Contents
Celebrating the Joy of Goldens, Doodles, and Labs
There’s a special kind of joy that comes with a Golden Retriever’s goofy grin, a Labrador’s ever-wagging tail, or a Goldendoodle’s boundless, curly-haired energy. These dogs aren’t just pets; they are furry, four-legged members of our families, full of love, intelligence, and a retrieving instinct that never seems to quit.
But as wonderful as they are, they come with their own unique set of questions. General dog advice often falls short when you’re trying to manage a Doodle’s complex coat, channel a Lab’s endless enthusiasm, or navigate the specific health needs of a Golden Retriever.
We created DevotedToDog.com to be the answer.
Our Vision: A World of Thriving Retrievers
Our vision is to be the most trusted corner of the internet for the parents of Golden Retrievers, Goldendoodles, and Labradors. We want to help you move beyond just caring for your dog to truly understanding and celebrating what makes them unique, leading to a deeper bond and a happier, healthier life together.
Our Mission: Breed-Specific, Vet-Approved Guidance
Our mission is to provide the most comprehensive, practical, and reliable guides tailored specifically to the needs of Goldens, Doodles, and Labs. Every article we publish is meticulously researched and reviewed by our panel of veterinary professionals to ensure the advice is not only effective but, most importantly, safe.
The Expert Panel Behind Our Advice
You deserve to know that the breed-specific advice you’re reading is grounded in real veterinary science. Our guides are backed by a team of experienced and compassionate professionals who ensure everything we publish meets the highest standards of care.
Alliyah Strange, Certified Dog Trainer & Behaviorist
Alliyah Strange is a certified dog trainer and behaviorist who specializes in helping dogs with behavioral challenges find their forever homes.
Alliyah Strange is a certified dog trainer, instructor, and canine behaviorist. Her approach is built on a deep understanding of animal behavior, honed through years of professional training and hands-on work with rescue dogs.
Her journey began at her local humane society, where she worked as an adoption counselor. It was there she discovered her passion for helping dogs with behavioral issues, a skill she further developed through a hands-on internship with a professional canine behaviorist. This real-world experience with a wide range of breeds and temperaments informs all of her writing.
Today, Alliyah’s mission is to share her knowledge to help make “unadoptable” dogs adoptable again and to give owners the tools they need to solve challenging behaviors with patience and skill. Her practical, hands-on advice is a core part of the DevotedToDog mission.
When she isn’t writing, she enjoys hiking the Blue Ridge Parkway with her son and her two beloved rescue dogs, Scout and Maya.
Brianna York, Former Veterinary Technician & Author
Brianna York is a writer and former veterinary technician whose advice is grounded in years of hands-on experience caring for dogs in a clinical setting.
Brianna York’s advice is built on a foundation of professional, hands-on animal care. As a former veterinary technician, she has extensive experience working with dogs in a clinical environment, where her responsibilities included administering medications, managing in-clinic patient care, and overseeing the health of boarded animals.
This practical, real-world knowledge is at the core of her writing. As a published author, Brianna now translates her experience into clear, reliable guides that help owners understand and manage their dog’s health with confidence. Her work allows readers to benefit from the practical insights of a trained technician.
A lifelong animal enthusiast, Brianna’s dedication extends beyond the clinic. She grew up in a family devoted to pets and is an accomplished equestrian, competing with her Arabian horses across the United States and Canada. This deep, personal connection to animals enriches the practical advice she shares with the DevotedToDog community.
Sarah, Lifelong Dog Owner & Writer
Sarah is a dedicated writer and lifelong dog owner whose work is inspired by the powerful, healing bond she shares with her rescue dog, Heidi.
Sarah is a professional writer whose articles for DevotedToDog are informed by a lifetime of hands-on experience with a wide variety of breeds, from Golden Retrievers to Bulldogs. For Sarah, a house isn’t a home without the presence of a dog, a belief that has been a constant throughout her life.
Her writing is deeply influenced by her special connection with her current dog, Heidi, a Dachshund/American Bulldog mix. As a rescue, Heidi holds a special place in her heart and serves as a daily reminder of the resilience and unconditional love that dogs bring into our lives. This powerful bond is a cornerstone of her work, bringing a layer of empathy and understanding to every topic she covers.
Sarah also brings a unique perspective as an advocate for people living with chronic illness. She and her mother run a support group for others with autoimmune diseases, and she understands firsthand the profound, therapeutic role that a devoted canine companion can play in navigating life’s challenges. Heidi’s caring nature and intuitive support are a source of constant inspiration.
When she isn’t writing, Sarah can be found developing her one-acre micro-farm or playing video games, always with her beloved Heidi right by her side.
Sonya, Veterinary Professional & Canine Nutrition Student
Sonya is a writer and veterinary professional with five years of experience in emergency care, currently pursuing a specialization in canine nutrition.
Sonya is a veterinary professional whose writing for DevotedToDog is backed by five years of hands-on experience in the demanding field of veterinary emergency care. This background has given her a deep understanding of canine health, neonatal care, and the critical needs of dogs in a clinical setting.
Her passion for animal wellness has led her to her current role at an integrative veterinary clinic, where she focuses on preventative care and holistic treatments. Sonya is also continuing her formal education to become a veterinary nurse, with plans to specialize in the crucial field of canine nutrition. Her advice is therefore informed by a powerful combination of emergency medicine experience and a forward-looking perspective on preventative health.
Sonya’s lifelong devotion to dogs began with her childhood companion, a Labrador mix named Luke, and continues today with her Golden Retriever mix, Tillie. When she isn’t caring for animals or studying, she and Tillie can be found exploring the nature of the Smoky Mountains near their home in East Tennessee.
Lilianna Parker, Professional Dog Trainer
Lilianna Parker is a professional dog trainer who uses science-backed methods to make expert training accessible for all dog owners.
Lilianna Parker is a professional dog trainer who specializes in science-backed, positive training methods. Her mission is to make reputable and effective training information accessible to every dog owner, empowering them to build a stronger, more positive relationship with their canine companions.
This mission is supported by formal education and hands-on experience. Lilianna is a student of the prestigious Animal Behavior College, a school dedicated to preparing trainers for professional practice. For the past two years, she has worked continuously, training dogs and applying the proven techniques that form the basis of her writing.
Lilianna’s greatest inspiration is her own dog, Cleo, a Shiba Inu she adopted from a local rescue. The deep, intuitive bond they share is a testament to the power of consistent, compassionate training—a connection she helps others achieve through her practical and reliable guides.
She lives in New York, where she and Cleo make a great team, whether they’re working on new skills or just enjoying each other’s company.
Diane Fickeria, Professional Dog Trainer, M.A.Ed.
With over 15 years of experience and a Master’s in Education, Diane Fickeria is a professional dog trainer who excels at teaching owners how to understand and manage stubborn, intelligent breeds.
Diane Fickeria brings over 15 years of professional dog training experience and a unique educational background to her work. Holding a Master of Arts in Education, she specializes in stubborn, intelligent dogs, particularly northern breeds like Huskies and working breeds like Shepherds and Collies.
Her unique approach is shaped by a powerful insight: the key to a well-behaved dog is an empowered and knowledgeable owner. Drawing on her background in education, Diane excels at “training the human,” teaching people how to understand their dog’s motivations, thought processes, and how to effectively redirect negative behaviors into positive ones. She believes that training is a partnership built on clear communication and mutual understanding.
This expertise isn’t just theoretical; it’s proven in her own multi-pet household. She successfully integrated two cats with two very different dogs: a Collie-Beagle mix with severe separation anxiety and a large, stubborn Native American Indian Dog. This real-world experience informs her practical, empathetic advice on everything from managing anxiety and food aggression to safely traveling the world with canine companions.
As a writer for DevotedToDog, Diane’s goal is to share this deep understanding, helping more people build a peaceful and rewarding life with their dogs.
How We Help You and Your Dog Thrive
We focus on the topics that matter most to the owners of these incredible breeds. Here’s what you’ll find:
-
Puppyhood Guides for Smart, Energetic Breeds: Go beyond basic commands with training advice designed for the high intelligence and retrieving instincts of Goldens, Labs, and Doodles.
-
Breed-Specific Health & Wellness: Find clear, vet-reviewed answers on topics crucial to these breeds, from preventing hip dysplasia and managing ear infections to understanding common allergies.
-
Grooming & Coat Care: Master the art of managing a Golden’s shedding, a Lab’s double coat, and, of course, the ever-tricky grooming needs of a Goldendoodle.
-
Nutrition & Diet Plans: Learn what to feed your dog through every life stage to support their energy levels, joint health, and a beautiful coat.
-
Enrichment & Activity Ideas: Discover fun and productive ways to channel your dog’s energy, keeping them happy, engaged, and out of trouble.
Whether you’re welcoming home your first fluffy puppy or sharing your life with a sweet senior, you’re in the right place.
Thank you for being here. We can’t wait to help you and your devoted dog live your best lives together.