Majestic Manor Goldens, a family-run breeder of English Cream Golden Retrievers, is committed to raising healthy dogs with wonderful temperaments while making a positive impact in the community.
Founded in 2011 by Connie Deason, it grew from her realization that the unconditional love of a dog can bring comfort and connection during grief and life’s most difficult moments. Now, 15 years later, Deason has taken that vision a step further by founding Golden Heart Haven, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with the mission of improving mental health and wellness by creating connection through the unconditional love and joy of puppies and therapy dogs.
The Deasons are longtime dog lovers. Before deciding on English Cream Golden Retrievers, they had experience with other breeds. As a young family in the 1980s, they bred and showed Akitas. That chapter of their lives closed when Dr. Kevin Deason became the director of an emergency room. Later, their family dog for many years was Izzy, an American Golden Retriever. Sadly, Izzy eventually lost her life to cancer, but not before she became a steady and healing presence during some of the family’s darkest days of grief.
“In 1999, we spent spring break in Siesta Key with family and a group of my oldest daughter’s friends. Carissa was a senior, cheerleading captain and involved in many organizations at school. On the way home, the Suburban that she, her friend, my daughter Cayla and my husband Kevin, were riding in was hit by a drunk driver traveling 120 mph. My son, Cole, was riding in a vehicle directly behind them and witnessed the accident. My husband tried to do everything he could until a helicopter transported Carissa from the scene. Her injuries were too great, and she didn’t survive,” says Deason.
“Izzy was a constant in our grieving process.
I would take her out in the woods, sit on a log and grieve. Eventually, I knew I needed a purpose. I had to do something. I wanted to breed Golden Retrievers for families who needed the unconditional love they give. I wanted to make a difference in the world in honor of Carissa,” says Deason.
After Izzy’s death, Deason began researching health issues affecting Golden Retrievers, including the breed’s significant incidence of cancer and orthopedic disease. Her research eventually led her to English Cream Golden Retrievers and European bloodlines. She became passionate about responsible breeding, extensive health testing and selecting dogs for both health and temperament. From there, Majestic Manor Goldens grew.
Today, dogs the Deasons have bred can be found in every state and six different countries. As the business flourished, so did their desire to make a difference in the community. Over the years, puppies have been donated to fundraising auctions benefiting organizations such as the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, T1D and Westfield’s Dinner Party on Union.
Majestic Manor Goldens also developed an extensive training program with multiple levels. Companion, therapy and emotional support dogs that have been raised and socialized through Majestic Manor Goldens can be found throughout the United States, with dogs also placed with individuals and organizations where they can provide comfort, connection and support.
“In 2026, Golden Heart Haven officially became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. There was a point when I was ready to give up on my dream, but my daughter Cayla said, ‘This is your legacy.’ Golden Heart Haven takes our pups to the people. We visit memory care facilities, schools, hospitals, workplaces and other places where people can benefit from the unconditional love and joy of puppies and therapy dogs,” says Deason.
“The next phase of our vision is to develop a Haven in nature where people going through difficult seasons of life can come to reconnect, heal and find hope. We envision cabins and gathering spaces for programs serving individuals and families experiencing grief and other challenges, as well as first responders, veterans, youth and others who could benefit from connection and support. The Haven could also include therapy and wellness spaces where counselors, therapists and other professionals can work alongside the unique connection that happens between people and dogs,” says Deason.
“Every single person in the world experiences stress. It may be grief or something life-changing, or it could simply be a bad day at work. Dogs don’t judge. They greet people with unconditional love. It’s wonderful to see the looks of delight on people’s faces when they interact with the puppies. We’ve had nurses tell us that a visit brought out a smile they hadn’t seen from a patient all day. That connection can change someone’s entire day,” says Deason.
For more information about Golden Heart Haven, visit goldenhearthaven.org or find Golden Heart Haven on Facebook and Instagram.
Email Golden Heart Haven at goldenhearthaven@gmail.com or call 574-870-5337.
