Neverland-Retrievers

Here is a followup posting that I would like to share as well,

“We’d be honored to have you post Emily’s picture on your site, as well as
our letter and names, if you like.  We’re really surprised to hear that
you don’t get much feedback.  Maybe others, like us for so long, just
enjoy your site without taking the time to make contact.  Honestly, we
felt a little like stalkers…  Corinne kept telling me to shut the
computer down at 9:00 so we wouldn’t “spy” on you.

I can’t overstate how much it helped us to experience some of the joy that
you must feel with a house full of those wonderful babies.  We think of
our Emily as our “once in a lifetime girl”.  She was the most intelligent,
loving, fun dog we’ve ever known.  Corinne often describes her “huge
vocabulary”.  She always knew what we were saying, and she never hesitated
to let us know what was on her mind.

Once, when she presented Corinne with a stick, expecting a treat in
return, Corinne told her to make a pile, and she’d pay her later.  Emily
ran off and came back with a stone – Corinne told her to put it on the
pile.  Next, she tried a leaf.  Again, Corinne told her to put it on the
pile.  Hours later, when Corinne went in the house, she found Emily
grinning, laying next to three neatly sorted piles of stones, sticks and
leaves.  Of course, she was well rewarded.

We held on to her as long as we could.  She was diagnosed with Lymphoma in
August of 2009, and we took her for treatment at the Veterinary Teaching
Hospital at Michigan State University until it was clear that she didn’t
have any good days left.  After she passed, we were offered grief
counseling.  It seemed nice, but a little odd to us, and we politely
declined.  Yet the pain we felt was deeper than we’d ever experienced.

That’s why we appreciate what you’ve given us so much.

Thanks again,

Ernie Zinger”

Emily and Molly

…P

I often wonder if anyone reads these postings. I do not regularly get any comments, however, I did recieve the following e-mail and picture which I’m able to share.

“Dear Peter and Deb,

We’d like to thank you for giving us countless hours of joy through your
website.  After losing our beloved flatcoat Emily Rebecca to lymphoma in
April of last year, we were nearly inconsolable.  As caregivers to an
elderly parent, we are currently unable to adopt a puppy – not that there
could ever be a replacement for Emily, but our home has not been without a
flatcoat “child” for over 20 years.  Your generosity in sharing your
experiences has helped to ease our pain, even as we felt yours at the loss
of your purple-collared puppy.

A day hasn’t passed since you activated your webcam that we haven’t tuned in
to see the progress of the litter.  Your dedication and love for all of your
animals is clear and impressive.  We’re happy that the puppies found good
homes and that you continue to update their development.

We wouldn’t feel right to let your generosity go without letting you know
how much you’ve done for us.  Our house has felt a little less empty thanks
to you.

We’ve attached a photo of Emily Rebecca when she was a puppy, back in 1999.
There’s nothing like the image of a happy flatcoat to bring a smile to our
faces!

Emily Impersonates Dumbo

With sincere thanks,

Ernie and Corinne Zinger”

It’s very easy to comment on any posting. There is a link at the bottom of the posting that takes you to a comment box. Anyone, other than spamers, can register to obtain a login and post their Flat-Coat experience, general information or pictures directly. You can also e-mail me your posting and I will publish them ASAP, but I encourge you to register and post yourself. If you are a current Flat-Coat puppy owners or past, present, or future Flat-Coat family please share your experiences with the rest of us.

Thanks,
Peter

The Blue collar dog is now called Chester. His new owners will be picking him up in a couple of weeks. He is now nine weeks old and weighs 20 lbs. Here are a few pictures playing in the yard with the adult dogs.

L-R, Morgan, Chester and Wendy

Chester on Guard

Checking out the spring buds

Watching the Adults

Waiting for His Turn to Chase Mom

Chasing Mom

…P

It seems like the puppies are keeping there owners busy. Here are some comments from Pippa’s family.

” Pippa is doing great.  Thought you’d enjoy these pictures of her sacked out; she often ends up in some pretty funny positions when she’s asleep!  Funny girl.

Pippa Sleeping on Couch

I have to tell you (and I hope I’m not jinxing myself) that she has been AMAZING with potty training.  Over the weekend she started ringing the bells that we have for Henry to let us know when he needs to go out.  I thought she was just curious of the bells, but I now realize she is in fact ringing them to alert us that SHE has to go out!  I am not exaggerating by saying she has only had two piddle accidents in the house since we got her (both were on my husband’s watch –  I don’t think he recognized her cue).  This is a very different experience than my previous puppies…  she seems to understand already that inside is not the place to go.

… I hurt my back, but my kids have been a huge help, and Pippa has risen to the occasion.  When nobody else is here, I am able to get up slowly to take her out, but I cannot pick her up again yet.  She makes it all the way to the door, waits for me there and then goes right on cue outside.  I think she’s going to be a breeze to obedience train!

She is also sleeping through the night (11-6).  

What a great little puppy….thank you!!!

L ..”

Another happy Flat-Coat Family

…P

Here are some comments from Lily’s family:

“… more photos of Lily resting on snow boots and my black fleece jacket.  It’s much harder to get a photo of her when she is awake. She is doing so well with very few accidents in the house.  We are having a great time with her!

C…”

Lily Crashing out

…P

There has been alot of snow in the Northeast this year and Lily is getting ready for the next incoming wave.

Lily finds a warm place to wait out the storm

…P

Lily (Pink Collar) and Shadow (Red Collar)

Chester w/ Puppy Kong

Lily in the Playground

Shadow

L-R, Jack, Lily, Shadow, and Chester

…P

Well at least at tug of war…

Chester Wins this Round

Who won this contest? ... Chester, by decree!

…P

Jasper made it home to the Kirby Home and is starting crate training. Here are some pics around the homestead.

Visiting the Outdoors

Jasper and Friend

Jasper Hanging Out

Nap Time

…P

I try to remember to air each puppy before sending them home. Here is what can happen otherwise.

“Hi Peter! She is a delightful puppy! We are having a blast with her. We ended up back at our friend’s house in McLean for a few hours yesterday because she had a poop explosion in her crate a few minutes after we left your place. We hosed down the crate while she ran around with our son in the yard and got more familiar with us. We had lunch and then set out for home.”

Sorry Banks Family!

Here are a couple of Lily’s pics in her new home.

Lily at Home with the Banks

Lily Taking a Nap

…P