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Testimonials from owners of Nellie/Leroy pups
"[January 2007] Michael,
Thought you'd enjoy this picture of our son and Cole. They really are BEST buds. It's adorable!
Best regards,
Susan Schoonmaker
Reston, VA
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"[February 2006] Corky has become quite a young man and now has a personality that I marvel at every day. He is such a joy. I actually show off with him at the local park. He loves to retrieve tennis balls. His speed is amazing and when he looses sight of it he has learned to take hand and voice commands to let me direct him to the spot along with tracking it's scent on his own. At last weigh in he was 97 pounds but he is far from over weight. You can see his side bones and the muscles in his legs are clearly defined.
He gets along with every dog in the neighborhood and has often had play dates with them in our or their yards. He has also adopted the 2 year old girl next door as his best friend. We have a window that he can see out of from our bedroom so we leave the curtain open during the day so he can watch the her and her brothers play next door. When ever he gets a chance he goes to her yard and gets as close as he can to her and usually gets in a lick or two, which she does not seem to mind.
Joe and Betsy Skarupa
Fairfield, CT
email: here.
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"[January 2005] Today Sadie and I and a hunting buddy went pheasant hunting in Shelton, CT. We had five flushes, and wound up with four birds. Sadie did wonderfully. She was energetic and excited and worked the thick cover, including heavy barberry and rosa floribunda thickets, to produce these birds. It was truly a pleasure to watch her figure out the puzzle of late season birds in tangled cover, and she rose to that challenge in great style. Her retrieves were natural, and a pleasure to watch, and she made me proud as she dropped that last bird in our limit at my feet. At almost a year old now, she has given me plenty of opportunties on pheasant, partridge and woodcock, and this winter we spent a lot of time in the blind, so she has had the chance to make retieves on most of the puddle and diving duck species we have in our flyway, both in fresh and saltwater habitats. Enjoy this picture."
[March 2005] Sadie [one year old], Zoe [our older Lab, not from Blue Ridge] and I went to a 220 bird shoot on Sunday. I expected a nightmare for Sadie's first tower shoot as she needed to contend with gobs of birds, scent everywhere, 14 other dogs, 22 shooters, 8 dog handlers, blazing shotguns etc. Instead, it was the best shoot I have ever had - even with the complication of managing two dogs. They were both over-eager at first and broke on the first few rotations ( 10 birds per station, 22 stations) I was able to recall them without too much trouble. After they settled down, the leashes were put away and voice commands kept them mostly sitting until ordered to retrieve - even with birds they could see flying almost continuously.
At one point I dropped two big roosters almost simultaneously who fell 70 yards apart. Zoe set off after one, and Sadie after the other. Zoe had an easy but slow retrieve, Sadie was out of my sight across a field edge. She had a trail on a running cripple and I lost sight of her. I made the mistake of not trusting her, owing to my eagerness to return to shooting, and my concern that she would be distracted by all the shooting going on, and began to call her off the retrieve. One of the other dog handlers who could see her the whole time yelled back to me to let her finish because she was doing so well trailing. I took his advice - 30 seconds later she was back with the bird, and the timing of her retrieve was such that Sadie and Zoe dropped their birds at my feet in stereo.
All together, Sadie and Zoe had more than 25 retrieves on the day, and at the end, one of the professional handlers specifically sought me out to complement me on the manners and skill that the dogs demonstrated. Couldn't have a better day......
James Lebinski
Fairfield, CT
email: lebinski@optonline.net
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"[February 2005] Corky (littermate of Pepper, 2004 litter from Nellie) has grown so wise in such a short time.
Both he and Nikki (our other dog, not from your kennel) sleep in our bedroom on their own beds in opposite ends of the room.
Nikki has been diagnosed with metastatic liver cancer she is weak at this point but not in pain. We are not giving her any drastic procedures but we evaluating her day to day with the vet.
Two night ago when I got up at about 5 am I found Corky laying next to Nikki's bed with his nose just inches from hers. In all the time Corky has been with us, Nikki has never let him lay near her so you can imagine how surprised I was to see this.
Last night Betsy got up again at about 5 am and Corky was laying on Nikki's bed right next to her. This blew us away. We believe that he must realize that something is wrong and that this is his way of trying to make her feel better.
Nikki now goes our front steps because it's easier for her to navigate them. When she does go out, Corky sits and keeps an eye on her and if she goes out of his sight Corky starts to moan and comes over to us to let us know he can't see her.
He is amazing and continues to make our lives a joy. His facial expressions still may me smile; he has so many different ones.
Tell Nellie and Pepper he says hi."
Joe Skarupa
Bridgeport, CT
email: jskarupa@bridgeportbluefish.com
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"[February 2005] Remember me? This is Ryan Coyne, and I am the very proud owner of Guinness, one of Nellie's puppies from her first litter ever, in 2000. I just wanted to say that Guinness has been the best companion and best friend to me and will be having a fifth birthday on Aug. 25. He is doing so well and has developed the best personality over the years. Everyone that meets him absolutly loves him."
Ryan Coyne
Newark, DE
email: ddrcoyne@comcast.net
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"[May 2004] I want to apologize to you for not staying in touch. Nathan and Joshua keep us busy. Shadow is such a blessing to our family. She is such an awesome girl and we enjoy her every day. The boys adore her and she has become like a second "Mom" to them. It is amazing to see her "guard" them when they are outside playing. She amazes us everyday. So thanks again for bringing Shadow into our family."
"[update, Feb. 2006] I do want to take the time to tell you again how much we adore Shadow. She has the best temperament and is such a happy girl. We are so blessed to have her. Last year she finally got brave enough to retrieve from jumping off the pier at our beach house. It was all over after that. If anyone even thinks about going on the pier they know they will have to throw her stick at least 500 times. We even taught her to shake off the water before she gets to the end of the pier. JJ She is amazing to watch. She also dives and picks up rocks from the bottom of the bay. I will have to forward pictures this summer."
Chuck and Melissa LaBille
Crofton, MD
email: mlabille@comcast.net
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"[March 2004] I envy the guardians of your latest litter. I think Blackberry is who she is because Nellie was a good mommy.
Nellie's Blackberry becomes more beautiful each day. She swims at Canine Fitness a regular twice a week - the handler gave Berry her own pool last week because of her "swimming style". Berry does not share space well when she is having fun. This means that Bodey has her own pool, too.
Two seniors dropped ten years since this second dog arrived - I am tempted by your website toward a Mousse baby. I remember Mousse jumping high in the air on our visit. If I had a chocolate I would name her Ghiradelli after the chocolate and I would call her Della.
You people are doing a great service to breeding - you are what breeders should be - you as well as the puppies deserve testimonials. You did a great job in the seven weeks - I asked for a pup who knew her name, who would look at me when I asked for her attention and she still looks me in the eye and holds my attention. Blackberry listens. If she doesn't follow through it is because I have not made myself clear. Nellie's pup, Blackberry, is really a lot of fun."
....
"[May 2003] How I would dare to take this long to tell about life with "Berry"? She has been wonderful. She is 62 lbs light, long legged, puppy faced and at times stubborn. If I haven't sent a photograph it is because I haven't been able to get one that does justice to this lovely dog.
She is more interested in activity than food which may be unusual for some labs but she would rather run, jump, swim and play than eat. She eats well, but food is not a priority.
Her coat is absolutely fabulous - the hair is longer than most labs and so shiney. Because it is so long it stands up high when she goes on alert about other dogs, deer, cats, etc.
Bodey [our other dog] and Berry get along well - their roughhouse play can be stopped with "time out" and they go back to their corners. I cannot say we have a top dog - each dog seems to have certain "standards" that the other must honor. I think it is wonderful that dogs can settle their differences with honor - forgive and get on with life.
But each dog has a life of its own - They are exercised together but they also have solo time with each of us. They love going together but they cherish the solo time as well.
She is a terrific retriever. Others ask us how we trained her to do it as well as she does and we answer, "We didn't train her - she is a natural." But we do provide opportunity to develop her skills. She has a minimum of two 30 minute retrieve sessions a day but often three. Swimming, of course, is a retrieving session. We are in the process of purchasing a launcher for dummies - old senior arms are unable to throw as far as Blackberry is willing to go.
We have not decided on a suitable job for Blackberry but not because of aptitude. I think she would learn anything we set her out to do. The reason we wait is that finding a suitable trainer to help us has been difficult. Presently, I am focusing on agility.
I PROMISE to get a great picture of her in action in the next few weeks.She is so beautiful when waiting for the dummy to fly, But springing up for a ball is also a sight to see. Sitting for a portrait is simply not her idea of fun.
Thank you for this strong, healthy, playful pup. It has been so much fun watching her grow and learn.
Shirley and Jack Hardin
Annapolis, MD
email: sahardin@aol.com
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"[December 2003] Hi..remember Nellie's 2000 litter and her son you shipped to California, named Blue Ridge Rebel with the Paws?
Yep, it's us, Larry and Wendy Salyer. We now live in Riverside, CA and Rebel has his Senior Hunter title but even better, is also a titled Master Hunter! We changed pros the beginning of the year (from Paul Cacciatori to Carol Kachelmeyer) and Rebel really flourished with Carol. He spent the summer in Montana training (Carol took a truck load of dogs and off she went) and received his first Master pass there. To top it off in less than 7 months he accomplished the Masters title. Too bad we didn't go to Carol when he was younger..no telling where he'd be now. Rebel is still a pup and I guess I'll be disappointed if he ever does grow up..."
I just can't begin to tell you how much I love Rebel and you are right the Higher Power indeed meant to have him come home...it has done both of us so much good!
Will keep watching your web-site with envy!!
You and Mrs. Krauss rest assured that Rebel is doing just fine, is in a loving home and getting the best care we can possibly give. Come visit anytime. You know, we may change our mind about Rebel and the Nationals...we'll see how we all do this summer. I'll let you know.
Again, thanks for Rebel...he is definitely our son!
Wendy
[See also Wendy's and Larry's report from 2001, by scrolling down]
Wendy and Larry Salyer
Riverside, CA
email: wbpaws4me@yahoo.com
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"[August 2003] Hi there! Just wanted to send you a quick note to tell you how much we love Blue. Your choice was right on target for our family. She has such a sweet, playful personality and she is such a beautiful girl. Just as you said, although playful, she is not frenetic. Blue enjoys running free through the woods and playing in the creek. She also loves any game of fetch and especially enjoys chasing basketballs. We have an upward slope in our backyard and when Blue fetches tennis balls up on the hill, she goes to the edge of the slope and tips the ball with her nose so it rolls down to me. It's the cutest thing! She likes to talk too. Although not a big barker, she does "speak" frequently when she has something to say. I think I'm beginning to understand her different barks/sounds. Blue just recently spent a week with her brother "Zinny" while we were out of town. They had a great time, although Blue kept nipping at Zinny's ear to get him to play with her. As she grows, she continues to learn to be gentle with the children, and they with her. They love her so much - always smothering her with hugs and kisses. We can't imagine life without her.
Thanks again!
Teri and Matt Robinson
Springfield, VA
email: ROBINSONMT@aol.com
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"[May 2003] Thought I'd give you a quick update on Ginger. She's a great dog! Very smart (though stubborn at times), and incredibly social - she likes to meet everyone, and is afraid of nothing. Everybody in our neighborhood (both people and dogs) knows her. She's growing very fast (was about 1/2 a pound a day for awhile), and is becoming tall and pretty, with an amazing shiny coat. We graduated from puppy kindergarten a couple of weeks ago, and will probably be taking a more advanced class in the late summer/fall. Ginger actually loves going to the vet (Dr. Greenblat) - all of the technicians know her by sight, and she thinks it is a great time to meet the other dogs while she's there.
She's learning to fetch, and will now constantly bring us balls to throw. She likes to play with several balls at once - one in her mouth, and pushing the others around with her paws- very cute. Here's one photo of her at 16 weeks, and another of me holding her.
Thanks so much for a great puppy!"
Brett Goldstein
Kensington, MD
email: brettgoldstein@mindspring.com
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"[April 2003] Just sending a pic of Zoey at age three months for you to see. Here it is. She's getting SO big!! She was at the vet yesterday, weighs 26 pounds now! WOW! She's lost the 'fat' puppy look and is getting nice and tall and lean. She's SO cute! Talk about a sense of humor too!! She cracks us up!! Thank you again so much for bringing more smiles to us! We'll be in touch soon!"
Susan Schoonmaker [also purchaser of Zoey's older brother, Cole -- see below]
Lititz, PA
email: slb0118@earthlink.net
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"[March 2002] Dubh is just about everything we could want in a retriever pup. He is a non-stop retrieving machine. He anticipates the throw, and can't seem to drop the stick at our feet fast enough to head out after it again. He's still a little apprehensive about swimming to get a stick, but we think that is part of puppyhood. He will certainly dash into the water up to his head without hesitation, and we've watched him 'self-retrieve' a few times--going in after a stick just floating by.
He does everything 100%. Tail wagging is a whole body experience, and getting a kiss from Dubh involves getting your whole face and head licked. He is just adorable - and people can't believe how big and beautiful he is. [At age five months,] he is just over 40lbs, with ribs just barely showing. We are having a hard time keeping him fed, as he is ALWAYS hungry for more and becoming adept at being a food thief."
[July 2002] Dubh seems to be enjoying the steamy south. We spent a few days at my grandparents on the bayou in Florida before coming to our new home in Baton Rouge. It took Dubh all of 2 minutes to figure out how to jump off the dock and take the stairs back up. He was retrieving for hours. It even got to a point where he'd carry the dummy and 'accidentally' drop it off the edge when no one would throw for him, so he could self- retrieve. He would pause for a moment and look around with an "oops" look on his face and then dash in for it. What a silly boy!
Because it was quite hot, he also enjoyed swimming circles around the dock. He has gotten so beautiful. His shoulder muscles are far more defined than most bodybuilders could ever hope for. If only I had a dime for every compliment we have gotten on him. People would come up to us even at reststops on the highway to look at him. No one can believe he is only 8 1/2 months old, even though he still has an adorable very puppy face. He is topping the scales at a very lean and fit 72lbs--and growing.
[April 2003] Dubh has grown from a lovable engaging puppy to a huge, but exceptionally well developed and proportioned, young dog. As you opined, he is all that he was advertised to be. He is truly a non-stop retrieving machine that will spend his very worn out evenings curled up at your feet (or on the couch, when he thinks we are not looking). He does stay near us though, and will drag himself from room to room so that he is near the action (and presumably, near the arms that throw the ball). His quiet moments are quickly ended, however, as soon as he hears the words "pond, duck," "ball," "walk," or "outside" or if he sees one of us put on tennis shoes. It seems that Dubh needs little rest, just long enough to cool off. He is also bright dog, and knows the difference between mom and dad's "work" clothes and our "taking Dubh outside" clothes. It is funny how he starts to quake with happy anticipation upon seeing us touch a leash and how he pouts when he sees us put on our suits.
Dubh is eager to do everything and seizes every moment with enthusiasm--even obedience training class and vet trips. And, he is very friendly and engaging with a happy open expression on his face that almost never fails to bring a smile to the face of anyone who sees him--especially as he is carrying his toy to the bayou with a tail wagging for the joy of retrieving. At nearly 100lbs, there is little doubt that he is an imposing dog and has a fairly fierce bark. He guards the house, and in no small measure, us, but so long as we are home--or willing to engage a stranger in conversation--he accepts everyone and anyone into the home and into our presence with tail wags and face licks. Dubh is protective but fairly discriminating in who or what he will bark at. He does not nuisance bark and is generally friendly to all other dogs. Today we dropped him off for a day long play date with Zadie the great dane. They have a ball together, and I know he will be fairly tired by the time we head home.
We can't imagine what life was like pre-Dubh. He brings such joy into our lives and the life of his adopted ridgeback brother, Seamus. As you have seen, he is not just a very special boy in the eyes and hearts of his family, but an exceptional representative of his breed. Thanks again for bringing him into our lives.
Kim and Kyle Walker
Baton Rouge, LA
email: Sullywalkr@aol.com
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"[March 2002] Cole is an absolutely SUPER pup! He's the star of every PetsMart we go to, the joy of the neighborhood at my parent's house, and the LOVE of all our lives! Jason works with a guy who has a black lab, same age as Cole, and he says that he is having a harder time training his pup than we are. Cole seems to be "preprogrammed" to do anything and everything!! He's SO smart! But of course, with knowledge comes the ability to deceive!! He's good at playing games!! :)
[May 2002] Please click here to see a picture of Cole at six months. He has Nellie's ears and beautiful head. He is still growing into his body. And he has mastered the typical goofy Lab puppy sitting technique!
Susan Schoonmaker
Lititz, PA
email: slb0118@earthlink.net
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"[January 2002] Wanted to give you a update on our new baby "Luke". ...I took off from work, Tuesday,Wednesday and Thursday to bond with Luke, it was a great three days, lots of work but what fun, Took Luke to the Vet on Thursday and everything is perfect, he weighs 14 pounds, quite a big guy. very active and very lovable. Everyone at the vet raved about how beautiful he is and the vet himself wanted to know all about Blueridge, he said that anyone with any knowledge about dogs would recognize that this is aquality breeding and sends his compliments to the breeders.
My family and I are thrilled with "Luke", your selection of "Luke" for us was perfect, exactly what we were hoping for and we are very thankful to you, Someone mentioned to me years ago that when selecting a pup that it would be a prudent decision to select the breeder/kennel instead of the pup, now I understand what he was talking about. Your time and efforts over the last several months answering questions, selecting the stud, just being caring people is most appreciated by myself and my family. You can be confident that Luke will be taken care of and loved in the same same way that Nellie is cared for.I will keep in touch, providing updates and pictures. I feel very proud to be a member of the Blueridge family. Take care."
[May 2002] Here's a picture of Luke at age 6 months, with his favorite sticks and balls.
Gratefully.
Jim & Marilyn Love
Somerdale, NJ
email: JLove@rohmhaas.com
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"[February 2002] Hi Michael and Cynthia, Sorry we didn't get back to you sooner...we are absolutely thrilled with Maggie!
She is a great little puppy, though not so little now. The boys love her to death, and I am happy to report that she and I bonded immediately. I am her mother. She slept through the night after only one night with us, and has acclimated to our family very well. Maggie is doing well with her basic sit, stay, come commands, and is even getting the idea about "heel". She is retrieving a dummy beautifully, and tomorrow we will introduce her to live birds. She loves the long runs around the farm with the boys and she seems to be happy and content with us. We LOVE her...we couldn't be more pleased with her. She has a great personality, and is definitely calmer than Max was. She is a perfect pup for our family all the way around. Thank you for her! We'll send pictures soon."
We'll be in touch!
Jen and Jim Bowman
Columbia, NJ
email: jbowman14@juno.com
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"[August 2001] Blue Ridge Rebel With The Paws (Rebel) was only 16 weeks old when he was introduced to water. He acted like a pro. So far nothing has made him back away from doing what he likes best - retreiving. Two weeks ago he was introduced to a boat. He jumped in, sat down and waited for the bumper to be thrown. He then jumped out with a big splash and brought it back.
Rebel is so far ahead of other pups his age that we started collar conditioning him. So far, the strongest correction required was a 2 on a tritonics Pro 100.
He has now had approximately 100 birds shot over him (pigeons, quail and a few pheasants). We continue to challange him with longer marks. He has marked doubles in excess of 200 yards each. He thinks the whole thing is fun.
People cannot believe that he is only a pup when they see him working. He could probably pass the senior hunt test now."
[December 2001] "My brother is here and we put 9 pheasants down and got 11. Rebel did a fantastic job of finding a crippled bird in the heavy cover. He is pointing like a pointer with the high tail and one paw raised. We are starting him on the Master Hunter tests in February. We decide that we are wasting his time in the Senior tests."
Click here to see a picture of Rebel.
Larry Salyer
Mission Vallejo, CA
email: wbpaws4me@yahoo.com
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"[October 2001] Smoke continues to be a joy. I only wish I had more time to play with him. Luckily the three grandsons who are living with me take up some of that slack. His favorite chew toy is my daughter's miniature pinscher!"
Carol Burgess
Oakdale, CT
email: cburgess0@snet.net
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"[November 2001] This puppy of ours is incredible. Lucy's gorgeous, sweet, smart, incredible with the babies and a pure pleasure. So much so, that I would like to put our name on the list for a matching big OLE black male!"
Click here to see her picture.
Buddy Goetzger
Damascus, MD
e-mail: emeralds@telocity.com
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"[October 2001] We have the most wonderful dog - who now weighs in at 85 lbs -Thor has an amazing vocabulary - words like "swimming", "tennis" "treat" "ball" and of course tha names of his friends Minnie and Wadsworth - each day at least once we trek down to the river for a swim - even high water on the Potomac doesnt stop him - one of the things we enjoy most is his sense of humor - i am not sure that i realized before that dogs had a sense of humor - but he loves to play tricks - and to tease - and he has these quizzical expressions that just melt your heart - we could not be more delighted with him and cant imagine how empty our life must have been before he joined our family - thanks for a great dog!!"
[Update: Dec. 5, 2001] "Thor continues to amaze and charm us - what a great dog you gave us!!!"
Toby and Anne Winter
Shepherdstown, WV
email: tobanne@stargate.net
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"[June 2001] Blue Ridge's River Crossing is turning out to be the puppy I hoped for. She has integrated herself into our family without difficulty, and most importantly, has ingratiated herself into our hearts.æ This includes her big sister, our five year old lab "Bailey." In addition to being the family pet we had hoped for, River is also the working dog I had sought to find. She shows her athletic abilities through fly ball and agility, and her field abilities through tracking and retrieving. River is never hesitant to try new things, and shows enthusiasm when introduced to the sports of flyball and agility. She goes over new obstacles without hesitation.
æ It has been exciting to watch River mature, and see the drive and instincts of a working retriever flourish.æ River shows intense passion for retrieving. She has caught on quickly in the ability to mark, coming to attention when she hears gun fire. River will retrieve birds or dummies on land and water, and I look forward to running her in hunt tests this fall.
River has also been introduced to tracking, and her nose is proving to be a marvelous tool. On a windy and difficult tracking day, she showed intense perseverance in finding her article.
My family and I love this puppy and she is turning out to be the family pet we wanted, and the happy working dog I had hoped to show and compete with.
Thank you again for this wonderful puppy."
"[September 2001] Blue Ridge River Crossing racked up another leg towards her junior hunter title in her usual feminine, but pocket-rocket style today at the Winnebago Retriever Club's hunt test! æWhile River's enthusiasm for birds and retrieving makes her line manners go out the window, her handler (& mother) can bring her to line with just the threat of never getting any more birds ever again unless she behaves herself!
River did a tremendous job marking on water and then land, bringing the birds back to hand and delivering them from a perfect heel position. æ The gallery offered their sincere congratulations at River's success.
While Judge Larry Sonntag gave River scores of 9s & 10s, the more refined & intelligent Judge, Clyde Gallaher, gave Blue Ridge River Crossing the optimal scores of perfect 10s! æBottom line: we are now three for three!"
Marilyn Paker
Chicago, IL
email: TKM Paker@aol.com
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"[December 2001] Cleo, one of Nellie's female pups, is a smart, adorable, talented family pet. She is equally at home leaping for a Frisbee as she is perched in the bow of a canoe or playing soccer (she dribbles very well) with our two children. She has also proved the most easily trainable dog I have ever had. She walks to and from school with our children (aged eight and nine) without a leash, sitting patiently at curbs until they tell her to walk with them. She will, for instance, stop on command even in mid-chase of a squirrel.
She is still young and wonderfully exuberant but even as she loses some of her puppy silliness and develops into a nearly-grown dog, Cleo remains a delight. She loves water (what Lab doesn't) but her latest trick is retrieving water-logged sticks which sink in the C&O canal. And, Cleo is very much loved but she gives every bit as much back."
Kathy Davidov and Paul Koring and family
Washington, DC
email: Paul.Koring@verizon.net
[Note -- one of Kathy's and Paul's neighbor's has purchased a 2001 puppy!]
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"[November 2001] Guinness is doing wonderfully. He has graduated puppy preschool. He was the biggest in his class, and he has grown so fast. He absolutely loves the water. He swims like a fish."
Ryan Coyne
28 Windflower Dr.
Newark, DE 19711
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