Category: Inspirational

The Gilliland Family, contacted me soon after they picked up their new puppy, Cooper. I did a home visit to help them get started with their new puppy and we then made arrangements for Cooper to attend training camp for Pet Manners when he reached 16 weeks.

Chuck and Lea Gilliland are both radiologists, very busy professionals. They are also the proud parents of four beautiful girls, Celia 13, Mary Caroline 10, Maggie 7, and Charlie 4. Needless to say, their lives are full. They had lost their last dog, a Springer Spaniel named Jerry to cancer at age 10, approximately five years prior. Now they found themselves ready for a new dog. They agreed on another Springer Spaniel with a few conditions, they wanted a pleasing temperament with a calm demeanor, no hyperactivity.

So, they began their research to find a Springer Spaniel breeder who focuses on overall health, temperament, and calmness. They found just the kennel, Lanewood Kennel, in Fort Valley Georgia. They visited, got to know the owners, met the puppy and the puppy’s parents, and the deal was sealed!

As a trainer, I have to say they did everything right!
• Researched the breed
• Located a Breeder that is reputable and produces the traits they were looking for in a puppy
• Sought professional help to train the dog on proper pet manners
• Got the whole family committed to consistent training methods/style

Tip of the hat to Lanewood Kennel. Cooper is one of the most laid-back Springer Spaniels I have ever worked with. Additionally, he is bright, eager to please, and highly trainable. Thank you, Lanewood Kennel, for being a conscious breeder specializing in family pets.Now Cooper has returned home and is beginning his life with his new family. He understands all his basic pet manners commands and through continued reinforcement, he will shine forever.

He will be a part of making family memories.

He will be in a lot of photos.

Everyone remembers the dog they grew up with.

The Gilliland girls will learn life skills through Cooper such as:
• To be present in the moment – What is he doing right now?
• Find the joy in life’s simple pleasures – Playing with a stick is awesome!
• Forgiveness – If he makes a mistake or misunderstands, forgive, forget, move on!
• Responsibility – Pet ownership is 24/7 365, no holidays!
• Caregiving – Always doing the best you can for his overall well being.
• Kindness – Being nice, considerate, and friendly to all living things.
• Patience – Accepting or allowing without letting anger or upset take over
• Unconditional Love – The most important feeling in this world is love. Dogs do this well!

The Gilliland Family has many life situations and adventures ahead with Cooper. May he serve them and guide them as the Faithful Family Pet.

Jay Kelly understands the heartbreak of purchasing a puppy from a poor breeder. He purchased a lab puppy from what he thought was a reputable breeder, only to discover that by 18 months his puppy was dying from Blastomycosis. He contacted the breeder and was convinced by the breeder that this disease was a fluke. So, trusting Jay decided to purchase another lab puppy from this breeder. At 18 months his heart was breaking again. Yes, this puppy also had Blastomycosis, a deadly disease. Again, he contacted the breeder, shared vet records from UGA, and the breeder would not take any responsibility or action regarding the matter. Shame on this breeder!! Two puppies with the same disease is evidence of a genetic defect.

So, determined Jay decided to find a healthy lab from a conscientious breeder. He did his due diligence, he researched, read reviews, visited the kennels, met the parents, and asked a lot of questions! He found the right kennel:

Cedar Creek Retrievers in Holly Hill, South Carolina, www.cedarcreekretrievers.com

Jay is tremendously pleased with his new pup Cooper. He came by for a private lesson to get Cooper off to a good start. As you can see from the pics, Jay is spending time with Cooper bonding and building a relationship of trust and leadership which will serve as the foundation for Cooper’s continued training.

They are two happy guys!