Sometimes a new chapter begins with nothing more than knowing when to pull over. For Becca and Doug Warp, a chance encounter with a joyful group of Golden Retrievers in the Vermont countryside became one of those rare moments that quietly redirected their lives. They had already traveled thousands of miles searching for what might come next, but they never expected the answer to greet them on four paws, with wagging tails and the unmistakable warmth that dogs can bring.
Before that encounter, Becca and Doug had built successful careers and reached a point where they were ready for a major change. When the pandemic disrupted everyday life, they decided to trade familiarity for the open road and began exploring the country in an RV.
Their journey eventually stretched approximately 17,000 miles across 35 states. Along the way, they encountered different communities and landscapes as they considered what they wanted the next stage of their lives to look like. Then came Vermont.
While driving through the state, the couple spotted a group of Golden Retrievers. Something about the scene caught their attention strongly enough that they decided to stop. What might have been a brief roadside encounter instead became what they described as a moment of “kismet.” That unexpected meeting planted the seed for an entirely different kind of future.
A Farm Built Around the Joy of Dogs
Becca and Doug eventually partnered with Susan and Dana Menny, the owners of Butternut Goldens. Their Golden Retrievers are part of a multigenerational family of well-socialized dogs living on a sprawling 275-acre Vermont farm.
Together, they created the Golden Dog Farm experience in 2023. The idea was simple but meaningful: give people the opportunity to spend time surrounded by friendly Golden Retrievers in a beautiful outdoor setting.
The experience quickly attracted attention, but its appeal goes beyond the novelty of being surrounded by dogs. For some visitors, spending an afternoon with the Goldens fills a space in their lives that circumstances have made difficult to fill at home. Some cannot own a dog because of their health or living arrangements. Others arrive after losing a beloved pet and missing the companionship that once filled their everyday routines. At the farm, they are able to experience that connection again, even if only for a little while.
One of the most memorable moments comes when 12 Golden Retrievers are released from a truck to greet the waiting guests. Suddenly, the quiet Vermont landscape fills with wagging tails, excited paws, and dogs eagerly making their way toward their new friends.
For many guests, that first greeting can be surprisingly emotional. The dogs do not need to know anyone’s story. They simply arrive ready to play, explore, and share their affection.
The rest of the experience unfolds naturally across the farm. Visitors watch the Goldens race through open fields, splash around the pond, and eagerly chase tennis balls. Rather than observing from a distance, guests become part of the dogs’ world for the day.
Before the experience ends, visitors gather for a professional-style photo session surrounded by the Goldens. The photographs capture more than a memorable outing. They preserve the smiles, cuddles, and joyful chaos of being welcomed into a very unusual pack.
What began as an unexpected stop during Becca and Doug’s cross-country journey ultimately became a place centered on connection. Golden Dog Farm offers visitors something wonderfully uncomplicated: time with dogs, room to enjoy the outdoors, and an opportunity to feel surrounded by warmth and companionship.
For Becca and Doug, the Golden Retrievers they encountered in Vermont did more than interrupt a road trip. They helped point the couple toward the adventure they had been searching for all along.
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