Yes, it is my surprise. Just kept it under wraps until the right time. We are very pleased.
I am so glad to hear about Ruby. She is a WINNER. I love that pic. Yes, I agree it is a ticklish business and going to a professional is the best answer. And of course the old seasons always come into play at the most importune times. I am so glad my girls have finally decided to come in together. That saves me from having to deal with it four times a year. LOL
I am not surpirsed the trainer likes her, from what you have told me. She looks like she is going to have a very successful career. Please if you can keep me informed. I really want to follow her. Her entrance into the water in that pic is great.
Of course, Shelley is going to love it. She won’t have to share Mom. LOL
The Labrador Retriever Club (AKC) is having its big national specialty here in October. Word is that there is going to be (besides the usual Conformation stuff) a Working Certificate Test (on a friend's farm where Shelley and Ruby have trained frequently!), and perhaps as many as four Hunt Tests on another friend's farm where they have also trained! In addition, there will be a Conformation Judge on hand to give Conformation Certificates to as many field Labs as want one and can pass the rather lenient test (I think they have to score 85% but I could be wrong, it could be 70%.)
If all goes well, Ruby could pass her Started (UKC) test in September at our club test (and if we're lucky Shelley could pass her Seasoned test), and then both of them could get their WC and try for the AKC Junior Hunter. Shelley has already passed 2 JH tests and did it on her head (she's too advanced for that really but we don't have many AKC tests here). They should both be able to get their Working Certificates and Conformation Certificates as well - Shelley has a beautiful body but a somewhat snipey head, Ruby has a perfect head but a rather lanky body. It may depend on how many points are allotted for head vs. body!
If they do 4 tests total Ruby could get her JH all at one time (assuming she can handle the marks) and Shelley can finish up her JH in two tests.
Shelley of course is spayed and has been forever, but I would like her to finish her JH title at least. Ruby I'm not going to spay for the time being. I had her DNA tested and she throws all 3 colors, we need to have hips and eyes and elbows checked after she turns 2. She probably has a common Lab genetic defect called EIC (Exercise Induced Collapse) and I'll probably test her for it, but it's so common in Labs that there's no point in avoiding breeding her, we'll just look for a stud dog that doesn't carry the factor.
Congratulations again on your beautiful babies!!!