The History of Sunset Labradors
When I was 5 years old, my family went on a "mystery ride" to the countryside. We arrived at the home of a Labrador Retriever breeder. We played with beautiful black and yellow puppies. Some of us liked the blacks and others liked the yellows. No decision was made and it was a little disappointing to come home without a puppy. That night, after most of us had gone to bed, my parents left my older brother in charge. My parents went back to the breeder's home to pick up a puppy. My Mom wanted a yellow puppy, so that's what they brought home.
The next morning, my twin brother and I awoke before the rest of the family. As we were coming downstairs, we heard frightening, loud noises coming from the small side entry into the kitchen. We thought the strange noises must be coming from a huge mean monster that had entered the house from the side door. Bravely, my twin brother and I approached the door together and we slowly opened the door. In a cardboard box, we found a yellow lab puppy! He was as delighted to see us as we were to see him. From that day on, I was hooked on Labs.
My parents spent many hours training Tawn. They taught him to walk on a leash without pulling, to come when called, and all the basic household manners. My brothers, my sisters, and I taught him the important stuff- to play hide and seek, jump up onto the beds, and to chase after miniature marshmallows. When I was older, Tawn and I went for many long walks. We covered many miles over the years. He was a great listener and he helped my cope with the stresses and struggles of growing up. He faithfully licked away all my tears and shared all my joys. He died when I was in college, but his memory is still with me.
I patiently waited several years before I got a dog of my own. I graduated from college, started on a career, moved into a home, and had a child. Then I was ready for a puppy. I wanted a Labrador that I could breed. Unfortunately, I did not know where to go to get a good quality Lab. So, my first 2 Labs flunked their hip exams and they were spayed. After I purchased my third Lab puppy, I joined a local kennel club (Strafford County Kennel Club), the regional Labrador Retriever club (Greater Boston Labrador Retriever Club) and the local Lab rescue organization (Labrador Retriever Rescue, Inc.). I also studied numerous books on Labradors and dog breeding practices. My early experiences provide me with a valuable education. I am currently a member of the Greater Boston Labrador Retriever Club and on the board of directors of Labrador Retriever Rescue, Inc.
When my chocolate girl was young, a beautiful black Lab from Meadowmere Labradors joined the family. Ebony's breeder helped steer me in the right direction. A lovely yellow Prospect Labrador puppy joined us a few weeks later, and her breeder has been an invaluable mentor and source of inspiration. Ginger, Ebony, and Curry passed their hip and eye exams. Ginger and Ebony became the foundation dogs for my breeding program.
I have been raising, training, and loving, Labrador Retrievers for many years. My first litter arrived in 1993. Currently, I have 9 happy, healthy Labradors that are a joy to live with. My final litter arrived in January 2022. |