Learn More about our Policies
	Operations & Setup	Payment Methods
	Shipping Information	Return Policy
	Packing Materials	Sales Tax

OPERATIONS AND SETUP
We have a very small online-only operation and primarily feature items believed to be the best available for many critical dog related areas. Limited funding makes it difficult to stock many items; therefore, several products are drop shipped directly from the manufacturer and/or ordered from our sellers when orders are placed.
 

PAYMENT METHODS
We accept Visa, MasterCard, and Discover credit cards through Paypal. We also accept direct cash payments from persons with Paypal accounts. Orders are processed through Paypal's secure server utilizing 128-bit security encryption for maximum protection of sensitive information. You can rest assured that credit card account numbers and other confidential information cannot be viewed, intercepted or altered by anyone. Refer to our Legal and Privacy Statement for more details.

When paying by Paypal, please keep in mind that when utilizing an E-Checks your order will not be processed until the e-check clears (this can take 4-7 business days).


SALES TAX
As we do not have a physical storefront, our wares are only available online. However, due to our being incorporated in the state of Maryland, 6.0% sales tax needs to be collected for purchases made by those persons in Maryland.

SHIPPING INFORMATION
UPS, FedEx, USPS Priority, or USPS First Class Mail (in very few instances) is utilized dependent on the items being shipped. Most items to the USA shipped directly from the Land of PureGold Foundation utilize USPS Priority mailing. Items that note being shipped directly from manufacturers or distributors primarily utilize UPS or FedEx services. There are also certain items that are not kept in stock and essentially must be shipped to the Land of PureGold Foundation and then to our customers. Subsequently, 5-10 business days needs to be allowed for many orders. Tracking information and/or further delivery information will be provided.

Our store carries over 1000 items, many handmade in studios across the USA and Canada. Due to this diversity, folks are sometimes confused as to the delivery process. Most items come directly from our various artisans, distributors, or manufacturers. Therefore, depending on the type of items ordered, you may have one order necessitate more than one delivery. Also, if you have ordered an item that is made to order, it could take 2 or more weeks for production.

Please be sure to note the special delivery information on the page where you are ordering. We are very clear about just how much time may be needed (e.g., soft twisted bullhide leads take 2-3 weeks, no-pull harnesses take 3 weeks, carved wood items require up to 3 weeks, etc.).

In stock products that involve the health of your beloved dogs will always come from the Foundation's location in Maryland, and be priority mailed the next weekday following your order.

FREE SHIPPING specials are only for customers in the USA. Shipping Rates will vary depending on the value of your order.

PACKING MATERIALS
For those concerned about packing materials—for environmentally-conscious reasons or just concerned about getting a boxful of sticky, static packing peanuts—most orders are packed with recycled brown paper). For glass and other breakable items, we may wrap with bubblewrap when necessary. We NEVER use packing peanuts. We also try to re-use boxes when we can, additionally recycling boxes and used paper on our receiving end.


RETURN POLICY
We strive to ensure that the quality of our products is excellent, but in the case that an item you ordered is damaged or defective, please contact us immediately. Returns are only provided in the case of damaged or defective merchandise. Returns are not accepted without this contact being made so as to determine the nature of the problem. Returns typically must be made (to the respective drop shipper or our Foundation Store) within 30 days of receiving the merchandise, the specifics as to address supplied at the time of this contact. Please note that shipping charges are NOT refundable, and that items should be sent via insured mail.

If a return has been authorized, merchandise must be in original purchase condition with the original packaging intact, and include the original receipt/invoice/packing slip (make a copy for your own records). We will issue a refund or credit upon acceptance and inspection of the returned merchandise.
 

Site/Store Founder
Rochelle Lesser, a Nationally Certified School Psychologist who engages in animal-assisted therapy, is a consultant with Millersville Psychological Services, located in Millersville, Maryland. Professional publications include two monograph articles: Stress and Illness in the Family: A Linear versus Family Life Space Perspective and The Child with Cancer: A Life Space Study of Six Families. Rochelle also published the article, Following the Golden Brick Road, which appeared in Hoflin's 2003 Golden Retriever Annual, and wrote the foreword to the book, My Rescued Golden: True Stories of Rescued Golden Retrievers and the People Who Love Them. Her private practice and graduate teaching work, however, have been significantly curtailed due to struggles with a mixed connective tissue disease.

A Founder's (Golden Mom Rochelle's) Inspiration
I was given the book, Animals as Teachers & Healers, on my birthday in February 1997. An inspirational present from my lovely secretary, Sue, the title tells the entire story. “In their innocence and wisdom, in their connection to the earth and its most ancient rhythms, animals show us the way back to a home they have never left.” These words are from Ms. Susan Chernak McElroy, a cancer survivor who credits much of her triumph over terminal illness to the love of the animals in her life. Animals create meaning in every sphere of our lives which allows us to be our most genuine selves. In the realm of healing, they act as ‘soul-menders.’ And, they act as guardians.

It was Dr. Albert Schweitzer’s belief that until man could extend his circle of compassion to include all living things, he himself would find no peace. For, while animals aren’t our whole life, they do make our lives whole. Yet — how often do we take the time to understand and embrace the power and wonder that happens between animals and people? And, do we truly appreciate the healing power that animals have on humans and the happiness and sense of well being that they engender?

I have personally seen this special healing power, time and time again, and have felt such joy as I continue to celebrate the wonders of the human-canine bond. My website is testimony to this celebration. Created in 1997, this venture has been several years in the making. Goldens are very special beings that deserve lots of protection and care. That’s why I refer to myself as Golden Mom Rochelle. Sadly, my own mom died in 1983, before I began my Golden love, so she never got to see the beauty and joy that they’ve brought to my life. But, the logo for this site has just about everything to do with my mom and my love for Goldens.

LIVE, LOVE, LAUGH (with one large letter L) are the three words that you can see as our logo on many pages at the website. They are also found on a Gold necklace that I have worn now for many years. It was a necklace that I had given to my mom years earlier as a birthday present, because it told everything about who she was. She loved this gift and wore it often. When she died, I asked my dad to let me have it back. And, I’ve worn it everyday since. I think these words also tell everything about what Golden Retrievers are about.

Interestingly, although designed for youngsters, the majority of my visitors are adults. Golden bliss abounds as friends have literally been made all over the world. At the Land of PureGold, all aspects of Golden living are explored. In fact, every service field and humanitarian effort that our Golden gems are responsible for, with respect to enhancing persons’ lives, is highlighted. There are heartwarming stories about rescued Goldens, and Goldens engaged in Animal-Assisted Therapy & Activities, Assistance Dog vocations, Search & Rescue, and drug, bomb and arson detection.

As a School Psychologist engaged in private practice with youngsters, I have primarily utilized my Goldens in the roles of Therapy Dog and Demonstration Dog. (However, due to an early disability retirement, I now only work very part-time as a consultant at Millersville Psychological Services.)

When I finally had the ability to begin my canine family, it was my husband, Gary, who actually suggested we seek out a Golden. And, for that I will be eternally grateful. Here he is wearing one of his most favored sweatshirts (one of many Golden gifts I have given him over the years). Embroidered with the word Golden and a Golden canine figure, you can see why it is a favorite. In an article, entitled Following the Golden Brick Road, that I recently wrote, my first Golden experience is described:

I was hooked that afternoon. Hopelessly and forever hooked. I had walked down a flight of stairs into a Golden heaven of sorts—a litter of soft little fluff balls all scurrying about, this way and that. Could there really ever be anything as drop-dead gorgeous as these eight-week-old Golden puppies? I doubt it. Nothing could compare to the vision that greeted me that day. And, once seated and cuddling wildly amidst a chaos of fur and licking tongues—with adoration flowing in from far too many Goldens to count—I instinctively knew life would never again be the same.

I was never warned about the Golden obsession that can take over once exposed to such unconditional love. Intoxicating for sure, but addicting just the same. So, now with Golden pawprints forever stamped on my heart, there was understandably no turning back.

I had been a small dog, Poodle person, growing up. And, was comfortable with that given my diminished 4’11” stature. But my husband, Gary, having grown up during the Lassie era, had a beautiful and most cherished sable-colored Collie named Laddie. It was Gary’s idea that we add a more substantial dog to the family. Maybe not as large as a Collie, but certainly bigger than a miniature Poodle. So, guided by his wisdom, I was led down the Golden Brick Road, my eyes wide open to the existence of these exquisite furry retriever angels.

I cannot imagine that my life would have been as rich or as fulfilling or as filled with laughter as it is without such a discovery. But, my spiritual side has also led me to believe that this Golden gift was sent from a mother, watching out from above for her baby girl. For, at the time, I was still deeply grieving the loss of a much loved mother who had been the heartlight of my existence.

Do be sure to keep Following the Golden Brick Road in order to get the whole story. This is a 53-page PDF file (or mini-book) of my 2003 article for the Hoflin Golden Retriever Annual.  My Foreword to the book, My Rescued Golden, will also provide more about my strong feelings for the real champions of rescue. My dabbling in photography can be seen here with my favorite puppy photo.

And, don't forget to come see videos, gallery slideshows & life stories of my entire fur family, including my appearance on TV with Darcy.

   Mistfield Oliver CGC              Friendship Darcy Makena AX AXJ CGC              Mystic Lord Alfred Tennyson             Cinderella