About Avery Labradors
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I have always loved Labradors and when the time was right to bring one home
I was sure to do my research. The most important thing to me was health and temperament.
My first Lab was born in August 2001. That next month was an incredibly hard time for our nation. The picture above was taken in October 2001. He got his little paws onto a flag we had gotten from our local bank and he carried it around for quite some time, waving it around happily, and proudly trotting around the house with it. I named Leo "Feather Downs Guardian Angel" and he really was mine.
I moved back to Arkansas before Leo was a year old and when he was three I decided to try him in a show with the permission of his breeder. I had gone to a few dog shows while I was in Florida and it seemed fun enough. Of course at that time I thought dog shows were something that might fill a lazy weekend here or there. Little did I know it would be a LIFESTYLE!
I was now halfway across the country and had no one to mentor me in the breed. In the back of the LQ were the names Mike and Lenore Hamilton of Blackwing Labradors. In a few short months I was driving to their house nearly every weekend for training and get togethers with other Labrador breeders. They kindly opened their home to me, showed me how to handle in the ring, and prepared me for my first show. I will always appreciate them for their kindness and hospitality.
At our first show we won WD for 2 points and I was hooked!
Leo finished with limited showing and all owner handled except once.
It has been more than 7 years since I brought Leo home that first night and my life has truly changed. Since those first days in the show ring we have branched out to other activities including Rally and Obedience. We are also training for upcoming hunt tests and therapy work with the help of wonderful friends like Melissa Bickerstaff of Dostaff Labradors, Keri Schooler of CopperStill Labradors, and Mike & Lenore Hamilton of Blackwing Labradors. This wonderful breed has enriched my life as they empty my checking account!
I hope you enjoy the site!
