I have always been captivated by Labrador Retrievers. They are renowned for their intelligence, unwavering loyalty, and friendly nature.
In this field note, I want to share my personal journey of falling in love with Labrador Retrievers and the immeasurable joy they have brought to my home and hunting life.
My fascination with Labradors and the world of hunting began at a young age. The introduction came from my mother’s friend Johnny and his yellow lab Susie. Her owner took a set of keys, threw them into the pool, called her name to release her and she launched down to retrieve the keys and brought them back seamlessly to her owner’s hand. He told me “She’s a duck dog and a good one at that”. At that moment, I was speechless and I wanted one of my own! Her boundless energy, intelligence, and natural instincts left a mark on my heart forever.
Long before the internet and hunting sites existed, my mother’s friend would put together hunts for his business partners and family. He traveled extensively around the world. I remember his house had an amazing gun cabinet and an extensive amount and types of mounts. I was fascinated.
After years of admiration and longing, I finally decided to bring my first real hunting dog into my life… a yellow Labrador Retriever. I researched and found a reputable breeder in Oxford Mississippi, Wild Rose Kennels, and I decided to go with a fully finished Lab. After months of back-and-forth phone calls and emails, the time came to meet Caddy to ensure he was going to be the right fit.
I initially met with a trainer named Guy who took Caddy on a series of field trials and demonstrations. The exercises culminated with “the pigeon coop”, which is a large aviary about 40 feet long chock full of pigeons, quail, ducks, and pheasants. With all of the aviary distractions, Caddy was able to successfully retrieve a tennis ball without flinching. Truly amazing.
My dog Caddy is an Irish breed Labrador imported and finished at Wild Rose. He is an amazing animal. He has the drive to hunt, the need to retrieve, and remains a perfect gentleman in the home and on the road.
Along with Caddy, my wife and I have been to amazing places and have met many people with a shared love for Labs and hunting. My cherished Labrador has made a profound impact on my hunting journey and in my home. If you’re a lifelong hunter, seeking a lifelong companion, consider opening your heart to a Lab. They will undoubtedly bring immeasurable joy and enhance your hunting experience in ways you never thought possible.