[November 2011]

Cynthia and Michael,

I have been meaning to get back to you since your last email but, life has been way too busy as of late.  I wanted to send you a picture or two of Jake and let you know that we just love him to no end and that he is a wonderful dog.  He still has a lot of puppy in him, which can be trying at times but, we don't mind.  He is 80 lbs and he tail has gotten the nickname 'Thunder Tail' for its coffee table clearing and kitchen cabinet thumping abilities.  

He loves going for walks in the woods behind our house and playing in the creek.  And he has made friends with our family friends Samoyed "Kolby".  He also loves our cat 'Carley' but, I think sometimes Carley wishes he was a little less enthusiastic.

Sincerely,

Mike Smith

Monrovia, Maryland

***************************

[April 2011]

Hi Michael,

It's been a few months - so I wanted to give you a quick update on Cooley. He is growing so fast - at his 7 month weigh in he was 72 lbs! He is absolutely the most friendly dog I've ever known - I swear there isn't a mean bone in his body. He loves playing with other dogs, so we plan "dog dates" for his as often as we can. Since the weather has warmed up, we've recently begun hiking with him, which he loves. We try to go on 2-3 mile walks many times each week, and I hardly ever need to use a leash with him. He stays right by my side, and if I need him always comes when I call. Unfortunately I can't include any pictures (back in November Cooley chewed up the cord that connects my camera to my computer) but once I get that replaced I will send you some. He is such a handsome boy, and we are so happy with him!

I hope you've been well,

Amee Curtis

Columbia, MD

****************************

[October 2010]

Blue has grown into an absolutely terrific dog in every way.  He is a very handsome 94 lb lab who gets compliments on his build and on his coat everywhere.  He is gentle and forgiving of Hannah (now 5) and David (now 4) who you met, as well as their little brother, Jacob, who is a 1-year old rough housing toddler. His retrieving instinct is incredibly strong--he will fetch decoys and toys thrown into the ocean until he can't move, and will fetch balls in the backyard endlessly.   His exercise capacity and endurance are normal. He's an affectionate dog, who loves being rubbed behind the ears and sitting on the couch with family. He still likes to put his head up on pillows, just like when he was a puppy. 

In short, we absolutely love Blue.  We are so happy to have him as part of our family.  The care you took with his breeding and upbringing is evident in everything he does and is.

Let me know if you'd like some photographs or a formal letter for the Blue Ridge files.

Best,

Dr. Giora Netzer

Pikesville, Maryland

*****************************

[July 2010]

Dear Michael,

Just a quick note as I am leaving for vacation.   I still need to send you a

note about Jubal to post on your website.  We adore Jubal and he is a great

dog.  Very mellow for his age while in the house, but intense outside.  He

is totally focused on retrieving anything - soccer ball, bird dummy, tennis

ball and deer antlers. If yo ustep outside, he is waiting for you to get one

of his toys!  He is an awesome swimmer(like a power boat in the water).  We

actually kick the soccer ball where it goes over a slight roll into the pond

with a big splash to follow (Jubal).

I thought you would enjoy these photos of my son and Jubal swimming in the

pond.  When I return from my trip mid July, I will work on that statement

and also send more photos.

Thanks so much, Heidi

Heidi Crandall

Nellysford, VA

email

[April 2010]

Michael, just a quick note to let you know that Dan took Molly in a kayak today and together they rowed out to an island. Molly sat between Dan's legs and stayed put even when she got VERY excited about the birds all around her. Such a good girl!

Jane Youngberg,

Sitka, AK

email.

[March 2010]

Oh Miss Ginny. I have never seen a dog with so much energy and dedication to a tennis ball. I laughed last night at the idea of bringing her to the tennis court, I think she'd have a nervous breakdown. She has this really irritating habit of pushing tennis balls where she can't reach them (under the fence, under the couch, under the coffee table, you get the idea) and then having absolute panic attacks that she can't find them. She will stress over a tennis ball that she's put outside the fence for days and days.

She's really a wonderful dog. So much exuberance and love. She and Charlotte still fight like the toddlers they are, but she and Elisabeth have reached a happy equilibrium. The girls play with Ginny a lot more now (as opposed to scream and cry that Ginny has their toys). Of course Ginny is thoroughly enjoying swimming in the stream, which is now much bigger thanks to snowmelt and rain.

Erica Everhart

Vienna, VA [contact details below]

**********

[December 2009]

Dear Michael,

 

I hope you are enjoying the holidays!  I just want to send you another photo of Jubal since it had been awhile.  Jubal is now 10 mos old.  Jubal lives in the snow!  He will not quit.  I went snowshoeing today with Jubal and he was all over the fields. He ran with the tractor yesterday, then jumped through the fields with me, then played in the snow with the frozen soccer ball.  They do not stop.  Thanks

Heidi Crandall,

Nellysford, VA [email link below]

livepage.apple.com

**********

[November 2009]

Dear Michael and Cynthia,

Ginny has a very strong retrieving gene - so long as what's to be retrieved is an orange and blue tennis ball.  A yellow tennis ball?  No thanks.  We lost the ratty, falling apart, orange and blue tennis ball two nights ago when Doug threw it and it landed in one of our neighbors bushes.  Ginny was frantic.  I let her out yesterday to play ball (with a yellow tennis ball) and she'd chase it, but refused to bring it back.  She was in an all out panic, 24 hours later, over her blue and orange tennis ball.  Doug and I were equally distraught because how on earth were we going to wear out this dog without a tennis ball?  She searched high and low over about 5 of our neighbors yards.  

I finally found the ball, from the description Doug gave of where he threw it, and our lives are now back in working order but it was touch and go there for awhile.  Ginny was so happy that I think she did an actual flip when she went after it the next time.  I think perhaps you bred Maggie with a dog who is part border collie because Ginny's ball obsession reminds me very much of my mother's border collie's ball obsession.  Ginny runs so hard after the ball that she's skinned her "knees" on her back legs from where they hit the road when she's running.  It looks pretty nasty but doesn't seem to bother her in the least.

I can't even get over how sweet Ginny has become.  Sure, she still bites my arm whenever I stick it near her, but she does it with love.  In all seriousness, she cuddles right up on the couch with me or with the girls.  When Elisabeth was down with the swine flu, Ginny was right by her side.  Elisabeth was thrilled to have a couch companion.  She is such a happy and sweet and loving dog.  She craves attention, and is so exuberant when you reward her with attention. 

We call her the "Golden Bullet" when we take her for hikes down in the flood plain behind our house because she darts from here to there in the blink of an eye - she is fast.  She gets probably 3-4x more exercise than our Maggie and than our neighbor's Great Dane because she runs laps around them.  

Best regards,

Erica Everhart

Vienna, VA

email:  here

**********

[October 2009]

Dear Michael and Cynthia,

Molly loves water!  We take her out to Ft. Belvoir to let her swim in a little bay just off the Potomac.  She's a retrieving machine both in the water and on land.  She loves it!  I think even Amy Dahl [Molly’s and Maggie’s trainer] would be impressed with her.  She still needs to clean up her placing the dummy in our hand, but she's getting there.

Molly's favorite thing in the world is socks!  Not shoes--thankfully!  She'll do anything to get to a sock--even try to take it while I'm putting it on my foot.  I have a stash of old socks in a closet and every time I open that door she runs over and takes one like it's some grand prize.  Then she gives us that cute little ears up, head cocked look and off she goes hoping we'll chase after her (which we do, of course).  She's also into wood chips from the mulch around trees.  I know her two favorite places out on our walks and it's always a contest to see who can react faster--her or me.  She usually gets at least one a day!  She'll also snag as much tall grass as she can as we walk by different areas.

When we first got her I would give every child we passed a dog treat and ask them to hand it to Molly.  As a result, she loves kids and thinks they all have a treat for her.  I suppose I should start carrying them again, but we stopped after she went to Amy.  

The professional training was a really good idea.  Molly walks on heel, goes to her bed, waits for her food, comes when we say, "Here," and is much, much easier to handle.  She loves her kennel and goes there immediately on command.  It's very cute.

We thought she would be a disaster in the house, but she settles down very nicely and hasn't destroyed even one thing. Of course, I keep a close eye on her and she enjoys following me from room to room all day.  The only thing she does to annoy me is she'll grab a toy and bump it into me until I acknowledge her and play with her.  If I take too long she bites me on the leg (toy still in her mouth) and then she backs up real quick because she knows she's in trouble.  

The kids in the neighborhood adore her and everyone calls out to her every time we step outside.  She's the neighborhood celebrity and she loves it.

Cheers,

Jane Youngberg

Alexandria, Virginia

email:  here.

**********

[September 2009]

Dear Michael,

Good morning!  As I type this, I have a 7-month-old, 53 pound (!!!) Labrador sitting completely on my lap - in my tiny little kitchen chair.  Ginny had a checkup yesterday for some shots and her pre-op for her spaying.  I cannot believe she weighs 53 pounds.  She's not at all fat, she is 100% muscle.  

Ginny is the Michael Phelps of Labs.  We took her to the beach where she swam lap after lap, retrieved tennis balls so far out that I had to look away and yell at Doug to stop throwing them that far, and ran up and down the beach at a million miles an hour.  Our neighbors have a 1 yr old Lab.  They also have a pool, and they want their lab to swim in their pool.  So they've been having us bring Ginny down to lure him in.  Ginny takes a flying leap into the water, swims an entire lap around their pool, jumps out and does it again.  It is becoming a bit of a problem as now we can't walk by their house without Ginny pulling wildly to go in.

Ginny and Charlotte [Erica’s 2-year old daughter] fight like 2 yr olds.  It is pretty comical to watch them together, they're both little puppies.  Charlotte feeds Ginny her dinner every other night (every single aspect of my life is now on an alternating day schedule so two little girls will stop fighting).  I get such joy out of watching Charlotte command Ginny to sit and wait for her food until Charlotte says "take it."

Ginny has been granted crate clemency at night because she was rattling the crate too much and keeping me up at night.  She is a little angel at night, sleeps peacefully until such time as we decide to get up.  She seems much happier outside of the crate.  She had started hassling a lot in the middle of the night, and I think it was stress from being in the crate.  

She still bites more than I'd like, but that behavior is quickly dissipating.  She has also stopped eating everything we put in her bowl, so perhaps her crazy growth spurt is coming to an end.  She's a really sweet dog, I can't get over how much I love that little thing.  Even Maggie [Erica’s adult Lab] has grown fond of her.  They play bite face and wrestle for about an hour every evening.

If I ever get Doug to send me the pictures of Ginny at the beach, I will send you some.  She is more than a water loving dog - she is a water obsessed dog!

I hope that all is well with you and Cynthia,

All the best,

Erica Everhart

Vienna, Virginia

email: here

*******************************

[August 2009]

Dear Michael and Cynthia -

I'm sorry its been so long between emails.  Time has a way of flying by, and

all of the sudden its been months since we've last been in touch!

First, Congratulations on Mousse's new litter!  How exciting for you all, as

well as for the lucky for the new families who will soon have Mousse's

offspring joining their household.  Our Bailey continues to be a joy to us

all, and I know the new families must be thrilled.

Our newest addition from Maggie, Miss Lily, is a real love.  Bit of a handful; loves to

be naughty if she had her way, but is so cute about it its hard to be firm!

;-)  She has this joyful exuberance that we try to channel with frequent

walks and lots of attention, both of which she is always happy to have!

I've enclosed a fairly recent picture for you -- haven't weighed her

recently, but at 5 months she was well over 50 lbs.   Loves to run, swim,

hike, fetch sticks, play ball, lay on our feet, follow us everywhere, shower

us with kisses, and stomp on ants (so so funny to watch!).  She is a

wonderful addition to our family -- in fact, we just went away for a few

days, and took both pups with us.  We rented a lovely cabin about 20 miles

outside of Berkley Springs that happened to be pet friendly AND was right by

the river.  Lab heaven!  Both dogs traveled well and had a blast, as did we.

We laughed because we needed to take 2 cars, and 1 car was full w/ gear for

the dogs -- beds, toys, food, treats.... Reminded us of traveling w/ the

kids!

Carla Flora

Mt. Airy MD

**************************

[April 2009]

Hi – sorry to be inundating your inbox with pictures, but Miss Lilly happens to be very photogenic and I wanted to share this with you!   She has the most beautiful features (and is getting bigger every day!) 

 

We are all doing well.  As you know, I was off all last week, but have no recollection whatsoever of where the week went.  I can’t say it was relaxing, but I’m so glad I was able to take the time to be with her and get her (and us) acclimated.  Wow – little puppies are exhausting! 

 

Lilly is a joy;  shes smart too – already knows the “sit” command.  Along those lines, sitting still is not in her knowledge base yet; she is constantly exploring, playing, chewing, rolling, chasing her tail.  She is a real sweetheart, but definitely has a “pistol” side to her too!   Ahhhh, puppies!

Best,

Carla Flora

Mt. Airy, Maryland

email:  here

***********************

[April 2009]

Dear Michael,

Can’t remember what picture I sent you last, but Jubal is doing well and enjoying his home.  He loves the pond, running through the field, and has even chomp on a wild turkey Steve got last weekend.  We saved the wings for training.

 

Enjoy this photo- I am trying to get Jubal when he is outside, but it is hard as he runs around!

 

Thanks,

Heidi Crandall

Nellysford, VA

email:  here

**************************

Testimonials from owners of Mousse-Muley pups

[May 2009]

Michael & Cynthia,

Hi! I just wanted to send you a quick note and a photo of our chocolate Labrador, “Blue Ridge Whiskey River,” from Mousse’s 2007 litter. At just over 1½ years of age, he is an absolutely gorgeous 95+ pound muscular Labrador Retriever with a gorgeous dark, rich coat and wonderful blocky head. He has one of the best conformations that we have ever seen. Here is a recent pic.

Whiskey recently passed 2 of his AKC field trial tests towards his Junior Hunter Title (see here) and we could not be any prouder of him! He is a wonderfully enthusiastic and instinctive retriever. He has such beautiful style in every retrieve!

Whiskey is an absolute joy to be around. He is loved much, works hard and plays often!!! We could not ask for a better friend and companion!

Again, I must thank you so very much for our beautiful boy! Whiskey is perfect in every way!

Sincerely,

 

Vickie Savage

Bladen Springs Kennels

Council, NC

email: vsavage@carolinalabradors.com

**************************

[July 2008]

Finally, we got some pictures worthy enough to send. Cleveland (age 8 months) is amazing in the water. He has very good concentration when it comes to fetching. Enjoy this one, this one, and this one!

Heidi and Steve Schlosser,

Mt. Airy, MD

email: here

***************************

[April 2008]

Dear Cynthia and Michael,

Tucker is 26" at shoulders, as of 2 weeks ago was 56 lbs., he is intelligent (too intelligent in fact and tries to rule), but extremely loveable -- loves people, other dogs, and is a very good companion.

 

He turns heads wherever we go and everyone remarks what a beautiful dog he is, which, of course, I agree.

Best wishes,

Andi Geibel

Dundalk, MD

email: here

***************************

[February 2008]

Michael & Cynthia,

 

As lovers of Labrador Retrievers and as operators of a small family owned kennel ourselves, we spend a great deal of time looking for beautiful, world-class quality Labradors to bring into our home and our kennel. We have extremely high standards and only want the best for our family and our customers. When I found your website, I was completely impressed with your love for the breed and your desire to breed the perfect Lab - physically and through unsurpassable pedigrees! As I read through your website, I instantly fell in love with your gorgeous chocolate female, Mousse, and was extremely excited to be added to your waiting list for one of her puppies.  

Even though we reserved our puppy long before Mousse was even bred to Muley, I knew it would be well worth the wait and boy was I correct! Our puppy, "Whiskey," is simply perfect in every way. He is extremely intelligent and at 16 weeks, my veterinarian was simply amazed at my 47.6 pound puppy! He often comments that he is highly impressed with Whiskey's overall health, coat and conformation. I total agree! I am attaching a photo of him so that you can see how beautifully he is growing!

Whiskey and I are inseparatable and he has become such a important part of our family and our kennel. He loves to be in the middle of the action whether it is with us in the house or outside with our other Labs. We find it to be such a great treat to work with Whiskey and train him. He has so much natural instinct to retrieve and to please! Whiskey loves to play at our pond and is such a daredevil! He is such a great dog and such a good friend!

Michael & Cynthia, I cannot tell you how completely thrilled we are to have such a great Labrador and want to thank you so much for bringing this totally perfect puppy into our lives! It is so easy to see that you truly love the breed and I am so happy to say that I benefited from this love to have the best dog ever!

Thanks again for everything!

Vickie and David Savage

Bladen Springs Kennel

Council, NC

email:  here

****************************

[February 2008]

Michael:

The picture with Matt is early January.

Emma goes to school once a week and is very quick to pick up new tricks. We have found out that Marianne needs most of the training.

 

We are very happy to have her. Loves the outdoors. She gets compliments wherever she goes.

Been duck hunting yet?

Best regards,

Bill and Marianne Ramsay,

Lynchburg, VA

email: here

****************************

[February 2008]

Michael and Cynthia --

We wanted to touch base with you guys to let you know how Chloe [4 months old] is doing.

 

It is like Cynthia noted, when she sleeps she is out! She romps with Max and takes charge of all play until Max is fed up and runs her off, but she is quick to come back at him.

 

Christmas was enjoyable, she did leave the tree and the ornaments alone after only telling her no twice.  She was easy to house train and we have had very minimal accidents.  She has even been left in her crate for 5 hours and no accidents.

 

We enjoy her soooo much and she wants to be the center of attention in everything.  She licks the kids all of the time and most of them can't stand it too much.  She is very protective over the grandbabies that are crawling and in the bassinet or cribs when any of the other children go near them she barks.  She thinks she is one of us and claims her place on the furniture and won't budge until Mike or I tell her down.  She cannot quite make it onto our bed because it is high but I don't think it will be much longer before she can.

 

She is growing fast!  I will send pictures as soon as we have our digital working right.   She was at the vets today for a checkup and she weighed a whopping 34.1 pounds!!  The vet told us that she was a very healthy puppy and checked her micro chip against the number on the papers for the match.  She told us that she was a wonderful bred puppy and that if we got a chance to get any more puppies that she would highly recommend getting them from you!

 

You have been a blessing to us and we love Chloe sooo much!  Maybe, we will be able to obtain another puppy from Blue Ridge in the years to come.

 

God bless you both!

 

Have a good New Year!

 

Mike and Debbie Jump & Family

Hagerstown, MD

email: here

*************************

[December 2007]

Michael and Cynthia,

I just wanted to drop you a note to let you know how truly happy we are with our new chocolate baby from Blue Ridge Labradors! We named our big ole' boy, "Blue Ridge Whiskey River."  My entire family has fallen hopelessly in love with Whiskey. He is such a complete joy and such an awsome looking dog!

I plan on sending you a testimonial soon, but just wanted you to know how happy we are with him and how we are spoiling him completely rotten! Thanks again for everything! Whiskey is the greatest dog and we are so happy that we acquired a puppy from you!

Thanks again,

Vickie Savage

Bladen Springs Kennels

Council, NC

email: here

*****************************

[December 2007]

What can I do about our new puppy?

He sleeps when he is supposed to…

He eats when he is supposed to…

He gets along with his new brothers….

He is the best cuddler….

He takes long naps…

He loves the snow…

 

What should I do…

 

Keep and Love him for the next 12 years….that’s what we are going to do.

 

Thank you again for being the best puppy parents ever!

 

Heidi Schlosser

Mt. Airy, MD

email: here

****************************

[December 2006]

Hello,

 

Just wanted to wish you the Best and give you an update on Angus.

 

He is amazing -- we love him soooooooo much. He is a little over a year, something like 93 lbs. His head can now lay on the table. He is extremely intelligent, mischievous, extremely active, loving and loyal. Pix below before and after ...You changed our lives in a great way forever...Thank You!

Steve and Rowena DeLuca

Silver Spring, MD

email: here

*****************************

[November 2006]

Cynthia and Michael.

 

Joey, our lab, is doing terrific.  Gets together every Friday with Scout (Swan) and about 15 other dogs for an hour or two of running and playing.

 

He's a sweetie....very smart....and quite the jumper!  He can jump straight up and leave about three feet of air underneath him.  Lots of unexpected kisses on the forehead!!!

 

Our other dog, Winnie, loves Joey to death.  Both start out on the bed with us each night....Winnie finally leaves for underneath the bed, and Joey usually remains with us.  We love it!

 

Thanks for checking in!  All is well, and Joey is loved and happy!

 

Jill and Tony Snow [White House Press Secretary]

[Address kept confidential]

******************************

[June 2006]

Michael & Cynthia,

   How are you both and the family?  Everything is well with Porter, he is learning quickly and getting huge, a muscular 80lbs now.  Below is a recent picture for your enjoyment. 

 

 

Thanks,

Adam  Greer,

Vienna, VA

email: here

*******************************

[April 2006]

Hi Michael!

I know you have heard this from me many times, but I just want to tell you again how absolutely CRAZY we are about Scout!  At 18months, he is weighing in at about 103lbs ~ of muscle.  He plays hard and is the most loveable and affectionate dog ~ did I mention smart and still playfully mischeivious?

Anyway, hope you and Cynthia and your family are well. ~ A special hug goes out to Mousse!

Debra Swan

Alexandria, VA

[email coordinates below]

********************************

[February 2006]

Michael and Cynthia,

 

I just wanted to write to tell you how much we are enjoying Emma Claire [chocolate "e. claire"]. She is one of 3 Labs, a Westie, 2 cats, and 1 remaining fish in our household.  Plus, 3 teenagers.

 

Emma immediately jumped into the middle of everything and became a star.  She is litteraly quite the jumper.  Fortuneately, she is also very smart and loves to please her people.  She has already learned to NOT jump on the kitchen table and NOT jump in the pool when nobody is around to play with her.  She went in within a few weeks of getting here and found the steps right off. 

 

Living in Texas, we have an ice machine that turns out lots and lots of chewable ice.  The storage bin is insulated but not refrigerated, so the ice gets soft.  These are Emma's favorite treats. The first thing she does when we walk into the kitchen is go to the machine and show us that she knows how to "sit" until we give her some cubes. It can be a trial for her because she wags her tail so hard that her fanny can't touch the tile. Then she goes over to the big dogs ice filled water bowl and bobs for ice.  It's pretty funny.  She is already twice as big as when we brought her home at Christmas, with a soft brown coat and clear hazel eyes.

 

Thank you again for bringing us this great pup.

 

Joe and Linda Hoover

Dallas, TX

email: here

********************************

[February 2006]

Michael and Cynthia,

   Porter is wonderful!  Thank you both (Mousse too) for bringing him into our lives.  It is a daily pleasure to wake to his whimpering and begin the day.  He’s quick to learn, though pretty stubborn, and just loves everything we have introduced him to.  The vet’s first words were, “he’s going to be a monster!”   He’s about 30 lbs. of solid muscle now at 12 weeks.  Here are two pictures….Carrie and I will write again soon!

 

Thanks again!

Adam and Carrier Greer

Chantilly, VA

email: adam@bullrunlumber.com

********************************

[October 2005]

Dear Michael and Cynthia

I would love for you to see Scout again.  He is so much fun to be with and is so Handsome - and smart, too.  He is a wonderful lab, with all the natural instincts one hopes for in a lab. - Born retreiver and swimmer-goes off of the diving board.  When we play ball after he retreives he tosses the ball back to me. It is hilarious!  We sometimes just play catch. Oh, yes, did I mention he loves to shred paper towels, newspapers...it is all a big game.

I hope your family is well and Mousse, Nellie and Pepper are wagging their tails.  We would love to travel to see you anytime it works in your schedule.

Take-care.

Debra Swan

Alexandria, VA

email: Dpswan1@aol.com

********************************

[August 2005]

Michael and Cynthia,

 

Just wanted to let you know another accomplishment you can add the list of achievements for Mousses pups.  We finished 1st in the Junior Division at the 2005 Bass Pro Shops Dock Dogs Series competition in Baltimore at Outdoor world today.  His longest jump was 14'1" in his first competition, pretty amazing.

 

He's turned out very handsome and is a big pup weighing in at about 85 lbs at 10 months and it's all muscle.  When people see him they are very impressed and we get inquires about breeding....   Enjoy this photo!

[February 2005]

Hello Michael and Cynthia,

It’s been a couple of months since we brought Koda home and we have been waiting for the appropriate time to send you a testimonial about the most loving chocolate lab we could have hoped for. Koda’s 40 lbs of solid meat, huge paws, pretty stocky and currently his eyes are two colors and even change depending on the colors of my clothes. Last week we entered the mischief and teething stage. Since he’s so beautiful we find it easy to turn the corner, grab the camera and even document his exploration even if it’s a “no, no“. 

 Currently, we have taken Koda to two field training days to socialize him with other labs and introduce him to ducks. Boy, does he want them too! He is a natural jumper and had his first swim two days ago when he didn’t think there was a difference between water and solid ground. He was shocked at first but then went back in a few more times for his first complete bath. As if his coat wasn’t shiny enough…I’d swear he’ll sparkle in a full moon.

Cynthia, I have to say a special ‘Thank you’ for the selection process you do. We asked specifically for a puppy that would look us in the eye, have confidence, and a calm disposition. Koda is so loving and gentle; funny too at nap time just laying there on his back not caring what’s happening in the world. Dan and I laugh all the time because even as a puppy this boy can sing a tune threw his nostrils while asleep!

Bless you for giving us the opportunity to own such a well mannered beautiful puppy. We are having so much fun with Koda. I hope everyone who bought from Mousse’s litter is as pleased as we are and we look forward to the opportunity for a reunion in the future.

Dan and Betty Schmidt-Proud Owners

Thurmont, MD

email: btybop@msn.com

**************************************************************************************

[June 2004]

Dear Cynthia and Michael,

I just wanted to let you know how much we are enjoying our wonderful puppy, Lucky.  We took her down to my Mom’s in Southern Maryland over Memorial Day Weekend and she had a wonderful time swimming and jumping off the dock into the water (see attached photo).  She is an excellent jumper.  She must get this from her father!  We are taking her to the beach for the Fourth.  This will be her first trip of many to the ocean.  I am sure she is going to love it.  She loves the water and a natural swimmer as I am sure you can imagine!  

Lucky is such a great dog.  We can’t thank you enough for letting us adopt her.   She is a wonderful big sister to our new baby Kate (see attached photo from the day we brought Kate home from the hospital).   

I saw on your website that there is a reunion coming up for Nellie’s puppies. I hope you will have a reunion for Mousse’s puppies as well.  I would love for Lucky to meet her siblings!    

I hope you all have a great summer!

[Update:  Nov. 2004]

Dear Michael and Cynthia,

 

Here are some more photos of Lucky that we thought you might enjoy.  She is such a wonderful dog!  She has been just amazing with our baby, Kate.  They have become fast friends, a friendship that I know will last a lifetime.

 

Kindest regards,

 

Jeff and Nicole Fischer

Nicole and Jeff Fischer

Washington, DC

email: nicole.fischer@starpower.net

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[December 2003]

Dear Michael and Cynthia,

I wanted to send a note of thanks to you and to your lovely Mousse for our wonderful puppy, Lucky.  We are very much enjoying her!  She is an amazing, smart, loving, playful, obedient and wonderfully tempered puppy.  She mastered potty training right away and is learning all of the basic commands quite quickly.  We have her enrolled in a "puppy head start program" that she is enjoying very much.  I think her favorite part of class is the socialization with the other puppies in her class or "recess" as we call it!

She is growing quite quickly.  Our vet says she will be 80-85 lbs. when full grown!  I have attached a picture for you.  It was taken after our first snow at about 12 weeks.  She absolutely loves the snow!  She has already been down to her Grandma's house on the Eastern Shore for a few days and she also loves the water.  No surprise there!  

Thank you so much for selecting such a perfect puppy for us.  She has already brought so much joy to us and we look forward to many more years of pure joy to come.

Kind regards and Happy Holidays to you and your family,

Nicole and Jeff Fischer        

Washington, DC

email:  NFischer@bioreliance.com

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[December 2003]

Hi, Michael, thought you might like to see these pictures of our little girl, Riley.  Here's one taken at 9 weeks or so, one week after we got her. Here it is.

Riley has all her 12-week shots and her vet is in love with her.  He especially admires her heart and her coat.  He's predicting that she'll be 65-75 pounds when full grown; right now, she tops the scale at 25 pounds.  She is learning "sit" and "down" and "come" and is doing very well.  She is, of course, still a puppy, and loves to jump and pull and run and nip.  She and our 7-year-old yellow lab love each other, as these pictures attest.  So do we!

Kim and Todd Zywicki

Falls Church, VA

email via:  mk14617@comcast.net

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[December 2003]

Michael & Cynthia:

Well, it has been a busy month.  Shula is great!  He has been doing well with crate training and housebreaking.  The boys are keeping him busy and we have all been enjoying just watching him.  He weighed 32 lbs today at his 2nd vet visit!  Our vet is so impressed with him -- she said that our breeder should be proud (and we know that you already are...).  We have said many times how glad we were that we waited for him.  He is so even-tempered and has the sweetest personality.  We think it was a perfect match!!

Thank you again!!

The Berg Family,

Mike, MaryAnne, Michael, Christian and Shula!

Carmel, NY

email: Dolfam531@aol.com

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[December 2003]

Dearest Cynthia and Michael:

I am so sorry it has taken so long to send this note.  No excuses, just a sincere apology that I didn't get back to you sooner. I'm sure you've been anxiously awaiting news of Mousse's puppies.   First and foremost, our puppy is absolutely wonderful.  We named her Bailey.  She is big, loving, eager to please, big, sweet natured, big, incredibly intelligent, beautiful, big, happy, smart, active, playful... and oh, did I happen to mention big?   We took her to the vet the Friday after we got her (which would make her about 8 ½ weeks old), and the vet swore she looked more like a 12 week old puppy!  She weighed in at 24 lbs; that was almost 4 weeks ago, and she has grown by leaps and bounds since then!  I swear her feet are the size of Molly's. (we tease her that she has "man feet"!)   Her ears are sooooo cute.  They are very long, and they often get wet when she takes a drink of water!   She has the most beautiful face, features, and incredible intelligence and temperament.  We are all absolutely taken with her.  She immediately bonded with Molly;  Molly, bless her heart, has shown incredible patience with this puppy who likes to follow her every move.  They play and wrestle all the time, especially in the morning when they have all this energy.   Molly, who loves to play "tug" with a stuffed animal, finally has a partner who never tires of the game!  It is so funny to watch them together.  Bailey loves to cuddle up with molly to sleep, and I often find them together in one crate (even though each has their own).     I promise to write more and send pictures in the next few days, just wanted to send you a quick update.....

 All the best,

Carla Flora

Mt. Airy, MD

email:  FloraC@OD.NIH.GOV

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[November 2003]

Hi Michael,

Just wanted to give you an update on Dax.  He made the trip home

very easily.  He was too large to sit comfortably on my lap, so he ended up

curling up on the floor of the truck and falling asleep hugging my shoes.

We have a picture of that which I'll send you once we download it off the

camera.  He didn't even need a pit stop on the way home!

He is settling in pretty well, considering the trauma of leaving his mother

and litter mates.  He loves to play outside, more so than any other puppy

we've seen.  He likes to pounce on Hailey outside and chase invisible foes.

He's been very active in the house too.  He's very curious about everything.

He seems to REALLY like shoes.  Dave has a pair of dark brown velvety

slippers that he's grown attached to...we think because they resemble his

litter mates.

Dax spent his first night in his crate.  As expected, he whined for a while

then fell asleep.  He seems to like the safe environment in his crate

though.

He does really well in the potty training dept.  Everytime we take him out,

he does his thing immediately....no accidents in the house yet...(knock on

wood).

We want to thank you and Mousse for giving us such a wonderful puppy!  He is

extremely well tempered and sociable...he's not shy but he also hasn't shown

an ounce of aggression, which is amazing!

Lien and David Helster

Harrisburg, PA

email:  lkvo@tycoelectronics.com