My beloved Riser, also known as Can OTCH, UKC CDX, Plymrock's High Riser, UDX2, JH, OA, OAJ, OJP, WC, CGC (2/4/1992-7/24/2007) was laid to rest July 24, 2007 at age 15.5.

Just two weeks earlier he was doing what he loved most - retrieving bumpers in the water, leading our pack.

 Throughout his life, Riser took me on an incredible journey. Together we did it all...from camp gone to the dogs when he was a puppy to a show career earning high in trial, high combined, a 199 in obedience more than once, nationally ranked in the top 10 obedience Labradors several times, competing in the Gaines Regionals and World Series, earning his JH and agility titles with ease and being awarded the lab for all reasons awards at the Nationals at age 10.

He also had many life threatening cancers and surgeries and taught me how to get through all of it. Riser was a very sweet, gentle good boy who never did a bad thing in his life and had to endure more hardships than anyone ever should have.  He was very strong and very brave and mostly loved me unconditionally.  God rewarded him with a wonderful quality of life in his senior hears, with no hardships in the last 5 years. Riser loved everyone and was especially fond of puppies and chasing snowballs in deep snow. Riser never had any old dog issues and was active until one evening when I knew the time was near. I am blessed that I got to spend all of the next day night with him saying goodbye, it was not long enough and I wanted more, but it was time to let him go. Riser was my best friend, my soul-mate and I miss him terribly. There is a big hole in my heart but I am very lucky to have known him and have him in my life for so long.

Linda Witkowski    

Riser leading the pack 2 weeks before crossing the Bridge

Shadow

My black Lab, Shadow, (Crosscreek Shadow Berge) was laid to rest on May 22, 2007 at the age of 12. She was my very first Lab and the start of my showing career.  I purchased her after my first husband passed away with cancer.  Shadow was 8 weeks old and was born on May 9, 1995.  I went to dog classes and started learning about obedience.  Never in my life did I think I would do something like that but she brought me out of my shyness.  She was a momma's girl and never liked the out of sight sits and downs but we made it through.  She received her CD and CDX in AKC and her CD and CDX in Canada.  She was the best healing dog and had many first place ribbons.

We had to make a very hard decision this year as she was filling up with tumors both inside and visible on the outside.  Her hips were failing but she never quit wagging her tail.  She is sadly missed by myself and Harry and by Harley, Emma, Hannah, and Jack (our other labs).  Because of her Labs are my love and my life.

Brenda Stidfole

BrenLorr Labrador Retrievers