Latest News from Rivermeadow Labradors 2015

Wow! In his second season of agility competition Fig gained both his bronze and silver kennel club agility warrant awards! We now have confirmation from the Kennel Club that he is Festive Fig of Rivermeadow AW (S) - he's catching his dad up already!! Clever boy Figgy!!

Here we are again at the tail end of another agility season. And what a season it has been.

Oak is still as keen as ever, and still manages to beat those pesky collies now and again! He is a truly amazing dog, and we are still having so much fun together.

The star of the show this year has been Fig, who has surpassed my every expectation and dream for him! He has consistently won rosette after rosette after Oak and Fig (father and son) sitting on a concrete bench

Oak and Fig (father and son) sitting on a concrete bench

rosette, and despite my not wishing to push him up the grades too quickly, at two shows in the Autumn he won not one, not two, but FOUR classes!! WOW!! What a clever boy!! I think he has proved that he is ready to go up to Grade 4!! I was seeking a word to describe Fig – I came up with JOYFULL – this really describes Fig who is the most JOYFULL dog I have met, he loves everyone, everything, and enjoys everything with such enthusiasm. He is so willing to please, he is my JOY to spend my time with. Truly his father’s son.

Dear Ash has had a tough time with arthritis causing him back problems. He has had chiropractor treatments which have really helped him, and I’m hopeful that he will be able to come out on the shoot one day a week, and just do the easy retrieves. He does love it so much, I’d hate to leave him behind if I didn’t have to.

I have decided that the time is right to offer Fig at stud now, as well as Oak. I meet a number of Oak’s offspring at agility, and they all seem to inherit his good looks, biddable temperament, and zest for life. I would like to point out though that although my dogs have a great “relax” switch at home, and sleep all day in the office, they ARE working dogs, they do have 2 hours plus exercise a day, every day, plus agility classes or gundog work. If you want to breed active, good looking and healthy Labradors, they are likely to tick the boxes. They are intelligent dogs, and need to be stimulated, whether by walking, playing games, teaching tricks, or more classic working. Puppy owners need to be prepared to offer some such stimulus to get the best possible bond with their new dog.

The time has come to retire Ash from stud. He is going to enjoy his pipe and slippers in front of the fire, and regale his grandson with tales of “when I was a lad”! Having said that, Ash is still very active, and enjoys his Veteran class at Agility, bouncing around with glee and an extremely waggy tail! Ash greatly enjoyed the shooting season, and found me many pheasants. He certainly doesn't think that he is getting old, and long may it stay that way. I feed my dogs on CSJ food, and recently they have brought out a new food CP7+ for older, active dogs. Ash has trialled this, and is doing very well on it, bringing back the spring in his step which had started to wane due to advancing years. It’s lovely to see him bounding about on a long walk, with loads of energy. Thank you CSJ!

Oak and Fig also thoroughly enjoyed the shooting season, and Fig proved himself to be a super picking up dog, like his Dad. Now we are getting close to the Agility show season starting, and I have high hopes for Fig. Last year, although he only started competition mid way through the season, he won the award for best Grade 3 dog in Mid Downs Agility club, which was presented in February! How proud was I?!!! He is truly his father’s son, and we really enjoy our lives together. Oak is not left out at all, and he is still adoring agility, and we will be attending many shows this year, I hope. It is lovely to meet a number of Oak’s “children” also doing agility, and loving it! Quite a family trait, this biddable, athletic Labrador!