2013 Christmas Photos

The iPhone has spoiled me a bit. I haven't been using the Nikon as often as usual. I just finally downloaded my photos from the holidays and I just had to share these two photos of Luther. The first wasn't staged. I had finished putting up the tree and he layed down right next to it. How could you miss a photo op like that! The front porch photo was taken so I'd know how I put up the decorations for next year. Luther was there and I just told him to "Sit". And he did.

Happy Birthday Newt II

Okay, I've met my match! Don Aalders is as excited about his new puppy as I am about ours. Don got the gun on me though and is celebrating tonight with a "Happy Birthday Newt II" cake. I'm so sincerely happy for him. Hey Don, I might not have a cake, but I do have a half gallon of delicious Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla ice cream....YUM!

It's a boy....6 of them AND a girl....3 of them

Maizie had her puppies this afternoon....NINE of them! David Aalders called around dinner time to say Maizie started delivering the first puppy about 12:45 and continued to have them all through the afternoon. Maizie and all the pups are doing fine. All nine pups are little chocolate wonders. Even as newborns their coats are glistening.

Don Aalders must be beside himself. He wanted to be there when the pups were born and he is in Virginia visiting his son. He has had his reservation in for a male puppy that he's already named "Newt"! I know Jimmy and I are so excited and hope to drive over to the Eastern Shore soon to have a peek at the little darlings. In seven weeks we are looking forward to bringing one of the females home to live with us.

I told Luther he was now a Daddy Dog. He did give me a look of amazement but I doubt he comprehended what I was talking about (although he does understand more than you realize). I hope the litter got the best features that both dogs had to offer. One of the reasons I'm so excited is that both dogs are exceptional. Their dispositions are exactly what you'd want in a dog--kind, loyal, intelligent, perceptive, fast learners, etc.--true lab qualities. Both have their Master titles and are outstanding athletes in the hunt field. These should be some wonderful talented dogs that I pray go to kind and loving homes. I can honestly say that having Luther has been a highlight in this household and having one of his pups--and Maizie's--is going to be icing on the cake!

Bless your heart, Maizie. I hope you get a decent nights rest. You've got 9 little pups to care for and that's more than a full-time job.

#1 House Dog

It's the truth! Here is what the text says...

Luther is about as good a dog as you could ever dream of having in the house.. He never gets into anything. He leaves things alone on tables and on the floor. His food and treats are within reach and although he is keenly aware what they are, he never touches them or is a pest. Lauren taught him not to enter the kitchen area so he’s never behind the island where there’s a hot oven or sharp knives.
Say “Bed” and he goes straight to his dog bed and lies down with a sheepish face. At mealtime, he might hang around for a falling crumb but he doesn’t beg. He was crated every night until he was just over 3 years old and I think that really helped him know how to manage his energy appropriately. He does sit at the window in the office and watch “his neighborhood.” If anyone strange is around, he lets you know it. And he thinks everyone at the front door has come just to see him. But he will behave himself and sit and wait for them to come in. Occasionally, Luther will bring me a shoe. Usually it means he wants to go walking--Hint: my tennis shoe. He hasn’t chewed up anything since he was a teething pup. He’s just comfortable being here with us. I think we’ve been spoiled. It’s a good life!

2014 Christmas eCard

Merry Christmas from Luther, Bonnie & Jimmy! This year has been a remarkable year and I must take this opportunity to acknowledge two excellent professional trainers, Jim Elam who has trained Luther since he was 15 months old and has been there for us with his wisdom and talent, and Brad Slaybaugh who took us under his wing to train with him daily through the summer and into the fall. Brad had his work cutout with me and was so good at explaining to me what I was doing wrong handling (like flailing my arms). It is because of Jim and Brad that Luther earned his AKC Master Hunter title this fall! Luther and I bonded through all of this in a most unique way--so special.

Luther is going to be a DADDY for the first time in early January. Luther was bred with Maizie and these pups are going to be very special. David said Maizie is so "heavy with pups" she looks like a pot-bellied pig!!! Jimmy and I hopefully will select a female from the litter. David's dad, Don, wants a male. Both of these dogs are exceptional--their personalities, talents and pedigrees. I can't wait. Maize is smaller, about 55 pounds where Luther is 75 pounds and all bone and muscle! Both are chocolate but Maizie is a little darker like Hershey's syrup. I'll post some photos as soon as I have some.

Today is Christmas! I hope Santa was good to you. The new year is right around the corner. We wish you the best of everything for the new year! Let all pray that 2014 has excellent health and prosperity for all of us.

Bonnie, Jimmy and of course, Luther!

A Hunting We Will Go...

Today was Luther's first hunt this year. Jimmy and Luther left in the wee hours of the morning. Jimmy said Luther was the perfect companion today, kenneling in the boat and kenneling in the blind. They shot 1 duck and 3 geese and Luther retrieved them all. When retrieving one goose, the boat was in shallow water and Jimmy said Luther leaped into the boat, goose and all! After a strenuous morning, they stopped by a restaurant where Luther stayed in the car and Jimmy enjoyed a large salad and a plate of Chicken and Dumplings. Jimmy said there was too much food so they put most of the Chicken and Dumplings in a styrofoam container. Then they made another stop where Jimmy got out of the car and visited a friend. You guessed it. When Jimmy got back in the car, Luther was licking his lips!!! Luther said he loved the Chicken and Dumplings!!! And he never made a mess in the car. It was a good day. Now Luther is enjoying a nap with a full tummy.

Trophy Dog

Would you believe it??? Look at Luther's trophy! A couple of week's ago, our Tidewater Retriever Club held its Fall event for members. Since Luther had received his AKC Master title, he had to move up to the Open Gun Dog division. Luther was the second dog to run and run he did! He ran like a rocket to all 3 birds (the first one being in the pond and he swam a straight line to it) and nailed them all. During the awards after lunch (thanks David Colgin for the delicious BBQ), I thought Luther might receive a ribbon. I didn't see all the dogs run so I had no idea if another dog exceeded his performance. I kept listening for his name and after 2nd place, I figured he'd won it all or somehow got disqualified. You never know. Then they called Luther's name. We'll have Luther's name added to the trophy and we keep it for the next year and pass it on to next year's Open Gun Dog champion!