I grew up in the fertile Sacramento Valley, in California. 
The central valley has always been rich in agricultural farmlands watered by many rivers, 
and a nesting ground for migrating birds.  My family always had a dog, 
first a Cocker spaniel, then a Beagle, and finally a black Labrador retriever named Sam. 
Sam quickly became my dog, and we were pals for years. 
When I went to college in Southern California, several years went by before I could again have a dog. 

After college, my husband and I bought our first purebred dog, a handsome yellow Labrador retriever 
that we named Rudy.  His litter was listed in the newspaper. 
We didn’t know much at the time about doing research and interviewing breeders. 
Rudy had a sweet and biddable nature, and was a great family dog for our young children. 
Twelve years later, when Rudy passed away, we were looking for a new puppy. 
This time I began to do research.  I called several breeders, and went to dog shows, 
beginning my education in the breed. 

Over thirty years later, we have welcomed many Labradors into our family. 
They have all been our house dogs, and we have kept our limit to three at one time. 
I like being able to spend time with family, friends, and hobbies, 
and yet still have to time to be fully engaged with the dogs we have at home. 
It’s a balance that we enjoy and that works well for us. 

Over the years, I have made numerous friends who have shared my passion and interest in this
wonderful breed. I really enjoy continually learning more about pedigrees, 
health, training, showing, and having the occasional litter, 
all with the goal of improving the breed and bringing out the best they had to offer. 
Some of these dogs stayed with us, and became our family companions, 
others were better suited for other placements. 

Fifteen years ago I became interested in training my dogs in the field. 
This served to deepen my interest in working with my dogs, and in the process 
I met a new group of people who were learning and training. 
These friendships have endured and become the wonderful connections 
for information, collaboration, and sharing. 

Our current dogs are Caper (CH Hollyhill Password to Bidwell MH),
and her son, Calvin, (Bidwell’s High Style).