Tom,
We bought a puppy from Ben's and Cider's litter last September, and we just wanted to give you an update on how Leah is doing.
First of all, we could not have asked for a better dog. She is perfect for our family. Weston, our son, is almost 2 years old.
He and Leah are best buds. She lets him crawl all over her, pull her ears, fur, or whatever, and she will just sit there and
let him do it. We are finally getting Wes to pet her "nicely," but Leah has been more than patient in this process.
I was a little skeptical when you said that your dogs are calm in the house but high-energy outside, but I have seen it
for myself. Leah is perfectly behaved in the house, but as soon as we let her out, she just runs and runs and runs and runs...
She chases tweety birds all day. If she sees one in a tree, she will bark at it until it flies, and then she will chase it,
all the while giving out happy little yips.
Leah is also a natural-born hunter. Leah can pick up scent from an amazingly long way away. She is also obedient and learns
quickly, which is good since I am not a very good trainer. We took her out a few times last fall. One of the pictures I attached
is from last October. She pointed her first rooster in that field - too bad we missed it. Auralee did, however, get a another
bird in the same field. The other picture is from a few weeks ago. We were riding our bikes near our house when she went on point.
She held for a long time - long enough to get several good pictures. It ended up being some kind of shore bird or snipe, but it was
pretty impressive.
We couldn't imagine having any better dog for our family. Thank you for raising such great dogs.
Sincerely,
Ben, Auralee, and Weston Strege
Ardoch, ND
Tom,
Hope all is well you and your family. Just wanted to give you an update on how things have been
going with Penny. I was able to get out for nine full days of pheasant and quail hunting last season.
I was able to work her a few times before opening day and all the guys I hunted with on opening weekend
fell in love with her. She is still pretty small, but back then she might have been 15 lbs. She
pointed the second bird of the morning and then found it buried deep under a small brush pile that
the other two seasoned dogs had given up on. Couldn't help but puff up alittle when she pulled out a
ringneck that was 1/2 her size! All the trips went great and Penny's nose was second to none. She has
been so easy to train and is as tender and sweet as any dog I've ever had before. My wife and kids love
her and she goes almost everywhere with us. She has reached 29lbs and looks a lot like Cider. She almost
never barks and is so much calmer than Patty, however she hunts all day and never falls back behind my feet.
T. Standish
Hi Tom,
The purpose of this note is to let you know how Trapper is progressing. Tom, Trapper is a
delightful Brittany and a true companion to us. He is such a gentle soul but takes to hunting
and training like a trooper. Trapper and I have hunted ruffed grouse, huns, sharptails as well
as pheasants this Fall. Trapper has thrilled me with over 100 points this Fall. Actually
Trapper is a better hunter than I am a shooter, and he casts me some disgusted looks when I
don't do my part, but when I do connect he will retrieve the bird every time.
He is only 18 months old but is doing a great job for this old guy. I am often complemented on
my dog training ability when people see or hear how Trapper is so well behaved, that he points
so intensely, that he quarters the fields and wood lots so well, that he hunts in the direction
that I point my hand (unless he knows there is a bird in the other direction) and he retrieves
to my hand. I smile and take a bow and thank them. And then Ginny just rolls her eyes at me
and we both smile at each other because we both know he is performing so well because of his
breeding and not because I am in any way, a competent dog trainer I worked with him to teach
him COME, STOP, SIT, and WHOA and the rest just seemed to come from him and that course is his
breeding.
He is under the desk with his head on my feet as I write this and seems to enjoy his life as a
house companion. Does it sound as though we are happy with Trapper? Thank you again for the
great friend that Trapper has become and Good Hunting to you!
Doug & Ginny Marshall-MN
Tom,
I hope this letter finds you and your family doing well. I've been wanting to write for some
time now. This thank you is long overdue. My family and I are extremely pleased with Pete.
He has made a great addition to our family. Pete loves everyone and everyone loves him. He is
comfortable around other dogs and can adjust to just about any setting. Your early work and
efforts at socialization really paid off. I know I am bragging, but I am bragging to the guy
that needs to hear it most.
At almost eight months, Pete has just completed a six week course for beginner to intermediate
level bird dogs. He is sight and scent pointing birds. He has an incredible drive and spirit.
He really wants to please. Pete is in his element when I take him to our camp in the woods.
It's almost as if I can see a smile on his speckled snout. He is graceful and athletic in the
woods, staying close enough for me to see him. What a guy!
Physically, Pete has continued to do well. He has kept regular vet visits and is described as
a very healthy puppy. He is almost 31 pounds and he looks great. Most all think he is a
beautiful dog. I'll have to agree that he is the 'spitting image' of Ben- the sire.
At home and in the truck, Pete is able to lay down and chill out. My wife and daughters love
him and have grown to accept him as part of our family. Daddy's best buddy is sometimes
affectionately referred to as Peter James.
In closing, I'd like to thank you once
again. Pete is a great dog, and as my first bird dog, I can't imagine another dog ever
measuring up to him. Thank you, once again, to you, your family, and lastly, Ben and Molly
for putting out a fine pup. I'd be happy to talk to any potential/future customers of Covey
Rise Kennels as I feel I can endorse you without question. I wish you continued success and
health.
Sincerely,
James Tardiff
Gladstone, Michigan
Tom ,
I just wanted to take a few minutes to tell you how much we think of Teal.
Your family did a wonderful job on socialization as she knows no strangers. She is so very
intelligent and quick to learn, but also loving , calm and a pleasure to have in the house,
and so far has not tried to chew up or destroy anything in the house or outside.
She enjoys her water work as well as working in the pasture whether I have turned some birds
loose or not. She has seven fenced acres to work in and she will cover it all looking for
birds and do it thoroughly and quickly.
People thought I was a little crazy when they found out I was driving from South Texas to Iowa
to pick up a puppy, but she is worth every mile and then some.
We have had Labs for a long time, but now my son is gradually taking them over so I can work
Teal and the next Britt I get which will also come from your kennels.I would recommend your
puppies to anyone looking for a Brittany.
Karla and I enjoyed the visit when we were
there in March to pick Teal up and we are looking forward to coming back this Fall for the next
puppy.
Y'all take care and we will see you this Fall.
Bobby, Karla, and Zachary Buff
Hondo, Texas
Dear Tom and Family,
We can't thank you enough for our wonderful puppy, Covey. She is our fourth Brit and she is the
best all around dog we've ever had bar none. She is calm, hunts close, has a GREAT nose, great
desire for the hunt, and she loves people and loves to cuddle with her two-leggeds. We are blessed.
Rollie & Sharon Vander Zyl
McFarland, WI
Dear Tom,
We wanted to let you know how happy we are with Dakota. She is not only a wonderful field dog, but
also a wonderful companion. I thought you would enjoy some pictures of Dakota hunting as well as her
playful side at home.
We have shot about 20 birds over her so far. It was as though a light bulb went off and she just got
it. We were a little worried that she would not retrieve in the beginning, but after the 1st time
hunting, she just did it.
Dakota is a beautiful dog with wonderful markings-many people comment on it. She has also been a
gentle dog, I am able to have my one year old niece around Dakota with no worries. We have also
been amazed how smart she is. We have not been as good as we should with training-but she picks up
what she is taught quickly.
Jeff and I would definitely recommend you to anyone who would like a Brittany. We couldn't be more
pleased.
Thanks,
Nicole and Jeff Harrison
Genoa, WI
Tom,
I would say that the pup from you is such a joy for me and my family. Everyone who sees him, loves him.
He is so mellow and sweet and smart. Easy to teach and he remembers so well for a 16 week old dog.
I have spent many long walks down the trail with him and when a pheasant is around, Jeremy goes into
another gear. It is in his blood to trail scent down a game bird. We have rabbits galore and he shows
little interest. For game hawking he will have to taste rabbit blood to get him going on them.
The people I know who are familiar with bird dogs know he is the "pick of the litter." For looks, there
is not a brittany in any of my gun-dog magazines that is as beautiful. He reminds me of Ben with Patch's
beautiful face. He is obedient and faithful and I couldn't be happier.
Good work to you on the Hummer line. I think I will be hitting you up for another pup in a year or two.
Very enjoyable, intelligent dog, easy-going and quick to learn...
Regards,
Mike Hogan
Omro, WI
To Whom It May Concern:
We're meat hunters, meaning we hunt upland gamebirds for a living. Our goal is to do all possible in
assisting our customer-guests in harvesting their limits of gamebirds in an ethical, fair-chase manner.
When I comment, positively, about our hunting dogs that are trained and worked by our staff, I comment
regarding the success of the dog handler and his-her hunting dog (s) in meeting our objective. Tom
Fuller and his Brittany hunting dogs are first class. I say that because of the successful teamwork
I see them carry out in our hunting fields. Not only does Tom know (and expect from his dogs) proper
field hunting skills, he discharges his customer-service duties in a disciplined and professional manner.
His hunting dogs are a credit to him, the hunting enterprise, outdoor sport hunting and to Safari Iowa
Hunting Farms, our DNR Licensed Game Management Unit. Any person having the opportunity to observe his
dogs will quickly see that his dogs are greatly socialized and would make any owner a wonderful pet and
companion. I wish them well.
Sincerely, Larry L. Statler, owner-operator, Safari Iowa Hunting Farms, Parnell, Iowa
Phone: 1-800-307-8504
Dear Tom and Family,
I can not say enough about how well Brandy has developed into a great hunter and companion. She took to
hunting like it was second nature to her. Alot of this is for Tom's breeding background and socialization
with the pups before their new homes and after with his help on any questions I had during training. I am
looking forward to many great years of hunting with my new Brittany. I would recommend one of Tom's pups
to anyone looking for a great hunting dog and companion.
Thank you and good hunting,
Steve Thielbar
Manitowoc, WI
Dear Tom,
This is our first Brittany and first hunting dog for that matter and we just love her! As far as training
goes she seems to catch on very well which I need as an amateur trainer. I have hunted her this last fall
and her desire and drive is strong. Nelli is also a very good house dog and good with my girls. Wasn't to
long ago we said we would not have a dog in the house now we could not imagine being without her. Tom I
would also like to thank you for all your help answering my training questions it is most helpful!
Thanks from,
Wally, Jodi, Kara, Kailee and Nelli Helget
Tom,
I can't put into words how satisfied I have been with my pup Simon. In his first 9 months Simon has
demonstrated an outstanding potential. He has a strong natural pointing instinct and an even stronger
retrieving instinct. From the time we picked him up he has always wanted to carry things in his mouth and
when I started throwing the dummy he was so enthusiastic about returning with the dummy that he would fly
past me and have to turn around and come back. He has a great nose. In one of his first hunts last fall
he pointed a bird that an older dog that I hold in high regards missed. I was impressed. He has outstanding
intelligence and memory. You will probably remember the incident with the pigeon in training that he marked
then ran directly to when he saw his opening after several other training exercises. Basically Simon has all
the raw talent needed to become a great hunting dog and with the training help you have given me I have no
doubt that he will be.
I really appreciate all of the help you have given me with my first hunting
dog. It is apparent that you truly love dogs and have a passion for hunting dogs for the foot hunter. I would
recommend your dogs to anyone.
Brad Sefcik
Norway, IA
Dear Tom-
My husband and I would just like to send our thanks for such a wonderful addition to our family. On December 1,
we brought home "Ruby" now named Maddy. She is the best puppy. At almost eight months old, she is already smarter
than any dog either of our families have ever previously owned. I can actually say that we have not had a single
thing in our home destroyed or chewed on. We believe this is all thanks to you and your family for starting her
on raw hides so early. Also, we would like to thank you for kennel training her so early. She loves her kennel
and goes into it by choice. Neither my husband or myself have ever seen a dog with such a natural hunting
instinct. From the second we go outside her nose is on the ground and she is looking for things to point.
Also, we love the unusual markings on Maddy. We have had so many people comment on how gorgeous of a dog she is.
I think the best thing about Maddy is her excitement to be with people, children especially! She is a WONDERFUL
family dog. Because of Maddy, I think we have become a Brittany only family. Thank you so much!
Thank you again!
Ann and Jeff Pottratz
Tom
This letter is long overdue but I am finally getting a pictorial update of our great dog Jack. Jack is from a
July 4, 2005 litter of Ben and Lady and has turned into a beautiful Tri-color hunting machine.I am not a
professional trainer but Jack was so easy to train my buddies think I am.It was all just in him. Last fall I
got the ultimate compliment from a fellow veterinarian who I went hunting with for 2 days in Wisconsin. He said
he had more fun watching Jack work than any thing else on the trip, and we got into alot of birds. Jacks hunting
ability is only out done by his being a great house dog and companion.Our son Bryan is now in college and Jack has
sure helped with our empty nest syndrome.In closing I would like to thank you for raising good quality Brits like
Jack in a responsible way.
Tom Donohue DVM
Oskaloosa, Iowa