Breeding Quality Retrievers For Beauty, Brains, And Temperament For Over 20 Years
 

CH Gamekeeper Third Time Around UD MH WCX**  Owned by Sheila & Doug Nelson and Trained &Handled by Sheila Nelson

Trey has been the joy of my life.  He had some very big shoes to fill following in the footsteps of my Q and little Taz.  He has not just filled those shoes but we have had to move up to a much bigger size.

 He earned both his conformation majors from the Novice class in one weekend and shortly after received his CH.

 He did his CD in a single weekend.  The CDX was somewhat more elusive as he just didn’t grasp the idea that he absolutely HAD to sit upright for the full 3 minutes but we did get there.  Then it was on to FUTILITY.  Someone had told me that the average number of trials it took to get that UD was 47 and I nearly panicked as obedience is just not my thing.  But we pushed on.  Our scores were not that great but we managed to get the title in just 7 trials.  That speaks well of his perseverance.

 Field is our thing.  The bond we established early on and the love we share for working together in the field has served us well.  He earned his JH going 4 for 4.  The SH took us a little longer but it was fun and we learned a lot.  Then it was on to Master – something I had never attempted.  But it seems that he knows no boundaries when it comes to picking up ducks.  Although the MH did not come easily, we did have better than a 50% pass ratio.  Soon after earning that MH, he qualified for the 2010 Master National.  He also has 3 Field Trial Qual JAMS to his credit and has earned a JAM at each Steady Singles competition he has entered in addition to his Derby 3^rd at the 2006 FCRSA Specialty.  Our next goal is to get that Qualified All Age status.  All this with totally amateur training (just Doug and little ole me).

 Trey’s temperament is what all dog owners dream of.  He visits a nursing home on a weekly basis and is the sweetest, cuddliest thing you ever saw.  He has a natural ability to seek out those that need his touch and knows exactly what to do to please them.

 Trey is a marvelous problem solver no matter what is presented to him.  He loves to train, never gives up and at the end of the day that tail is still wagging as he curls up on the couch for a little snuggle and scratching.  He has displayed a great source of patience as I have ventured into unknown territories with him and it has paid off.  Needless to say I love him dearly and feel that he was always meant to be not only my dog but my mentor, teacher, and companion.  Thanks to Mitch and Maria White, Sherie and Clint Catledge and Susan Adkinson for bringing him into my life.

 Sheila Nelson

          

Trey and the MTARC Annual Derby Trophy, awarded for 2006