Field Tested & Hunter Approved

Memories

“Trigger”

Interlochen’s Showdown – MH, CC

BISS CH Fawnhaven’s Sonny Boy – JH, CD x AM/CAN CH Interlochen’s Skye of Chelon – WC, CD

March 25, 1997 to November 29, 2009

Our fondness for Labradors originates from Don’s love of bird hunting, and his desire to have a versatile Labrador Retriever to share the experience.  Though Don had several mixed-breed gun dogs as a young man, we obtained our first purebred Labrador – Interlochen’s Showdown – MH, CC “Trigger” in June of 1997.  At the time, we did not realize it was the beginning of something very special.

Trigger is the one that started it all at Guns Up Labradors, and in 2005 was the first dog bred by Interlochen Labradors to receive his Master Hunter title.  He was our first hunt test dog, and as such our school of hard knocks dog.

His desire, perseverance and resilience never allowed him to give up.  Not when it came to hunt tests or life in general.  When he had to have one of his rear legs amputated after reoccurring cancerous tumors would not respond to treatment, he accepted that too with his usual grace.

Trigger was also an excellent hunting companion who enjoyed nothing more than flushing a few pheasants, or anticipating a good retrieve from the duck blind.  Even after losing his leg he still loved an occasional pheasant hunt, and would sometimes even out hunt Ranger.  He never allowed the loss of his leg to slow him down.

I personally learned a lot from Trigger about never giving up, being resilient and acceptance.  I am a better person for having had the opportunity to share part of my life with him. 

Most of all Trigger was and is my heart dog.  I knew from the moment I saw him he was the one, and he never disappointed.  He opened our lives to the dog world, and to this day some of our dearest friends are a result of purchasing Trigger as a little yellow boy.

Unfortunately, Trigger left us too soon.  He crossed over the bridge in late November of 2009, and we still miss him every day.

Very special thanks to Walli & Terry Roarke of Interlochen Labradors for blessing us with this wonderful boy.  He brought so much love, joy, happiness and friendship to our lives.  He will never be forgotten.