New life ...

2 years ago we lost our 13 beloved dogs but they say every cloud has a silver lining . Our silver lining came in the fact that 2 weeks ago we had a litter of 6 beautiful fox red Labradors and this week - 4 days later so we were on tenderhooks a litter of 9 a mix of black and fox red Labradors. Another twist to this story is the mother of the mixed litter was concieved just a week before we lost the others . We had bred her mother and sold Sky and her brother as puppies to a lady who then came back to us use one of our stud dogs. We then bought 3 black girls out of this litter as we were worried we would lose our lines to keep out blood lines going. Jack calls them all Willow but there is Chloe who really is now called Willow , Sky and as she was black in colour and at that time the skies felt really black and Abbie after Byland Abbey. The first litter now have their eyes open and crawling about ,the second litter are just like tiny puppies are drinking and sleeping. So apologies to all of you who are waiting to see the puppies. Time seems to go by so quickly. One is already earmarked to go to the top of Scotland . The people have had 3 already from us but sadly lost one and have been very patient waiting for this litter to arrive. They got their last in lock down so it made for us a nice trip out to meet the lady half way. We had to pass a red squirrel area on the way but unfortunately didnt see any but it was a nice ride out,

Take 3

The idea is to introduce pups slowly and not rush in .As if you do you can have problems . You may have heard of a gun shy dog this would 99% be the fact that it was not introduced slowly and then havingnoiseld buidling up . I write this blog as to us it is just every day life as I had posted a photo of Jack sat on a chair in the middle of some running water. The comment was "what a good idea". So you sit there and the pups, then realise that you are safe and so in turn they would be safe to follow. And with that thought in mind and also of getting a pat for their effort in they go. They may hesitate a bit at first as it is b .cold in the middle of a stream with fast running water in Springtime. But they get to like it ,think it is fun ,find that special stick or stone in the water and away they go. We know everyone is not as lucky to have access to water like we have so you have to be careful. Then out of the water a quick sprint down the wood and home all in time for dinner.

Time to get out and about

These pups are nearly 6 weeks old. A fine litter and our first and last litter of fox red Labrador puppies this year. They have done very well and are coming on nicely .As Jack is laid back, so are these pups which makes it easier to keep them near together and they build confidence from each other . By the time they leave at eight weeks they will be going 200-300 yards down the road 5 times a day and also up into the field. This way we do not say they are house trained but they are more or less as they learn not to do it where they eat and sleep.

Sleep peacefully dear Tina

Most of our dogs retire to a life of luxury and Tina was one of those. She was so special .She was our first fox red Labrador and the start of Cuckavalda along with her sisters May and later Willow. Both her sisters have passed in the last year. Reckon they went to suss things out Heaven out for their big sister. She was the biggest and strongest of the 3. Very protective of her young, but the gentlest dog with those she loved and loved her. Her proper name was Jakoranda Moment and came from the Peel family. Jack had always wanted to call his first born child Tina, but it didn't happen so felt apted when naming his first Labrador to call her Tina .The sister who came with her was May, well it was the month of May so it made sense. Willow came a few months later and was already called Willow so we stuck with it. Tina was the mother of the first Labrador pups we had and from that litter of 8, we kept Tara and Hidi. Unfortuanalety Hidi is no longer here . Tara is still going strong carrrying the genes of her mother and lives in 5 star luxury not too far from us. May had a litter the following year and Finn was one of her pups who is also a dog in a million and still going strong.He still works and sires puppies .He turned 11 this year but is getting a few white whiskers now. While Willow didnt have any puppies until she was 5. It is always sad to lose our pets.So our thoughts go out tonight to Denny McAllister and her husband Ross. - who locals will know as Denise Auger, who's mum used to own the White Horse in Ampleforth. Her grandparents lived in this house. Anna went to school with Denise and they had been friends now for over 60 years. So when it came a time to retire Tina it just seems a right match. We were regularly sent photos of her sat on the settee and lazing in the garden. Truly loved and so well look after we couldnt have asked for more. Often we get emails asking for our retirees. But they dont just go anywhere. Some people think they have a right ...goodness knows why as we dont know them or anything to do with them or havent come through someone we know .Why would we entrust our dogs to someone we dont know. Just because they may work at a posh place or know the inside out and outside in of a dog ,that doesnt cut the cloth with us. Here are a few photos showing Tina through her life.