My Poster Child...well, Dog!

Last year, Luther won the Tidewater Retriever Club's Open Gun Dog trophy. The dog that wins it keeps it for a year and adds a plaque with his name and handler to the trophy. The other day, I polished up the silver to get it ready for the next recipient this fall. I took Luther's photo with the trophy and played with a filter for an effect and it looked like it needed to be made into a poster so I went with the flow. (I'll add this poster to the room dedicated to dogs in our house--the powder room!) This created a moment to look back and think about everything in our lives that has happened since Luther won the trophy last year. It's been a fun ride. Now we've got Java to join in our fun and festivities. There's so much to look forward to.

Java's Coming Out Event

Java is 9 1/2 months old. She's been at Lake Country Retrievers for almost 3 months. Wednesday morning Jimmy and I went down to Jim Elam's to train Luther. We were there a little early and Jim said to let Java out into the yard so we could visit. (I was surprised to hear this but didn't argue!) Java was her usual exuberant self--so glad to see us. When everyone was ready to leave to go to the field, Jim said to put Java on the truck! Shock--to my knowledge, Java has never been on the dog truck before. After lunch Prentice brought Java into the field and Jim rode the 4 wheeler and threw 4 birds for her--50 yards to about 100 yards. She marked each one and retrieved them to hand like a pro. I had no idea she was as advanced as she is. She is handling, doing pattern blinds and working on Swim By. She absolutely loves it. I was so surprised to see all this. My pup is growing up. Thank you Jim, Prentice, Patrick, Preston and Charles! All your hard work shows. Jimmy and I were both stunned and speechless on the drive home. Jim really surprised us with Java's progress!