---

TOP

NOTES:
1. Your order will be shipped directly from the manufacturer's warehouse within 2 business days of your order. All Cece Kent products are shipped via insured standard ground service. It is recommended that if other types of items are desired here at the Land of PureGold Foundation Store, outside of this line, that the orders be placed separately.
2. Returns are allowed within 60 days if the product is unused in the original packaging and returned prepaid. There is a restocking fee of 15% on items returned for reasons other than manufacturer's defect (exchanges permitted only for damaged or defective product). CECE KENT stands behind the quality of its products and guarantees they are free from damage and defects. Defects must be reported within 3 days of receipt to qualify for waived restocking fee.
3. In the unlikely event that the item you order is not in stock, we will inform you via return email as soon as possible about the status of your order. If you desire, we will ship your order as soon as stock is reinstated. If you do not want to wait for your out of stock item, please advise and we will cancel that portion of your order.
4. Sorry, this line is not available outside of the USA.

 

 

 

 

 

test

 

 

 

 

The job that our rescue partners perform is a truly noble one. This prize-filled contest is our way of thanking the wonderful folks who provide intake, foster, or adoptive homes. We are looking for irresistible tales that capture a dog's wonderful 'rags to wags' transformation―compelling stories that reside only in the heart.

Folks need to communicate just why a particular dog that has been involved in any part of the rescue process deserves to be King or Queen for the Day.

Cece Kent's gorgeous Cambridge Collar & matching Cambridge Lead — a set valued at $180 — is to be awarded to our grand prize winner. Their fashion line offers a touch of elegance, this gift befitting a lucky canine king or queen. Other wonderful prizes from our Foundation Store round out the $625+ $900+ prize package for our top ten tales.

The contest is now closed. On Dec 14, 2009 our winners were announced
 

---

Meet our Prize Winners
We did not want our beloved furry members to feel left out of this deal. So, each of our winners received an additional special little surprise gift for their pal (something we know they will surely love). In fact, here is the PDF that will accompany our specially designed organic treat & free-range, grass fed chew sampler. And, we threw in some extra goodies for the parents as well.

Our judges labored and labored to come up with their Top Ten picks. Marti Brown tried to follow the rules for judging the entries, and said she did her best. But then added, "I know my heart rules...I just can't help myself." Author Toni Eames' favorites were well-written and let the reader know the impact of the dog on the family and larger community. However, she felt that all 30 stories emphasized the deep meaning of the human dog bond. In addition, Toni believed that all of the depicted humans made great efforts to nurture dogs, and the dogs in turn, gave meaning and direction to the humans' lives.

Author Nancy West, one of our judges, failed her judging duties. She is already a failed feral cat rescuer, now with 4 adorable kitties added to the family as a result. She read and re-read all the entries and labored over providing her Top Ten, informing us that "This was a very difficult process because ALL of the stories were VERY compelling!" 

And, what was her solution, you ask? Well, Nancy sent out 20 personally signed copies of her book: Chips The War Dog: Based on the True-Life Adventures of the World War II K-9 Hero, each with a wonderful laminated bookmark. So nice at holiday time for everyone to be a winner!

Our $625+ prize package swelled to over $900! Honestly, it was near impossible to decide on our top winner as the top 3 entries were so closely aligned.

We must mention our exclusion of Entry 1: Unconditional Love (by Ellen Franklin). While every judge felt it was an exceptional story, the entries were to be unpublished ones. Tripp's tale, however, was one that had already gained much notoriety in the press, whereas our other entries all were new to the public. Ellen did lead the way as hers was our first entry, so we will be sending her a special prize that celebrates her little hero. A section that honors Golden Retriever Heroes includes Tripp's alerting his family to a fire, added in Nov 2007.

Enjoy our TOP TEN Winning Entries

FIRST PLACE:  Greg A. James for his Entry #5 story: That Was Then. This is Now: The Story of Bear

This photo of Greg and Bear is definitely a keeper, and clearly one—in which in his canine fashion—Bear is thanking Greg for having rescued him. He is surely a lucky boy who is now enjoying the life that we all would want for our furry companions.

Greg is one of our wonderful champions of Rescue, providing one of its most critical functions—that of fostering dogs to a state of sufficient mental and physical health so that they are then adoptable.

Retrieve a Golden of Minnesota (RAGOM) is certainly fortunate to have him aboard.

The compelling story that Greg has written speaks volumes, clearly revealing the potency of intrinsic motivation. Pursuing a goal without interest in external or material reward, we see Greg engaged in fostering because it so very much satisfies his inner self.

The closing to his story says it all:

Rochelle, I received the gift package for Bear over the weekend. Thank you so much for everything. I've already contacted his owners to see about getting him the things. I think the fancy collar and leash set will be too small for his big ol' neck, but we'll see. I mentioned this to his owners and they said that maybe we can donate it to RAGOM or auction it off and donate the money to RAGOM in Bear's name.... The treats were awesome. I gave some to my Lucy and she loved them. The harness is something that will work well for Bear. He's a puller so that will help I think. The certificate for first place was probably the coolest thing for me. I was shocked and so happy when Bear's story won. He is an angel. Thank you again Rochelle. Have a merry XMAS!

SECOND PLACE:  Nancy Freedman-Smith, CPDT for her Entry # 22 story: Dina

Hi Rochelle! First of all thank you for giving me the kick in the pants to tell the story of my wonderful dog Dina. It was a fitting way to mark the 10 year anniversary of her death, and I am soooo glad to get it out! I love my Stephen Huneck leash holder that says "Dogs Can Heal". It arrived at a time when my dog Charlee was in the throws of a panceatitis attack and I like to think it has a double meaning. One for dogs and one for dogs helping people. I love Stephen's art and I even had a chance to meet him this past summer. The cards and treats, and pill holder for pups were all excellent. They would all make wonderful gifts for any dog lover. I love the Land of PureGold and have been a fan for many many years, and I admire all the work you do for dogs. Thank you very much!! And thanks to the judges too! ― Nancy

THIRD PLACE:  Mary Ellen Lunde for her Entry #21 story: From Trash to Treasure — Yoda, Miniature Pomeranian

Dear Rochelle, Happy holidays to you!!! It certainly was an extra special treat to get the wonderful box of goodies for third-prize winner Yoda. As you are well aware, those of us (yourself included!) involved in rescue do it mainly for the dogs or other critters and get repaid a million times over in soft licks, happy faces and contented sighs, Unfortunately, we often don't have the time to relax and enjoy our successes because there's always another in need, so it is especially touching to got recognition and to read the stories of so many good people involved in rescue. Take care and thank you again for all you do for rescue. ― Mary Ellen Lunde, Roseburg, OR Volunteer, Golden Bond Rescue Volunteer, New Beginnings SPCA

FOURTH PLACE:  Elizabeth Mitchell for her Entry #28 story: Fly Away Home

Hi Rochelle ― I wanted to Thank you & let you know we got our package today. The cards are beautiful! wonderful colors & of course the subject matter couldn't be more perfect for me! Thank you for all the extra goodies too. Everything was packaged up so cute. The golden girls thank you for the treats. Its great to have Mully be a part of your site:) Hopefully her story & all the others featured will make people think about rescue & how they can help. I found the Land Of Pure Gold years & years ago when I got my very first golden (Riley) & joined Helens g@h group & thru that found your site. Because of both became more involved with rescue & all my dogs from now on will be rescues. Thank you for all the work you do for our furry ones! ― Elizabeth, Morgan & Mully

FIFTH PLACE:  Hermine Scolnik for her Entry #10 story: Mollie – Throw Away Dog to Therapy Dog

We are so excited about our prize. The cards are beautiful, and Mollie has decided to share her treats with her sister Sara. Attached is a picture of them together sharing a tennis ball. We have taken a picture of the certificate that was enclosed, and will be featuring it in the EGRR newsletter. We had a lot of fun with the contest ― checked the number of entrants regularly, and got excited when it approached 30. Everyone on the EGRR Board was thrilled for Mollie and me. ― Hermine Scolnik

SIXTH PLACE:  Ann Gwinnup for her Entry #8 story: Gus: The Hurricane Was Just the Beginning
 

SEVENTH PLACE:  Debbie Tovar for her Entry #4 story: Nicodemus, The Reading Dog

Nic got 7th place. I was really, really proud of that. When the box came with the prize, I didn't realize there were dog treats in it, and didn't open it right away. He was going insane, and so I opened it, and saw the treats. Nic LOVES the treats. He has very serious food allergies, and so far these treats have been fine for him. That's a miracle! ― Debbie

EIGHTH PLACE:  Kathy Daily, RVT for her Entry #20 story: Another's Trash is My Morgan

My package came TODAY! WOW, thank you so much! Lots of extras in that package, and Morgan has already had a treat from it! Here is a picture of Morgan, with his goodies! Not the best picture, but he is a goober. ― Kathy, RVT

NINTH PLACE:  Dianne Houghtaling for her Entry #30 story: The World's Oldest Friendship

Hello Rochelle. Great pick for the overall winner―that story was terrific. It was my personal favorite too. Many thanks for choosing Brownie's tale to be one of the top 10 winners. I am so appreciative of the recognition of Brownie's story! Thank you very much! I had not read any of the other stories prior to submitting my entry to the Rags to Riches contest. I did not want any of the other stories to influence Brownie's tale. So, when I finally did read the other stories, I felt as thought I did not even have a chance of competing. So to be chosen as one of the top 10, was a complete surprise. Please thank the judges for me for honoring Brownie's Rags to Riches story. ... Thanks for the fabulous prize box that arrived (already!) today. Brownie is now wearing her new collar. And wearing it quite proudly, I might add. Her "siblings" are a little jealous (they have rescue stories too, you see), but Brownie has promised to share her bag of organic treats with them. I appreciate the added "goodies"―the pill holder and beautiful greeting cards too. Thanks for holding the Rags to Riches rescue story contest. The tales are quite heart-warming and inspirational. When there are so many news stories dealing with animal abuse, such as dog fighting and puppy mills, knowing that there really and truly ARE others out there who love dogs is reassuring. Thanks for offering the opportunity to tell Brownie's story. Thanks for picking Brownie's story as one of the Top Ten. ― Sincerely, Dianne Houghtaling

TENTH PLACE:  Nicole Farber, RVT for her Entry #17 story: From Bad to Great — A Rescue Dog’s Story

 

Enjoy the rest of our wonderful Entries

Entry 1: Unconditional Love (by Ellen Franklin)

Entry 2: A Tale to Remember (by Judy Cook)

Rochelle it was great talking to you over the weekend. What a fantastic surprise to receive the beautiful signed book, the treats and cards. It was so thoughtful of you. I had forgotten that I submitted my entry in July. There has been a lot going on in my life this year. Thank you so much. It was a nice present for Mindy and myself. Hope you have a very happy holiday. Thank you again.

Entry 3: From Dumped Dog to Super Dog (by Phil Severson)

I received the book, information, super treats, and cards today. It arrived in great condition. The packer did a good job. Bailey would have loved those treats. But Dasher (our 6 year old Golden) and Teddy (our 11/2 year old Cav. King Chs. Spaniel will enjoy them. Thank you so much for all. You are a first class act, as the saying goes. I can't wait to read the book. Thanks again, G-d Bless, and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. ― Phil

Entry 6: Chancy Dog’s Story (by Maggie Eaton)

Rochelle, The post office tried to deliver the package Friday but I wasn't home, so I am going to pick it up today during my lunch hour. The stories were all great! I am so glad to get an opportunity to tell Chance's story! He was a wonderful dog and we loved him so much! And now we have another rescue Golden.. I didn't plan on getting another Golden. I was too heartbroken after losing Chance. She is so much like Chance in some ways (she loves to sleep on her back with her legs sticking up in the air!), but she definitely has her own personality! She is funny and sweet and playful and very smart! And we love her a lot! Again, thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to tell Chance's story! ― Maggie Eaton   ... Rochelle,  Just wanted to thank you for the package with the treats and notes and book! I gave Callie (our current rescue Golden) one treat, but the rest are going into her Christmas stocking! I think Chance would approve of that! Again, I really am grateful for the opportunity to get Chance's story out. He was an amazing dog! And Callie is turning out to be every bit amazing in her own ways. I really didn't think I ever wanted another Golden after Chance died, but then Callie came into our lives. She definitely has her very own personality! She loves us and like Chance, seems to have a special place in her heart for my daughter. She loves to snuggle up next to Anna on the sofa and watch TV and Anna just adores her. I know she is a bit older (they said at the pound they thought she was about 8 years old), but we are thinking of doing some obedience training with her (not that she needs much, she is very good and very smart!). Anna is thinking about maybe seeing if Callie could get certified to be a Therapy dog. So once the holidays are over, we might look into what it would take to do that. Anyway, I just wanted to thank you for letting me tell Chance's story and thank you for the wonderful package! ― Maggie Eaton

Entry 7: From Dud to Duchess (by Seth Stewart)

Entry 9: Miss Dixie’s Story (by Sarah Whitfield)

Entry 11: Knuckles (by Samuel Crews)

Entry 12: Sweet Abbey (by Angela Ninness)

Entry 13: My Boo Bear (by Michael Jones)

Entry 14: Bumper (by LaDonna Puryear)

Entry 15: From Goldens to a Poodle (by Alice Johnson)

Entry 16: Apple: Sweet to the Core (by Judith Kelly)

Entry 18: Tiko Picked US (by Brendan and Barbara O'Keefe)

Hi Rochelle! Your package arrived yesterday, and I swear Tiko knew it was for him. He stood while I opened it, then poked his head in the box and sniffed. When I grabbed one of the treats out of the bag, his tail was wagging a mile a minute. Thank you so much, and also thanks to Nancy West. I'm reading her book now, then I'm wrapping it up to give to my grandson Brady. Our whole family are animal lovers, so I know he'll love the story. Thank you again and Happy Holidays!! ― Bobbi O'Keefe

Entry 19: Tank — The Dog that Found Us (by Terry Atkins)

Got the package yesterday. Daffy claimed the treats right away. I know I will love the book. Thanks for the gifts. Happy Holiday ― Terry Atkins

Entry 23: Royal: A Story of Love (by Lauren Dube)

Entry 24: My little Companion! (by Sylvia Wiegand-Knight)

Dear Rochelle, I wanted to thank you for sending the prize to us, Buster had his nose in the air until I gave him a treat from the bag, he enjoyed it and was looking for more, LOL! I did not count on winning anything and was surprised to receive a package, which I almost sent back, because I did not think of the contest and the little story placed on the web. My friends looked up the website and found the foundation and also the "Rags to Riches" contest. Finally I remembered the story and that this may be one of the prizes mentioned. Once again thank you so much and this from the both of us (Sylvia and Buster). We would not want to miss wishing you and the whole Staff a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year to come. ― Sincerely, Sylvia

Entry 25: Our Queen Mary (by Barbara Walter)

Entry 26: Maggie's Story (by Stephanie Sanders-Badt)

Hello Rochelle ― the goodies just came today and WOW! The treats are fabulous -- Our golden girl Ellie is in advanced training and the treats look sooooo delicious ― she is going to respond beautifully...The book is a true gem ― we are looking forward to reading it over our semester break -- and the cards are just lovely. Can't thank you enough for sponsoring this contest, but more so for all you do. We wish you and yours the blessings of the season. ― Stephanie and Susan and golden girl Ellie

Entry 27: Pickle's Story (by Kristen Skillicorn)

Entry 29: A Pup Called Peter (by Hannah Smith, Age 12)

Hey, It's Hannah; Nancy's daughter, I just wanted to say thank you for the opportunity to write this story. I had a lot of fun writing it and I look forward to reading the book. The dogs loved the treats. I also really liked the cards. So thanks again and I look forward to future Land of PureGold contests.

Meet our Judges Panel
We hope you will agree that we have a wonderful judging panel for this contest. They certainly have a daunting task as our entries clearly pack an emotional punch. Of course, good writing is what makes a winner, not manipulation of the judges. The very act of judging a creative work is subjective, each judge possessing a unique set of experiences and education.

Nancy West, Author & Feline Rescue Advocate
Nancy writes books that celebrate the mysterious and magical bond that exists between canines and their human partners. Featured at  Off Lead Publications, she is the author of the children’s historical novel Chips The War Dog: Based on the True-Life Adventures of the World War II K-9 Hero, as well as the illustrated children's book Kali Leads the Way. Historical fiction based on the true-life adventures of the most highly decorated K9 hero from World War II, Chips is a timeless story about the importance of home, friendship, and loyalty during one of the most challenging times in America's history. Kali Leads the Way is the story of a humanitarian mine detection dog named Kali that works in Cambodia. When a young boy becomes sick, Kali must prove that she is smart and brave as she leads the boy, his father, and her handler over a dangerous mountain path to the nearest hospital.

Asked about being an author, Nancy responded this way:

When people ask me why I enjoy writing, the first answer that comes to mind is that I love it for the same reasons we like to read: to seek new adventures and to inhabit new worlds. Depending upon what I happen to be writing, my world is constantly changing. One day I might be living along the banks of the Hudson River, and the next I'm trudging past ancient ruins in Cambodia. Whether I'm writing fiction or non-fiction, I believe it's important to enter a character's world completely. I believe that writers, like actors, have to be incredibly generous with the characters they create. This generosity of spirit, in turn, transcends to the audience or reader.

I enjoyed writing this simple story [Kali Leads the Way] about a little black Labrador retriever that works as a humanitarian mine detection dog in Cambodia. Although Kali's story is "fiction," she represents hundreds of "real" dogs that serve humanity everyday around the world in their efforts to rid the world of these dangerous explosives. As the famous dog story writer Albert Payson Terhune once said, "...a dog doesn't know how to be anything but a hero." How true.

Toni Eames, M.S., Writer & Assistance Dog Partner Advocate 
Toni is Treasurer and one of the founding members of the International Association of Assistance Dog Partners (IAADP). IAADP is an independent cross disability consumer non-profit organization represents all Assistance Dog Partners and advances consumer interests in the assistance dog field.

She and her late husband, Dr. Ed Eames authored the book, Partners in Independence: A Success Story of Dogs and the Disabled. It was drawn from their award-winning column of the same name, published for ten years in Dog World Magazine. The second edition of this book is still in print and serves as a wonderful history of the assistance dog movement in the 1990's.

This is Toni Eames and Ivy, who became the first guide dog handled by a blind partner to obtain the intermediate level title of Companion Dog Excellent (CDX). And even when diagnosed just before her twelfth birthday with a retinal disease that caused her to lose her sight, Ivy continued to persevere as Toni relays in the following passage:

"When blindness struck, the brilliant and adaptable Ivy assumed the honored and well-earned title of Guide Dog Emeritus. For the next year she resumed her position on my right side as her successor, Escort, took over the guide position on my left. The indomitable Ivy learned to navigate as a blind dog and continued to accompany us to many familiar places around town."

See how she tackled her favorite activity of swimming, in the essay, Swimming Was Her Passion! And, for some of Toni's humor, check out this article that she co-wrote with her husband: Is that A Sightseeing Dog?


Rochelle Lesser, School Psychologist & Land of PureGold Foundation Founder
Rochelle, 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.


Marti Brown, Land of PureGold Foundation Board Member  
Marti began her interest in Goldens in 1978 when she and her husband, Joe, lived on their horse farm. At the time, they both thought Goldens would be a perfect fit because of their friendly nature. Marti was last Mom to Golden Angel, Carly, and together they enjoyed much pet visitation work. Sadly, in January 2009, 10½-year-old Carly was lost to cancer. However, June 2009 was a time for rebirth as Golden puppy Katly joined the family! With their current home now on the water, Marti's interests include water sports, snow skiing, hiking and, of course, Golden Love.