Autumn at Phelps

A picture of Autumn at Phelps Wildlife Management area in Fauquier, VA. Late December, out for a run. 5 months old. She was a mud bug after chasing the decoys through the planted fields of corn and milo. A nice bath took care of her!

Bird Dog

Since I started hunting just a few years ago...better late than never...I have always wanted a bird dog. (Actually I always wanted a Golden Retriever since I was in college) Watching dogs work in the field while pheasant hunting amazed me. Well in September I made the step to get my dog. We have watched our friends, the Eaton's, Golden Retriever Sonic grow into a great member of the family with an incredible disposition and nose.

I did my research with Patti and found a breeder of Goldens in Wisconsin. I flew up on business and had the breeder meet me with the puppy at the airport. I instantly bonded with the puppy and brought her home. Since I picked her up on the first day of fall we named her Autumn.

Owning a puppy has been more of a challenge than I had expected. She is busy..very busy. But I am amazed that she already quarters and retrieves on a whistle.

Today we started obedience class at Liberty Hill farms in Bealeton Virgina. She did well, youngest in the class, but still has a long way to go. In class she instantly bonded with a Brittany named "Cody". Cody's owner, Robin, was a great help during the first class to give me some tips on how to train Autumn.

Above are some pictures of Autumn. One is the first week I brought her home, the other is this past week after she was spayed.