Rapunzel (Ch Oakridge Destinaire NRD) "retired" to Betty and Frank's some 5 years ago, and immediately wormed her way into not only their hearts, but those of the neighbours as well. She went just about everywhere with Betty, and was well known around the neighbourhood where either she or Frank would walk her every day. Towards the end, she would hitch a ride on Betty or Frank's gopher over to the park for her daily outings.
In her younger day, Rapunzel was a little retrieve-a-holic, just like her mother. A very biddable dog, she easily attained her NRD retrieving title with minimal training. She was a water-baby right from puppyhood, when she used to squeeze herself sideways under the gate to run down for a swim in the dam.
Rapunzel whelped 2 litters, and was an exemplary mother to her puppies - not only in her care of them in the whelping box, but also teaching them the ways of the world both out running in the paddock and swimming in the dam. All four of her progeny exhibited at the 2006 National were graded "Excellent" and they all either won or placed in their respective classes. Rapunzel herself gained 2nd place in a very strong Dam & Progeny class at that event. Dam of 4 show champions, as well as having progeny successfully competing in both Retrieving and Obedience trials, she had a stable and confident temperament with a very biddable nature, which she was able to pass on to her pups.
The 8 baby puppies that I have here at home at the moment are her grandchildren. If they grow up to be half as good as Rapunzel, I will be very satisfied.
Thank you to Betty and Frank for giving Rapunzel such a loving and happy home - no dog could have wished for more.
Vale Rapunzel