August 21, 2009

Hi there Leslie & Kevin.  Well, we made it home safe & sound Wednesday.  River was terrific and all went well, he hadn't had a mistake till this morning when we were trying to time his needs after eating and he had a little piddle, but of course, that was our fault.
 
He got up the 1st night @ Midnight, 2, 4, & 6.  He was terrific and I hustled him outside and he did wonderful, except, the 2 am one he went to his spot and laid down….IN THE POURUNG RAIN.  I laughed so hard; he was hilarious.  I went to bed that night fully dressed so as to speed up things, just didn't have my runners on.  We took him to the city to see my parents yesterday and surprised them with River; they were astonished at his behavior and beauty, then off to pack up my remaining items at the city apartment.  He had a wonderful day, met a few people of course and they were all in awe.
 
He went to bed (kennel) @ 11 last night and we didn't hear a peep and @ 7 I went in to see him and he just sat up and never even whimpered, went outside and did both jobs, not even a mistake in the kennel.
 
He is such a dream, thank you so much for this beautiful gift in our lives; he is totally hilarious.
 
Here are a few pics for u guys.

Love Jer & Dar

September 6, 2009

Hope you received the 2 mail updates (River @ 10 weeks)….he’s doing terrific….love him so much….

Talk to you soon….Dar & Jerry

October 8, 2009

….River is doing great!  We love him to bits.

October 17, 2009

.…We think River is filling out nicely.…growing like a new tree he is and is the love
of our life.…
 
Dar & Jerry

August 23, 2009

Hi Lesley!

Just a quick note to let you know we made it safe and sound.  It was a good trip - he slept most of the way!

Thanks again for everything!  He's a HUGE hit with everyone here!!

Brittney

August 23, 2009

….He had a good first night!  We brought his crate into our room (he was barking when it was in the room next to us, but I'm sure that's just a bit of nerves for the first night.  I'm sure he'll get over it).  We took him out about 3:30, 6:00 and then got him up for breakfast around 7:30.  He was really good!  He did what he needed to do when we went outside and went back to sleep after.

Overall, a good first night!  He's now happily playing and chewing on some toys in the living room!

Thank you so much again!  We are totally in love with him!

We'll keep in touch :)

Brittney

August 26, 2009

Good Morning Lesley!
 
….Things are going very well!  We're making good progress with housebreaking.  The first day or two were a bit rough, but I think he (and us!) are starting to figure out the routine!  He also has started sleeping through most of the night.  He can go about 6 hours now without needing out.  Even then, it's more that we hear him wake up and figure we'll take him out anyway – he hasn't asked to go out for 3 nights now.

His vet check yesterday was good!
 
Thanks Lesley!  Have a great day!
 
Brittney

September 1, 2009

….Things are going very well!!  He seems to have settled in very nicely and is a natural fit with us.  We couldn't be happier!

October 16, 2009

Hi Lesley!
 
Juno is doing wonderful!  We are so pleased with him and how he is developing.  He continues to be a constant source of joy for us and always keeps us entertained with his puppy antics!

He has made a "best friend" with my Mom's miniature schnauzer pup, Breeze – they will literally play until they fall asleep!  His training is coming very well.  We walk frequently with him and are impressed with how much confidence he has gained from being out and about.  He is a great walking buddy!  He is a very clever little guy as well.  We love him so much!
 
Thank you again for giving him such a great start.

We've taken some recent photos of him – actually my sister did – and I'm awaiting her to send them to me.  Once I get them, I will forward them on to you!
 
All the best to you and your family.  Thank you again for everything.
 
Brittney and Eric

December 21, 2009

Hi Lesley!

We would be very happy to be a reference for you!! Please pass along our email and we would be happy to give you a glowing recommendation!

Juno is doing fabulous!! We can't get over how nicely he is maturing. He continues to follow us around the house, has a lot of play in him and is also very content to curl up with us and go to sleep. Not only is he a very handsome dog, but his temperament is wonderful!

We wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and all the best in 2010! Can't wait to see all of the details of the upcoming litter, once they arrive.

Brittney

January 29, 2010

Hi Lesley!

We're glad to hear the Rio and the puppies are doing well.  They appear to be quite a bit bigger than Juno was at that stage, but I suppose that's also as a result of a smaller litter?

We received Juno's registration papers in the mail.  The puppy booklet looks great!

Juno is doing very well!  He had a very busy Christmas with all of the company and dogs to play with and needed a few days to sleep and relax after a busy week!  We had him at the vet last week to get his "kennel cough" vaccination (we're going away for a week in March to Hawaii for my sisters wedding, so he will have to be kenneled then) and he was 55 lbs.  Is that about a normal weight for a puppy his age?  I'm sure it's also dependent upon height and body type.  We have him on two different protein sources:  a Performatrin holistic blend as well as a Nutrisource holistic.  These products are a bit easier for us to get here, locally.  He seems to be a good weight; not too skinny and we're being very cautious to make sure he doesn't get too big so that it's easier on his joints.

I was just curious if you've heard how his litter mates are maturing.  We have zero concerns with him and I'm sure he's totally normal, I just like to make sure we're on the right track :)  We couldn't be happier with him and love him so much!

Hope all is well with you and your family (and your 4-legged family!) and that all of the puppies have found loving homes!

August 12, 2009

Shade had a wonderful day yesterday.  Her and Badger made out successfully.  Shade met some new friends with loads of puppy handling and of course lots of oooohs and aaahs!  I thought you'd like to see a pic or two of shade's new companion.  Also only up 3x during the night then back to sleep with very little whining. 

Cheers, Mike and Brenda

August 20, 2009

….Shade is well and has learned to go to the back door when she wants to go to relieve herself.

August 23, 2009

….I've started getting shade use to her lead, she does very well.  Our neighbors think she is adorable especially the children in the area so she is getting loads of exposure.

October 29, 2009

 ….Shade is doing well at puppy class – we are too!  She is so smart.  No accidents in the house in quite some time.  She sits by the back door to go out...

August 27, 2009

Hi, Lesley

Well it has been one week and Echo has adjusted to her new home very well.  She has been sleeping through the night for the past couple of days.  She plays hard and sleeps hard too!  I have attached a picture of Echo sound asleep under a picture of our Maddy with her Santa's hat on.

Echo had her first bath on the weekend and didn't seem to mind it at all.  Last week at the vet's she weighed in at 13.5 pounds.  Tonight we weighed her and she is now 15 pounds. 

We'll keep in touch ....

Susan

September 3, 2009

Hi, Lesley

Thanks for the information.  Here is an update on our new four-legged family member.

We took Echo to the vet today for her second set of shots.  She is growing quickly - she now weighs 16.8 pounds!  She is healthy and happy.

We'll keep in touch ...

Susan, Raymond & Lindsay

September 10, 2009

Good morning, Lesley

Just a quick update on Echo ....

She is growing by leaps and bounds (as they say).  She weighed in at 20 pounds last night.

She really enjoys being outside and is now walking on the leash without biting it.  When I say, "do you want to go for a walk" her tail starts wagging and she heads for the door.  We go about three quarters of the way down the street and back.  That takes about 10 minutes.  She is used to the traffic now but is still nervous when the garbage truck is around.  She loves people and they love her.  I have gotten so many compliments on what a good-looking girl she is. 

She is a typical puppy – curious about everything and tries to eat almost anything.  She is keeping me very busy.  If she didn't, I'd be worried.

Housebreaking is going well.  We had established the routine of going outside after meals, play or waking up from day one.  Often she has just gone to the door herself, so as soon as I see that we go outside. 

Each day I can see her growing more independent and confident. 

Until next time,

Susan

September 26, 2009

Hi, Lesley

She is such a sweet, intelligent pup.  She loves people in general but gets really excited when she sees a child.  The little boy who lives behind us, stands on the top of his slide and just giggles and giggles when he sees her.  Echo, of course, is right at the fence with both her tail and back end wiggling so fast it's a wonder she doesn't throw her hips out.

She weighed in at 21 pounds this week and she is 17 inches tall (ground to top of her back) - that's all I could measure – she wouldn’t let me do anymore. 

She loves spending time outdoors and going for rides in the van.  On occasion, we have gone through a drive-thru (coffee shop or Harvey's) and she has been given a milkbone by the person in the window.  Today, when I drove up to the window, she was ready and waiting for her treat.  She sure caught on to that one quickly!

We are working on our puppy manners.  We are trying to make training a natural part of the day.  Of course, some days are better than others, but on the whole things are good.  She knows how to sit, shake-a-paw, come, stay and wait (for a very short period of time). Our daily routine is part of her daily routine and she "knows" when "bedtime" arrives.

Hope all is well with you and your family. 

Take care,

Susan

December 29, 2009

Season's Greetings Bailey Family!

Hope this email finds you all in great spirit and healthy.  We had a wonderful holiday and hope you did too.

Attached you will find a few pictures of Echo.  We had her spayed a couple of weeks ago - the operation went well.  She weighs 47 pounds, has a beautiful shiny coat and a wonderful personality.  Everyone who meets her, falls in love with her.  My daughter, Lindsay saw a "Santa" outfit and just had to buy it for her.  Echo actually wore it for about an hour on Christmas Eve.

I have been looking at your website every so often - thanks for providing all the pictures and updates on the happenings at Rayneriver.

Until next time,

Susan, Raymond, Lindsay & Echo

January 28 , 2010

Hi, Lesley

Just wanted to let you know that we received the package with Echo's CKC certificate.

The little "personalized" booklet is a wonderful (unexpected) gift.  Thank you, very much.

I know you have put alot of effort and love into this project as well as your labs and breeding program.  It is reflected in everything you do and the puppies that are produced are positive proof of this.   We are so fortunate to have found you and Rayneriver.  Thank you for making it possible for Echo to join us!

It is hard to imagine life without Echo.  However, when bedtime rolls around - Ray on one side, Echo on the rug and me in the middle of the snoring in stereo - well, I could imagine life without that.  LOL! 

We will definitely keep in touch to let you know how she matures. 

Congratulations on the new litter!  We will be checking the website to see how they grow.

Sincerely,

Susan

August 17, 2009

Hello Lesley, Kevin, Noah, Sierra, Rio, Rayne and Zoey (and any puppies left)….I would like to report that Fin is doing awesome!  The last week has been extremely busy and Allie has been the main care giver most days.  I am surprised that we have a "routine" already with sleep times, awake times and feeding.  The first 2 nights, Finley was up quite late, 1am and up at 4:30 to 5, but since then he goes down around 9pm and sleeps until 5am, except when he gets up for a washroom break around 2.  We feed him at 6am and he plays for a while and then sleeps until shortly after 7.  We have always been early risers so this is not a big deal.  He is going outside for washrooms breaks much more than inside, today he has not had an accident in the house.  He has spent a lot of time with all 4 of us and seems quite comfortable in his new surroundings.  We have not introduced him to his other "cousins" yet as we are waiting to get his next shots before meeting the other canines.

Allie has diligently read all of the paper work you included and she is a fountain of knowledge regarding Labradors.  I would like to thank you for including all of this as it has been quite helpful.

Even though Finley has only been with us for a week, I am not sure what we would do without our new family member.  Attached is a picture of him in one of favorite sleeping spots and we will definitely follow up with a few more Fin shots soon!!  We hope all of you are dong well and look forward to hearing from you.

The Doerksen Five

December 21, 2009

Hello Lesley,

....Things here are great.  Finley is growing!!!!  What a wonderful boy he is.  I've attached our family Christmas Card that features our newest family member.

By all means, please give our names and contact information as references.  We'd be very pleased to share our positive experience with other potential families.

Hope you all enjoy a wonderful holiday season and all the best for 2010.

Sincerely,

Lisa, Brad, Allie, Owen and Finley

January 28, 2010

Hello Bailey Family!  Thank you for the package which we received this week.  Fin turned 7 months over the weekend but feels like he has been a Doerksen Family member forever.  He is a great dog!  I took him to the vet on Monday of this week because he was limping (turns out to be nothing but possible growing spurt) and he weighed in at an even 60 pounds!  I believe this is on track.  He definitely isn't over weight.

Fin started school a couple of weeks ago and Lisa has been taking him.  Unfortunately the classes fall on hockey night which keep the rest of us busy those nights.  Allie has gone to a couple so far.  Lisa says he is one of the younger dogs in the class but for sure the brightest.  Can't wait for open water again so he can start swimming.  If he dives into the water like he does in the snow, we will have to buy him scuba tanks.  He knows a number of commands quite well now such as sit, stay, heel, down and give.

I have been throwing a duck dummy with him and he retrieves this and gives it to me very well.  He also has no fear of the gun being fired.  I attached a couple of recent pictures although I will get some more of Fin outside where you can see him better against the snow.

….I hope everyone is well in your home and hope to hear from you soon!

August 17, 2009

Good Morning Bailey Family!

I thought I would send you a quick email and let you know Jonah is adjusting great.  He seemed a little sad the first night as I expected he would.  Over the next day or so he really just started exploring and getting used to his surroundings.  He and the cat are setting their limits with one another and it is funny watching both of them interact.  I will forward some pictures once I have them downloaded.  Hope all is well with you.

Regards,

Jason Holt

August 26, 2009

 ….Jonah is doing well and really starting to listen good.  He is a quick learner that one.

September 3, 2009

….Jonah went to his vet appointment this afternoon.  Doc said he was healthy.  He weighs 18lbs.  I will be contacting the puppy school soon to set up a start date for Jonah.

October 1, 2009

 We had Jonahs vet apt today.  He has gained 10lbs since his last visit.  The vet was very pleased with his development.

He is doing well in puppy school.  He seems to really enjoy interacting with the other dogs.  He met Rider the chocolate Lab of yours.

Hope you guys are doing well.
 
Regards,
 
Jason

September 3, 2009

Just wanted to give you a quick update on Oakley's status.
 
First he is doing just fine.  He is growing and getting very comfortable with his surroundings (including his new pack mates – our 2 Dachshunds).  Of course the biting stage is in full swing but from talking to other Lab owners we are not alone.
 
He went for his first boat ride a few weekends ago and appeared to enjoy it quite a bit (if only for the nice cool breeze on a sunny day).  We are letting him get his feet wet (pun intended) on his own terms regarding the lake.  He is content for now to walk in up to his ankles and bite at the waves or rocks on the shore.
 
I've included a few pictures of him at 10 weeks for you.
 
Hope this finds you and your family well,
 
Talk to you soon,
 
Dan Schwab (Shannon, Shelbie, Tessa, Porter and Oakley)

November 8 , 2009

Hey Leslie,

Just an update on Oakley. He is growing into a very handsome boy. The vet is happy with his development and he is a very robust 45lbs (approx).

Puppy classes started a few weeks ago and he has made a lot of other puppy friends!

Hope all is well.

Take care,

Dan & Shannon

April 4 , 2010

Hi Leslie,

Jus a short note to wish you and your family Happy Easter.

We have attached some updated pictures of Oakley ranging from 5-9 months.

Overall he is doing very well. He brings tremoundous amounts of joy, love and puppy goofiness all at the same time.

Looking forward to the warmer summer months to fully introduce him to the lake and the joys of swimming :)

Take care,

Dan, Shannon, Shelbie, Tessa, Porter and Oakley

August 16, 2009

Dear Lesley, Kevin and family,

We all love our new puppy....he is a wonderful dog, easy to train and loads of fun.  Daniel and Carmen adore him and have been very helpful with the playing and training.  Lobo sleeps great at night....up usually once around 3:00 a.m.

He is certainly a social pup.....enjoys the attention.  We have been giving him plenty of chewing toys.....what sharp little teeth.

Thanks again for all your information and suggestions.....we read the material on the way home on Tuesday.  It was all very helpful.

We will continue to update you with pictures and his newest accomplishments! 

Take Care,
The McInnes Family

August 30, 2009

Good morning, thanks for the valuable tips on dog training.  Lobo has adapted to his new environment well, everyone loves him, he has regular visits from the young neighbors for playtime.  We have attached a couple of new pictures.

Love Laurie, Willy, Daniel, Carmen and Lobo

September 2, 2009

Lobo and I paid a visit to the vet today for his next shots and an examination.  He is fine, he is 8.7kg and the vet says he is in very good shape, he has encouraged us to continue three 1/2 cup feedings a day until the end of the month.  He gets his next shoots then and will be reassessed.

He continues to be a sweetheart and has won hearts and souls.  Hope you enjoyed the last pics.

Take care and all the best.  Will see you in the fall for sure.

Willy and family

September 15, 2009

….He is very sharp to learn and very, very well behaved.

December 21, 2009

Laurie and I would take great pleasure in being a reference for you.

....He (Lobo) has been the hit of the north; we love our walks twice a day; he is very much trained to walk with no leash (for me!! hahaah).

I will send you new pictures soon.

Thanks for thinking about us and a merry xmas to you and your family.

Willy Laurie and Family

January 4, 2010

....Lobo is an absolutely beautiful animal. He is very handsome, smart beyond what we could ever have expected at this age and so incredibly gentle mannered.......everybody loves him to pieces.

June 19, 2010

Good morning, hope all is well with you and your family.

Lobo is doing great, we go to the river on our walks twice a day and he plays in the water, yesterday Lobo and a Duck were working each other over, I am sure the duck had a nest close by and did not want Lobo anywhere close to it. Silly dog was swimming after the duck, it was very commical to watch.

As you can see by the pictures he also helps with the yard work.

Take Care

Willy Laurie Lobo and Family

July 10, 2010

.... LOBO is a true champ and we love him dearly. We will be travelling to Calgary next week and will show him off to Grandpa and Grandma.