• CHIC – Requirements for Chesapeake Bay Retrievers

    OFA is one of the few places you can look up a Chesapeake Bay Retriever’s pedigree. Most, of the well breed conformation and field dogs will have multiple generations listed. Unfortunately, it’s also common to find holes or missing dogs in the lineage because owners failed to report test or just didn’t have them done. The real…

  • Adventures of Vinny – Retrieving Once Again After Surgery

    Post Surgery Workout Vinny could hardly contain himself, quivering with excitement as he sat at the line, ready to make his first retrieve in weeks after surgery. His desire nearly overwhelmed him, as the bird launched into the air.  Still, he sat steady not moving an inch forward. His eyes locked in on the area…

  • Retrievers – Loss of Vision

    Going Blind Imagine your retriever beginning to lose his eye sight at the age of 4 yrs old. At first he seems to miss marks thrown in the morning or evening twilight. Your concern grows and you schedule an eye exam at the vet’s office. Up until now you’ve spend countless hours training him. Taught…

  • A Dog’s Prayer

    Difficult Decisions Putting a dog to sleep forever is never easy and often heartbreaking. It’s often referred to as the pet “going over the rainbow” vs “putting a dog down” in today’s world. Sounds nicer but it doesn’t make it any easier at all. I ran across this poem 30 years ago and always keep…