The best part is seeing the look on people’s faces when they leave,” she said. “You’ve completed the circle of their family.”

Golden retrievers, she said, are especially suited for that role.

“It’s their companionship, their loyalty and love,” Smith said.

Over the years, many of her dogs have gone on to become therapy animals or long-time family pets.

In addition to her work with Golden Acres, Smith is very involved in the Carrollton and Carroll County community. She regularly participates in local events, including Pullin for a Cause, the Carroll County Fair and the Algonquin Mill Festival, and supports organizations such as 4-H and FFA; groups she was involved with growing up.

“I was in the Augusta Livestock 4-H Club, and my dad was an advisor,” she said. “It’s always been part of my life. My dad passed on his gift of love for animals and community service. I’m told I’m a chip off the old block.”

As she marks 20 years in business, Smith said she has no plans of slowing down.

“I enjoy it, or I wouldn’t still be doing it,” she said. “Hopefully I get another 10 years in.”

To reach Golden Acres AKC Golden Retrievers, call 330-704-6068.