Testimonials from our Puppy Owners
The best way to get a reference on us is to get on Instagram and send messages to the RVD owners asking about their experience with us and their pup. Or, meet one of them at a dog park.
We often will post testimonials and email updates from our owners on our public Facebook page - you can follow us on there and search the feed. Feel free to reach out to anyone!
"If you want a puppy from a breeder who truly cares about her puppies and their owners, RVD won’t disappoint. Since getting our dogs a few months ago, we have referred several people to RVD, all of whom have gotten dogs from Cherrie and all of whom are very happy.
Cherrie is extremely organized and honest. She not only prepares the dogs for puppyhood, but their owners too. Expect detailed emails containing shopping lists and important information such as what your puppy will be eating when you pick him/her up. Impressively, these are not “canned.” Our family got 2 dogs from RVD 6 months apart and each set of instructions was specific to their litter.
Thank you for our “girls” Cherrie - we love them! We have friends for life and are thankful to be part of the RVD family."
~B. Knepper - 2019
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Our apologies that it's been some time since our last update! Otto has blossomed into such a fun and amazing young pup. He's so so smart (he knows like 10 tricks already, and is well on his way to training us.) He loves kongs, and sleeps through the night every night. He got his third round of shots yesterday, and we're starting park walks! He is so amazing on them, only barely pulling - that's our main thing we're working on now. He hasn't pooped in the house since the day after brought him home, and we easily go a few days a week without any accidents at all. And everyone on the streets always stops us to tell us just how handsome he is (and that they don't believe he's a doodle). He is also really enjoying socialization and is great with other humans and dogs! He had a great time playing with Brewster and Charlie and we're looking forward to meeting Mack in the next couple of weeks! We're so grateful for this wonderful network of RVD dogs in our area.
Emma and I just wanted to send you an email letting you know how thrilled we are that we went with a River Valley Doodle - he's such a sweet, loving, confident, independent and clever dog. We could not have asked for better. There is no better feeling than waking up each morning to his crazy tail wags and puppy kisses. Please let us know if you're ever in NYC (or CT next year) so that you can come say hi!
Best,
Emma & Dan with @otto.the.dood
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Obviously as I'm sure you can tell from social media, I can't even put into words how happy we are. We are so, so incredibly thankful for everything. I didn't know I could love something so much!!!!! You are so amazing at what you do and I would literally send anyone to you for a pup. Leo is more amazing than I could have ever even imagined possible. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!!
We baby wipe his feet and belly every time we come inside. I will definitely keep that up. I haven't really put him down on the ground anywhere other than my yard or my parents. He looooves my brothers dog and they could not play cuter together (she's a 6lb poodle mix and I swear he thinks she's one of his siblings lol)
We put him in the crate at night and now that we moved the crate into the bedroom and he can see me, he doesn't make a peep! Not one peep. I put him to bed at 10, wake up at 530 am for work and take him out and he still hadn't cried. Matt woke up at 7 with him and fed him etc. If I put him in the pen in the kitchen he cries but he doesn't for Matt (mama's boy, duh). He's only been alone for 1-2 hours and when we quietly sneak in he's either snoozing or playing quietly. He hates pb and won't eat it out of the Kong haha he likes the cheese flavored Kong stuff though.
He's such a love and I literally could brag all day about how great of a puppy he has been. I expected a lot more stress! I will say, he's getting bolder and definitely can see him coming out of his shell which is adorable. He's learning his limits from lots of NOs (like scaling the rock wall, or trying to bee line up the stairs and slamming his body into them) Lol
I think he is liking his new home! I wish I could clone him for everyone. I can't make it 30 feet anywhere I go without being stopped and he's got the love bug personality to match. You did good ;-)
- Kelley (with Leonardo - Instagram: @leonardo_doodcaprio)
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This is a long overdue hello from Rocky and her humans :). We think about you all the time as we marvel at what an amazing dog she is! She has adjusted quickly to her new environment. When we are out with her (and hoping that she walks without stopping every 3 feet), we have trouble walking very far because people keep wanting to meet her! And lots of people inquire about our breeder :) this was truly the best decision we have made - life is very different, but better in so many ways. We are so in love with her. Thank you for all your support along the way - promise to stay in touch! By the way she was 19.6 lb. at her last visit on 4/15 - growing approximately 2lb per week! 21.5 yesterday on our home scale.
The family photo was taken today, and the last two were in the last week. The one on the pink towel was our first restaurant sidewalk meal with her 😊
All the best,
Beth & Larry and Rocky🐾
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Thought you might enjoy hearing this:
We have been training Sigrid to use a potty bell by just pressing it with her paw before we go outside — we were thinking she would probably take a month or so to connect all the dots and be able to ring the bell when she needed to go out. Yesterday I was playing with her in the kitchen and she walked over to the bell, pressed it, and I took her right out and she peed and pooped! I'm sure there will be many more accidents along the way, but I was so impressed she did that after only two days with us!
Also, she has been SO good about doing business right when we take her out, and she is also a great sleeper. We went to her first socialization class yesterday (one specifically for puppies without complete shots) and she was the star of the show. Very calm, but very confident! She didn't hide or shy away from any other dogs, even though it was her first visit.
I'm sure you hear this from everyone, but I have never in my life seen a puppy get so much attention from passers-by. I took her with me on some errands yesterday in the tote bag and at one point I had a crowd of more than ten people gathered around me on the sidewalk in Park Slope admiring her and asking me how often I would be in the neighborhood and to please come back soon with her. It was hilarious.
We are so grateful to you all at RVD!
Hugs,
Tory
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I just wanted to say thank you so much for letting us have one of your precious puppies. We love Murphy so so much. He's a wonderful dog with so much personality (doganality?). He's smart and he's learning so much each day (each day is progressively easier). He will start puppy classes next week and hopefully some one on one training for the basics soon. He's healthy and fun and we really cherish him. Thank you for providing such a wonderful breed. They are great dogs!!!
Gretchen G
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I just wanted to give you an update on Kaeli girl aka Jada (Maggie's December '14). You may feel free to use it for your update page. Kaeli is now also frequently referred to as Shaggy and is doing fabulous with quite the personality. She is extremely affectionate and playful. She's maintained her red color, has little to no shedding and kept her white spot on her chest. Currently she resides in North Central NJ but loves her frequent trips to Long Beach Island and Philly. I socialized her young and she is amazing with other dogs and rarely barks. She has a BFF that lives through the fence named Chloe. She weighs around 30lbs and loves to be snuggled like a baby. Often found giving kisses, stealing socks and nibbling ears.
Please see attached photos! Hope all is well :)
Katie R
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It had been many years since our Golden had past and we decided it was time to bring a Dog back into our lives. After researching the Golden Doodle puppies we fell in love with River Valley Doodles website. We spoke with Cherrie and explained what we were looking for in a puppy. We needed a calm and happy puppy that would be going to work everyday at our hardware & garden center. We have grown children but have our grandchildren a lot so a puppy that would be good with children was important too. Cherrie explained all about their puppies and how they are raised. They really care who gets their puppies and they love each one of them before we get to. We do not know how they part with any of them. Our Honey is the BEST puppy we have ever met. People stop us where ever we go and our customers are blown away how awesome this dog is. Obviously she is Very Cute but her personality is amazing. She is a gentle soul and is our constant companion. Cherrie and River Valley Doodles are our family now and we are so happy that they have come into our life. We really enjoyed the support after we brought our puppy home. So many questions got answered by Cherrie or other puppy owners. We Love following all the siblings and other puppies on Facebook and Instagram. We also realize that any puppy from that litter would have been perfect!
Robin & Jim O, Honey Bear "Honey" (10/29/14 Gracie & Charlie)
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After deciding that we wanted to have a Goldendoodle join our family, we did extensive research - looking at multiple breeders, rescues, contacts that had Goldendoodles - and emailed numerous folks. Out of all the emails that were sent, only one response made us feel comfortable and that response was from Cherrie. Right off the bat, without even speaking to us, she wrote back with a personal and helpful response that you could tell she put some effort into vs. just "Yes, we have a puppy for you. It'll be $XX. Want it?" (and we got several responses like that, unfortunately).
As the puppies were growing up with Cherrie, she provided us with at least 1-2 updates per week (with photos!) and when it came to picking, she was extremely fair with the process and gave subtle hints or recommendations as to which pup she thought would be best for our lifestyle and what we were looking for. Once we picked Hudson, the updates were even more personal (texts and FaceTime dates vs just Facebook posts to the page) and she even shared milestones with us to make us seem much closer than 5 hours away.
And the check-ins didn't stop after Hudson came to live in NYC with us - Cherrie is always looking for updates/pics of her little pups as they grow up, which is why the RVD community she has created (via Facebook) is such an amazing support system. It helps everyone stay in touch and share updates (both good and bad) and experiences so that if something arises, you have people to turn to.
Hudson is the most laid back, smart (when he wants to be) and loving pup and we know we owe it to the way in which the pups were raised with Cherrie. We can't even imagine our lives without Hudson in it, and couldn't have asked for a better addition to our family. It's also safe to say that Cherrie has certainly evolved from just 'Hudson's breeder' to one of our friends. Thank you SO much, Cherrie & RVD - we're so glad we found you!
-Raquel & Neville, Hudson's parents (Hudson is a Jada X Studley puppy born June 2014) Instagram: @hudsonthegoldendoodle https://instagram.com/hudsonthegoldendoodle
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Over the years we had fallen in love with goldendoodles and decided that if we ever got our little morkie, Henry, a sibling, it would be a goldendoodle. One of us wanted a big dog and the other (me) has pretty bad allergies. And they are just so darn adorable! We started looking online for breeders and kept deciding we should wait for one reason or another. I would still browse around in my spare time at work. At some point I felt like now was the time and my search was almost daily! I emailed, called, messaged, etc tons of breeders in New York and back home in the midwest. It was starting to become frustrating. Many seemed to have long wait lists, which I understood, but I was ready now!!!! Others seemed to be okay selling the puppy to anyone as long as they were willing to pay. I spoke to one breeder who couldn't tell me anything about the parents, the day the puppy was born, etc. I started to get discouraged. I came across River Valley and instantly fell in love with a little girl puppy with apricot ears. I just got a feeling when I saw her face... The same feeling I had when I saw Henry for the first time. I sent an email but wasn't feeling too optimistic. I'd inquired with other breeders only to find out the website was way outdated. It seemed like the next time I looked at my computer, there was an email from Cherrie. It was detailed and I could just tell they truly cared about the pups and where they ended up. At that moment I knew. This was meant to be. I immediately sent in a deposit for Essie. Luckily, it was nearing my significant other's birthday so it was the perfect surprise gift. He was shocked because we had decided to wait, but in no time at all was just as excited. We stayed in contact with Cherrie while we waited for our new "baby." I felt at ease that she was in good hands until she came to us. I waited on pins and needles for pictures and updates. Which came frequently! We loved her before she was officially "ours."
We've had her for over 7 months now and love her more every day. I get tracked down in PetSmart asking where we got her. We are complimented constantly at how beautiful and sweet she is. We hear all the time what a happy girl she is. I feel so proud to get to be her momma. I love keeping track of her siblings and cousins on the Facebook page. It truly is a big family. We can't thank River Valley enough for letting us be a part of it!
Laney M with Essie from Jazzy x Francois
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After doing much research to find our second doodle, I found Cherrie by pure luck in Feb., 2014. Our first doodle had just undergone a major surgery and lost her older "fur" brother in one week. She was undergoing tough rehab and was depressed. I told Cherrie that we needed a calm puppy that would go easy on her to help bring her out of her funk. After talking with Cherrie on the phone for just a short time I totally trusted her to pick a puppy for us, sight unseen. We picked up our "Teddy" up 5 days later and we couldn't be happier with our wonderful boy. He is without a doubt the sweetest and most affectionate dog we have ever had. Doodles are amazing and we feel that Cherrie has the best doodles available. Through her careful selection of "fur moms and dads", including genetic testing, along with early socialization and care of the puppies, there is no doubt each puppy is a wonderful addition to a home. And her continued availability to answer questions or recommend training tricks, etc. proves her commitment to her puppies and owners. I cannot recommend Cherrie and River Valley Doodles highly enough for a smart, affectionate and wonderful puppy!
Jan A (Teddy is a Maggie X Studley puppy, born in Dec., 2013.)
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RiverValleyDoodles has some of the most beautiful, smart and happy puppies. Cherrie and her family take care of the puppies as their own and the love and affection shows in the little fur babies. Our Einstein is from Jada's first litter and we often joke about how he came to us fully trained (potty, crate, tricks all of it). Cherrie takes time to understand the temperament of every puppy and works on helping people identify the best match for their life style and family. In our case, our puppy, Einstein, chose us (and we hope he is as happy with us as we are with him). We live in the city and Einstein adapted to the city ways very very quickly - elevators, dog parks, revolving doors, cabs. Our neighbors often comment on how well behaved and well trained he is and although we would love to take credit for this, he came to us all trained. Cherrie has also been incredible at keeping in touch with us and helping through different milestones. She is incredibly patient and has always been prompt at answering all of our nonsense questions. We cannot thank her enough for giving us such an incredible boy and for being such a good friend.
P.S. - The woman is a puppy whisperer and knows all the dogs and their quirks and personalities (and the puppy parents) which is a testament to a huge emotional and time investment in her fur family.
Warm Woofs,
Einstein's Mom and Dad (NOTE: Einstein was in extended training program with RVD)
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I just wanted to thank you for Ralphie (Jessie x Charlie, Brown Collar Boy). Ralphie is everything I wanted and has actually exceeded my expectations. He is so smart, friendly, and loving! This is my first goldendoodle and I am obsessed with this breed now! His temperament is absolutely amazing and I attribute this to your high level of quality breeding. He is as sweet as can be and so calm when strangers and others dog approach. When on leash he sits and waits for people and other dogs to approach him. This is not something I taught him but is just his nature. People are always surprised at how calm he is and comment on his incredible demeanor everyday! As if his amazing personality wasn’t enough he is extremely good looking to boot (I might be slightly biased but my vet agreed!).
As amazing as Ralphie is my experience with RVD prior to getting the puppy was equally as amazing. I appreciate your patience with me as we went through this process. You handled all my questions (500 of them) with expertise and in a timely manner. I took months researching breeders and knew after we spoke that I had found the breeder for me! Once I got the puppy the support didn't disappear, you continue to answer my questions (at least a 1,000 now) and be there for Ralphie and me. Now, I feel like I have a friend that is a breeder and not just a breeder :)
Thank you again for this wonderful joy!
Christine F, Ph.D., MHA, CHES (with Ralphie from Jessie x Sir Charles)
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We cannot thank you enough for bringing Molly into our lives. She is just a great dog and such a happy girl. She loves spending her days outside people watching, stealing laundry, and chomping on anything that makes a crunchy noise. She is 4 months old now and weighs 16 pounds (mostly fur). She loves everyone she meets and has been deemed the "hugger" in her puppy class because she just wraps her arms around the other dogs to hug them/put them in a headlock. Everyone who meets her comments on how awesome a breeder she must have come from and we could not agree more. Can't wait to let you know when we are ready for number 2!!!
PS feel free to use any of our photos!
Ashley H (with Molly of Jessie x Sir Charles)
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We have had our RVD Puppy Melo now for a little over a month. He has come into our lives and changed us already in such little time. By the time he got to us (at only 8 weeks old) he was already so smart. He only had about 3-5 accidents total in our home... He was basically potty trained when he arrived. Before he was 3 months old he already knew how to sit and give paw. After 2-3 nights in our new home he was sleeping soundly through the night (we got so lucky!) He is so sweet and gentle with children and we don't even have any of our own for him to be used to them, it is just natural. He loves to play outside and is so much fun. He also loves to cuddle with us which is too cute. Whenever I have questions or concerns I still email Cheri @ RVD and get answers almost immediately. I even get emails from Cheri @ RVD just to check in on the status of Melo which is the best feeling in the world. Knowing someone is there for you who truly cares is amazing! We have a group of owners page where we can also talk about problems, achievements, suggestions, and keep each other updated on our puppies progress. This is so unique and special to stay involved with other families and people who have RVD doodles. When I hear family/friends say they are interested in puppies the first thing I do is tell them about the amazing experience I have had and continue to have with RVD; it is truly a family for us now. I cannot thank RVD enough for this perfect addition to our family! We get stopped every single day when we take him out and people can't help but stare at our little "teddy bear"!
Sincerely,
Karina & Doug (Melo's parents) of Jazzy x Francois
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There are not enough good words to say about RVD. Cherrie and her family are such nice people, and really care/devote time to raising the pups. Our Simba came home to us with the happiest disposition! To say that these dogs are smart is an understatement, and so well behaved (I attribute this to the happiness). The whole facebook experience is so much fun! We get to see Simba’s brothers and sisters grow up in different atmospheres (and compare all of their similar habits). Although it was a bit of a drive for us in Delaware, I recommend staying in Rochester to pick up the pup. It is a very neat town with a bunch of great restaurants. Cherrie is very helpful with giving directions/reviews of restaurants and places to stay around town as well. Also, make sure you have a lot extra space on your cameras – these are the cutest puppies ever!
– Amanda M (with Simba of Maggie x Jack) (Instagram: @simba_the_red_doodle)
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We had a choice of 3 puppies. We initially selected the 3 in a certain order. But then you made a selection based on us having children and a Daycare. That was our last choice of the 3.
But thank you for your insight. Toby has been the most precious dog for us; a true member of our family and continues to surprise us with his good manners and consideration.
He is responding very well to our trainers and family practice. He is getting so much attention and love that he remains very comfortable when he needs to stay put in his spot all alone. He just knows the next batch of hugs is right around the corner. And while Toby was a special gift for my kids, Toby has brought the dog lover out of all of us.
So about 6 weeks in we remain so pleased with our new dog. We know that you are a big part of his initial upbringing. We feel we made the best choice in selecting your services and want to thank you and your staff for exceeding our expectations in our precious new family member.
Keep up the good work. Maybe someday Toby will need a brother.
Thanks again -
Tom G with Toby of Gracie x Sir Charles, NYC (Instagram: @tobythegoldendood)
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I've been meaning to email you to tell you that Stark has been an absolute angel. It seems we both got through the hardest part of puppy hood. He is so calm now that now I worry about that haha ...but I think he just learned quickly how we expect him to behave.
It has also helped changing our dog walker. The first week with our dog walker he had gotten worse (I think he wasn't active enough and he was frustrated) and now he is a total different dog... I truly believe the extra work paid off.
He has had so many tummy issues and through it all only had two accidents (which is pretty amazing considering). He would wake me up sometimes 4 times during the night but we always got outside before a mess. I think we are finally kicking his tummy issues to the curb too.. His new food that I have been changing him too (natural balance limited ingredients) has been good so far... I pray it lasts.
He plays so well with other dogs, walks well on his leash, potty trained very fast, takes his shots like a champ, loves the car, groomers and all people and most importantly really gives us so much love and affection!
I appreciate all of your help in the beginning ... I would have gone crazy without the Facebook group and your help... Having the group was super supportive when I wasn't sure what to do!
Stark sends his love!!! Thanks for raising great puppies!
Alicia with Stark of Gracie x Sir Charles (Instagram: @stark_ponte)