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, and shared their laughter and their tears, and their homes, hotel rooms, and ring-side adventures with me.

Sadly, our ride together ended this past month when Conner's 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.

What happens next remains to be seen. I have become hooked on this breed, as have so many before me. I feel the stirrings of that old sense of fulfillment and accomplishment that only occurs when you look into a large whelping box full of beautiful puppies. Along with that pride and fulfillment comes a moral and ethical responsibility and a willingness to sometimes put your heart on your sleeve, and your pride on the shelf.

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 I have taken out of it.