Training group at Duckweed Pond

Retriever testing season for the group I train with is done and training is winding down. We had a very laid back night, where we took some pictures and did a few marks. Here is a picture of our training group, posed with our coveted pink bumpers. The picture was taken at a spot I call Duck weed Pond. This spring the area was nothing but splash water. With all the rain this summer this area is now a pond. It is green because it is covered in duck weed.

Missing from this picture are Heather with Haylee and Reg and Abby. Patti & Reese, Jill and Sonny, Lianne and TeeJay, Gail and Jack

This night was a great opportuniity to bring Ardi along. We shortened up the marks and gave her the whole nine yards of calls and guns. Ardi was the happiest I have seen in a long time. She even brought her signature move out of retirement, where she pounced on the bird from about 6 feet away. We left her out while everyone got pictures taken and she went from vehicle to vehicle grabbing dokkens and bumpers presenting them to anyone who would throw for her. She always liked to shake dokkens after picking them up, but after whacking herself a few times , she learned how to shake them gently, she pulled this move out as well . Ardi made us all laugh and hammed it up for more attention. Thanks Yo for the pictures.

Ardi

TeeJay

Sonny

Jack Reese

When it was all done we were treated to a beautiful sunset.

First water retrieves of 2008

We got up bright and early this morning, the temperatures were hovering around 0 degrees C when we pulled out of the driveway at 7:30 am.. We were headed to the retriever grounds to do some training.
Two weeks ago I met a friend and her 5-month-old Chesapeake pup at the grounds and there was still ice on the ponds. Last week the ice was gone, but the day was cloudy, blustery and light snow was falling. Ardi took a dip in the water and had a nice leisurely swim, as if to show off for the pup.
Today we did 7 or 8 line drills back and forth across a small pond. I have been having problems with Ardi not going when she doesn’t see a splash. On the first retrieve, she ran the shore, but the last ones were all straight out and back. She had the biggest smile and her tail wagged non-stop. Welcome Spring!!!!

Great Outdoor Expo

Today Ardi and I went to the Great Outdoor Expo in Moose Jaw to man the booth and represent the Retriever Club for a couple of hours. It was fun and it really made me realize how rich Saskatchewan is in resources.
Some of the displays included Archery , Boat Safety, Predator Calling, Falconry, Ducks Unlimited, Stone Sculptors, Knife Makers, Saskatchewan Environment, Saskatchewan Assoc. of Conservation Officers and the list goes on.Ardi did well despite being mistaken for a Weimaraner a few times everyone thought she was a beautiful dog.

Ardi spent most of her time watching the Falcons who were across the isle and down from us about 3 booths. When not doing that she was checking out the bow hunters booth next to us where someone had been eating french fries. All in all it was 2 hours well spent and I think Ardi was a good ambassador for the club and her breed.