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In January of 2009, I walked back into the show ring, after an absence of 17 years, with a beautiful, 6 month old, black Lab puppy named Fenwyck's Never Again, aka Conner. In the months that followed, Conner and I had a heck of a wild ride, culminating in multiple Best Puppy in Sweeps awards, a Best of Breed, a Best Opposite, points towards his AKC championship and high hopes for Conner's future. Along the way, we met many that I count among my friends today. Friends that encouraged and cheered, shared their laughter and their tears, and their homes, hotel rooms, and ring-side adventures with me.
Sadly, Conner's show career came to an end in 2010 when his hip X-ray revealed mild degenerative joint disease in his right hip. While there are some that say unilateral (only one side involved) hip dysplasia is not genetic, I prefer not to take a chance with someone's future puppy. Conner was neutered in early August 2010. In February of 2011, Conner re-entered the show ring, but this time as an entry in Rally Novice. After only two training classes, Conner showed his wonderful Labrador adaptability and can-do attitude by earning his first Rally Novice leg with a score of 99 out of 100. This boy just never lets me down. As I follow this next turn in the course, I pray that I am up to the challenge of bringing to this breed at least half as much as my three boys have given to me. - Susan Mouw, February 2011
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| Contact me at samouw@gmail.com. | ||