Tonya Struble

This is a love story.  As a young girl I lost my heart to a golden retriever with dark curly hair, 4 white feet and a large spot on his chest.  Our first golden, was our family pet.  Although his pedigree was less than noble, he introduced me to the many talents and treasures of this wonderful breedand the sport of dogs.  He taught me how to be responsible and how to work hard to achieve your dreams. From that time on I’ve never looked back.

My kennel is Rush Hill Golden Retrievers, founded in 1980. We have currently produced over 75 American Champions. These dogs have acquired almost 40 Best in Shows, and over 70 Best in Specialty wins. Over the years I have had the pleasure of sharing my life with many wonderful Goldens:  including the GRCA National Specialty BOB winners, the GRCC National Specialty winners, Multi BIS/BISS winner, GRCA Top Twenty winner, and the top producing golden in breed history,  BIS BISS Am./Can. CH. Rush Hill's Haagen-Dazs CDX JH AX OAJ WCX VCX OS SDHF; Can. CD, WC.“Kirby”
Kirby taught me that this breed truly is “golden” in so many ways. The two of us were a team and attained goals that we never set out to achieve. Along with being our top producing sire he is the Top Winning Specialty Dog in our breed history. While we have had many wonderful dogs in our lives; Kirby is one of a kind, and he will always be missed.

We dedicated to preserving the temperament, intelligence and versatility of our breed. I have competed, and titled dogs, in every venue for which the golden retriever is meant to excel: conformation, obedience, tracking, hunting, and agility. 

I am happily married to my husband of 27 years, Mark.  We reside in Arlington, WA and share our home with many of our wonderful Golden Retrievers. 

This is a love story with a happy ending.  Little did I know, 40 years after owning my first Golden I would be where I am today.  Life has a wonderful way of surprising you when you least expect it.  I am honored to have been asked to judge the sweepstakes entries at this year’s Canadian National Specialty.