The Christmas Visitor

Last week Luther came home for Christmas. Talk about a model citizen, he's been so calm and reserved. His manners are impeccable. The only area needing improvement--front door manners--have been tempered. Luther thinks anyone at the front door has come to see HIM! But now he will sit and wait for the door to be opened and the person to come to him. Yesterday we went to the ballpark and Luther excelled at several long retrieves and 2 very long blinds almost perfectly. Jimmy had to handle him once after he gave Luther the wrong line to the last blind and then Luther took the line and topo perfectly. What a joy it's been for Luther to be home. As you can see by the photo, Luther's been catching up on his affection! He's so-o-o-o deprived!

Merry Christmas!

When Luther was home for Thanksgiving, I took this photo of him as I came up the stairs to the porch. We had just finished doing a Wagon Wheel drill in the back yard and he was happy-go-lucky! I couldn't resist the temptation to jazz it up a little with some digital elements for the annual Christmas Card.

My grandchildren, Reagan and Barton, and I picked up Luther at Lake Country Retrievers on Tuesday for his Christmas visit here at home. Last night we went to Carey's house for our annual Christmas Dinner and gift exchange. What fun and Luther was the model guest. He laid at our feet the whole evening. Luther got a present--a new portable water bowl! Lewis came to see Luther this morning and remarked how calm he is. Right now, Luther's visiting Billy Wells with Jimmy. Luther has just a little time here to go visit all his friends. It's amazing what a different laid back dog he is here but when he's on the line to retrieve, he's a laser beam rocket! That's my boy. Merry Christmas everyone!

Advanced Retriever Workshop

Last week Jimmy and I were fortunate to have attended a 4 day workshop featuring 4 of the top national retriever trainers - Andy Attar, Pat Burns, Ray Voigt and a special presentation about the latest in Puppy Training by Pat Nolan. Luther's trainer, Jim Elam, attended along with Chuck Mezura in our Tidewater Retriever's Club. I was a proverbial sponge. There was so much GOOD information! Thank goodness I took copious notes because that will help me retain at least the part I recorded!!! The above cartoon once again hit my funny bone. If only Luther could read my notes.