Testimonials
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Hi Mark & Sue:
We wanted to send some pictures and give you an update on Kenai at a year old. He is doing great in every way. He has a great disposition, he is smart, he is learning so much all the time. He is a great pet, very affectionate and gets along great with our older Brittany and with our cats. He's a real people dog, he wants to just be with us all the time. He's full of energy & mischief, this morning he flushed a wild turkey on his morning walk. We get many compliments on what a handsome boy he is. These pictures were taken recently in Otis MA while visiting friends who were camping there. As hunting season approaches, we will be working more with him on his hunting skills and will keep you updated on his progress.
All in all, he's a great addition to our family & we couldn't be happier with him. We check your website frequently to see the new litters. We can see what a very busy summer you are having with all the litters born and on the way!
We will continue to keep you posted. Thanks again for everything. Kenai is a terrific dog.
Take care,
Jim & Fran Fairchild
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Mark and Sue Shoff have been wonderful in the purchase and the upbringing of our Brittany we purchased from them 2 years ago. The Shoffs are informative, low key and just plain nice. Our Brittany Jett comes to our Dental office everyday. He is friendly, joyous, a good friend and sometimes he thinks he is a guard dog. In the field, Jett is a shut down grouse dog. This year we have over 17 walk in points over THE MAN!!!!! Joanne my wife and I never had a Brittany. These dogs will change your life. They are a bit high maintenance. They require exercise everyday and attention, but the breed repays you with unconditional love, a great hobby for the outdoors. Rock Steady Kennel in our opinion breeds great dogs, they care about who and where their dogs go. Since we bought Jett my in-laws purchased a Lab, and true to form the dog has been outstanding. Although Jett is smarter.. Again you can't go wrong with a Rock Steady Dog.
John and Joanne Mackin
Philipsburg PA
grendel66@verizon.net
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Mark and Sue,
I wanted to let you both know how Sammy is doing. He is a wonderful hunter and a great house pet. We foster dogs for a non profit group and we have experienced many different types and personalities of dogs. Sammy has a wonderful tempermant and drive to hunt.
The other day my husband took Sammy out hunting. He came across another hunter with two Brittnays, both about five years old. This hunter was so impressed by Sammy and the way he hunted he asked my husband to trade him dogs. This hunter was amazed how well trained Sammy was and all the energy he had. Sammy is 11 years old but had more drive to hunt than a five year old dog.
I can honestly say his nature and great health are a direct result of your style and kennel. You have a knack for making a loving pet, an avid hunter and a healthy dog.
Thank you for raising Sammy and allowing us to be his new family!
Michaelene Shirey
Montgomery, PA
michaelene72@hotmail.com
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Hello Mark and Sue!
I cant tell you how much I love my two girls! Raising two at one time was challenging but I survived the first year! I cant believe they are two now! Chloe and Sophie are so different but each a joy! I was thinking about getting a larger breed for protection as my older dogs are not long for this world, but Sophie wont let any of my other animals get near me....she is so cute, she manages to push everyone one away! She is Sooo sweet.... Now Chloe is the boss....she keeps a look out for any strange birds, chipmunks and any other small animal that comes on the farm!....She is more of the "wired for sound"! They have proven to be the best house dogs I have ever had!
I cant thank you enough for these two wonderful, sweet natured dogs!
God Bless,
Todd Nelson
Smyrna,DE
olegreenspring@msn.com
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Hi Mark,
We wanted to share this photo with you. Today, July 26, 2010, our Brittany, Megan Ruff, turned 17 years old.
We bought her from Rock Steady kennel in 1993. Her father was Criswalt Glen's Nero and Mother Forest Valley's Bridgette.
She has been the most wonderful pet and companion anyone could ask for. She no longer hunts, but up until last year she was a wonderful hunting dog. Now she is in retirement but still likes to go for walks in the woods. Her eyesight is failing along with her hearing but her spirit is still high. She gets along well with our grandchildren and other dogs. Doesn't like cats too much however.
She is a testimony as to the quality of dogs you breed. If we decide to get another Brittany in the future we will certainly give you a call.
Ron and Linda Tomlinson
Duncansville, PA
lfox2010@hotmail.com
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Hi Sue & Mark:
Sorry it took us so long to get back to you but the little guy has had us pretty busy! All is going great. We decided on the name "Kenai" (pronounced "keen-eye") after the river and region in Alaska.
The trip home to CT went very well. He threw up once about 15 minutes into the ride and slept on my ( Fran's) lap the rest of the way. We stopped once along the way so he could do his business, which he did and promptly went back to sleep.
He is adapting very well to crate training and comes when we call as you trained him. We are giving him plenty of exercise on walks in the woods and he is enjoying exploring his new territory. He is getting used to our other Brittany as well as our 3 cats with no problem. He has a great disposition and is fitting in very well to his new home.
All your hard work on socializing him really shows! He is doing great in all ways. We couldn't be happier and we are giving him a great home here.
He is an absolute joy & we thank you so much for everything. We'll send pictures soon.
thanks again,
take care,
Fran & Jim Fairchild
Wolcott, CT
fairchildjames@sbcglobal.net
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Dear Mark and Sue:
We would like to tell you guys what a great dog Jeb has turned out to be. He is out of Abby and Jack's first litter. He was born June 10, 2009. He went to bird dog school for 7 weeks. Since that point and time he has been hunting quail, chuckers, and pheasants in Pa. We just returned from upstate NY where he was hunting pheasants. To tell you he has turned out to be a great hunting dog would be an understatement. Besides being a great hunting dog he is best natured dog we have ever had. He has fit very well within our family, which consist of 2 cats and a little fluffy dog.
Thank you for a great companion,
Joyce and Donnie
McKees Rocks, PA
pghjasper@aol.com
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Hi Mark and Sue,
Just wanted to give you an update on Cooper. He is doing well. I have been working with him a little with quail. He is real intence and always wants to get out and hunt. Ive gotten him pretty steady. He will point and hold until I release him. The first time out he wanted to chase and gave me rope burn on my hand, but this past weekend he pointed and held until he was released. I do have to say he is a fast learner. He learned "heel" in one 10 min. session. He's not 100% but he know what he is supposed to do. I dont have alot of time to spend with him, so him catching on quickly makes it alot easier. I think he will turn out pretty good for my first time training a bird dog. Getting a good pup helped alot. Hopefully I can get another pup in a few years.
I attached a pic for ya. Hope everyone is doing well.
Best Regards,
Jeremey Estep
Potomac, MD
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Skeeter is doing great. We went back to obedience school this Autumn after doing Puppy class last year. Skeeter did remarkably well. He is so smart! We completed Advanced Basic with honors! He also earned his AKC Canine Good Citizen Award! I think we are finished Obedience school for now.
I took him to the Vet last Friday to update his shots, etc. He now weighs 46 lbs. He is not fat, but is a solid, muscular dog. Anyway, the Vet was impressed with his behavior while we were in his office. Skeeter just sat on the scales after getting his shots, while I was asking the Vet some questions. He did not move or make a sound just very well behaved. He commented that he had to be a well bred dog!
Just thought I would let you know how he is doing. Hope to hear from you again.
Ann Bennett and Skeeter
Churchville, MD
TBENNETT5@comcast.net
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Hi Mark and Sue,
I know it's not six months yet but I thought I would like to share these two pictures of Abby with you guys who is now a week short of 3 months of age. She is so dear and our 8 year old Brittany Casey and Abby are fast becoming buds and it's funny to watch them play in the yard together. Abby's youth is having a youthful effect on Casey as she is playing like she hasn't done in many years- it's cool to see. Mark, I first met you in Canton at the Cheese and Wine Festival in Oct. 2008. I was impressed by how down to earth and easy going you were that day and later went on the computer looking up Rock Steady Kennels and liking what I saw. A few months later I contacted you and visited your kennels with the intent of getting a pup to feed my grouse hunting habit.
Abby is a great traveler as it is a four hour drive from our home to our cabin and you never hear one sound out of her the whole way. She is a natural retriever that has me excited as my current Brittany plus the one before her were not good retrievers at all. I can't wait until she is a few months older as I will be working with you Mark in training her on birds. Abby is a joy to be around and as the pictures show she's a cutie as well. You guys have a wonderful operation there.
Sincerely,
Jim Baney
5170 Board Rd.
Mount Wolf, Pa. 17347
Grousegirl@earthlink.net
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Sue and Mark,
I had a very enjoyable visit today. I know everyone can't come to a kennel to see the dogs, conditions, and attitude of the breeder. I sure can tell a lot from how the dogs react to the breeder and I think seeing the dogs reactions to Mark just by him walking by tells me you guys really care for your animals. My dogs have always been a better judge of human character than I am.
Jerry L.Cox
6 Woodlawn Terrace
Hollidaysburg, PA 16648
(814) 696-4047 home
jerry@multicomminc.com
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Mark,
We are coming up on 1 year since we met up with you and picked up "Indy" (Lady's Independence Day Haus). He's doing great! He is an incredible family pet and unbelievable weekend hunter. Since we have very few places to hunt natural birds, we visit many of the game preserves on the eastern shore of Maryland. Summer time is spent swimming and chasing ducks off the back of the boat. His hunting success has been unbelievable. I have had him out several times so far this year. The last time we were out he pointed all 30 placed birds, a combination of pheasant / chucker / quail, and a few extras to boot. He will hold, no matter how long it takes for me to get to him, while the bird is flushed and only move about 5-10 feet once the bird goes into the air. If the bird is shot, he will retrieve the bird to me about 50% of the time. The other 50% he will retrieve 1/2 way and drop the bird. His biggest issue is with quail. He will almost always drop the quail after 10- 20 feet and shake his head to get the feathers out of his mouth. He consistently retrieves roosters. He does very well at home retrieving during yard work. Any advise you have to keep getting him better would be appreciated. Any suggestions on natural areas to hunt in southern PA, western MD, etc would be appreciated as well. I truly believe the preserves don't pose his nose much challenge. I have attached a few photos I hope you enjoy. He has been a wonderful addition to the family! Thanks again!
Regards,
Tom Wilson
Edgewater, MD
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Hi Mark,
At Middlecreek we bought a pup from Jessie and Jo's "A" litter. What a treasure Miss Bumble turned out to be. This is the 50th year that I have hunted over bird dogs. I have raised seven bird dogs and have hunted over many others. Miss Bumble is the best! In the past three years my hunting partner and I have shot 200-250 birds (woodcock, pheasant, quail and chukar) off Bumble. She is pointing Lab and holds a point as well as any of my previous shorthairs. When it comes to retrieving Mark Wolfskill, who owns Pheasant Valley Farm, has told us that he has never seen a dog that was better at marking birds. He has seen Bumble make a 200 yard retrieve on a poorly hit bird. When we hunt at Pheasant Valley Mark does not put out birds for us. We scratch hunt birds that previous hunters/dogs have missed. Mark often asks to go along with us because he enjoys watching Bumble hunt. He was surprised when he learned that I have never used an electric collar on Bum. We live beside 5,000 acres of State Game Land not far from Middle Creek so Bumble has time every day in the woods. She is good at showing me squirrels, turkeys and deer. At present I am using a .410 side by side for much of my shooting - that says a lot about Bum. Now to the second point of this letter. My old hunting partner is looking for what will be probably be his last hunting dog. Of course he wants a dog like Bumble (in his younger days he bred and hunted Irish Setters). Do you know where we could find a litter of Lab pups with a pointing background? Is Jessie's and Jo's bloodline still available? I believe that you informed us that you will not have a litter of Labs before 2010. Do you know how many of Jessie's and Jo's pups turned out to be pointing dogs?
"Pulver Erst"
Bud Pennypacker
Newmanstown, PA
717-949-2174
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Hello Mark and Sue,
This is Mark and Melissa Urda. It has been a whole 6 mths already. Roxy has been the best addition to our family. She has been so good and she has been learning alot. We just love her so much and her and our other Brittany "Bo" have become great together. They are quite the pair now. Roxy has grown so much already. Her legs are so long and she has become quite fast. She is starting to keep pace with Bo. Roxy is getting really good at using her nose. She can track scents on the run with it in the air. She loves riding in the car she has become a great passenger. She also loves visitors. We want to thank you again for the wonderful puppy! We couldn't have gotten a better puppy. She's the best! Attached are some pics of when she was small and now how she has grown.
Thanks again
Mark and Missy
Nicholson, PA
mlc730@aol.com
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Hi Mark and Sue!
I am on your website AWESOME!!!!!!! My Molly is a beautiful 3 year old love of my life! I will get off my dead butt and send you pictures. I saw that her 6 month picture with you is in the Photo Gallery. Thank you!!!! Ron has not hunted Molly but that is fine with me as she is my wonderful companion. However on our walks she has pointed and flushed a bird or two out of the cornfield!!! She runs around with me and I use a bell on her collar and that works great. She has graduated puppy school (2 yrs ago). Molly is extremely happy, loving, and just a wonderful being. Actually much more than just a fine dog. Thank you and Sue and of course Maggie and Jack for making our lives so great!! Oh, by the way she certainly has her father's voice!!!!! Take care and congrats on the beautiful job you all have done!!!
Jan Solecki
Jersey Shore, PA
570-398-4724
mollygirl@evenlink.com
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Dear Mark and Sue,
I just wanted to take a minute to tell you a little bit about our little guy Otis. This dog is very, very good about so many things that I am somewhat amazed. He knows to potty outside if you give him half a chance. He doesn't put up much of a fuss about being crated at bed time. He loves to play and we have given him a lot of toys to channel his energy through balls and squeak toys, etc. I am delighted to have him as our dog. As soon as he gets over his puppy stage, he will be sharing our beds at night. I'd like to thank you both for socializing him so well. Everybody in our family fell in love with him over the holiday. They all agreed that he is a very handsome britany. Anyway, we enjoyed our trip to your place and thought you guys live in a wonderfully scenic region. We also enjoyed meeting you. Keep up the good work with your breeding and training, anyone that appreciates a quality dog will know it when they get home with their puppy.
Sincerely, Bob O'Brien
Peoria, IL
bob.obrien@winpak.com
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Hello!
Sorry we haven't gotten back to you sooner but things have been so busy with us. Jesse is doing great! He's adjusting well to his new home and him and Zoe have become best friends! Our nephew has fallen in love with him too and either wants to steal him from us or move in, thankfully he's only 6 and already has 2 German Shorthairs so I don't see that happening! I've attached a few pictures of him and Zoe. He's already starting to grow up and has started to point at the ducks and birds around our yard and had a staring contest with 3 deer in the yard just this morning! We'll keep you posted as he gets older and I'm sure Billy will be singing his praises when he's old enough to go hunting, thanks again for such a great dog!
The Vera Family
Rochester, NY
Melissa.Vera@upstatecommunication.com
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Hi Mark,
How's everyone? I hope all is well. I wanted to thank you and your family for such a great dog. Emmit is a real joy as a pet, and even a better hunter. I had him out this weekend on Chukars (ten of them). He pointed and retrieved all of them like a pro. My buddy who has his own pointers was with me and was amazed. He said this eleven month old dog hunts like a five year old. We had a great time. I can't believe how long Emmit will hold point. He truly is Rock Steady. If you ever want a reference feel free to give my number. We could not be happier. Thanks for everything.
Jason, Lee Ann, Hope and Jacob
Nicholson, PA
advanced2215@yahoo.com
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2007
Hey Mark -
How are you? I hope all is well. I wanted to give you the latest on Mac! We've been doing some work with the pigeons and it's been going well. The real deal was the past weekend though! I think I mentioned to you last visit that I joined Warriors Mark. It's been a great move thus far. One of the benefits is taking Mac over to train on the grounds. This past Sunday, I took her and my buddy over for some training. We got 6 Chukars and released them around the field. I worked Mac and he shot. Mac found and pointed all of them - at least 3 of which were "Rock Steady" points!! It was awesome! Even my buddy (who is pretty hard to impress) was impressed!! The last one was off the check cord as well and my buddy only winged it. Mac did a nice job tracking it down in some deep grass and also retrieved all of them - some better than others but all eventually got back to me! So...I wanted to let you know and wanted to thank you again for all your time and expertise. I can't even begin to tell you how much I appreciate it! Please stay in touch and best wishes to you and your family.
Jim Weaver
Pennsylvania
jxw38@psu.edu
(814) 865-0407
How are you? I hope all is well. I wanted to give you the latest on Mac! We've been doing some work with the pigeons and it's been going well. The real deal was the past weekend though! I think I mentioned to you last visit that I joined Warriors Mark. It's been a great move thus far. One of the benefits is taking Mac over to train on the grounds. This past Sunday, I took her and my buddy over for some training. We got 6 Chukars and released them around the field. I worked Mac and he shot. Mac found and pointed all of them - at least 3 of which were "Rock Steady" points!! It was awesome! Even my buddy (who is pretty hard to impress) was impressed!! The last one was off the check cord as well and my buddy only winged it. Mac did a nice job tracking it down in some deep grass and also retrieved all of them - some better than others but all eventually got back to me! So...I wanted to let you know and wanted to thank you again for all your time and expertise. I can't even begin to tell you how much I appreciate it! Please stay in touch and best wishes to you and your family.
Jim Weaver
Pennsylvania
jxw38@psu.edu
(814) 865-0407
2008
Hey Mark -
Things with me and Mac are going really well. We've had a very good year hunting - especially for her first full season. Last weekend was the best though. We went over to Warriors Mark and she was amazing - pointing everything - chukars, pheasants! It was by far her best day to date! I still can't thank you enough for all your advice and help with her!
Take care.
Regards ~ Jim
Things with me and Mac are going really well. We've had a very good year hunting - especially for her first full season. Last weekend was the best though. We went over to Warriors Mark and she was amazing - pointing everything - chukars, pheasants! It was by far her best day to date! I still can't thank you enough for all your advice and help with her!
Take care.
Regards ~ Jim
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2006
Hi all,
Just wanted to let you know that the little monster is doing very well. My German shepherd and Remmy are attached at the hip. The play/fight all day and I was surprised how much abuse Rambo will take from the little guy, and he is still very gentle. Remmy is already starting to point small birds. I am going to give him a couple of more months and we will start training. I'll keep you up to date. I have to tell you that was the best $600 that I have spent in a long time. I've had Remmy out three times and he is hunting. He stays on point without flushing, follows the bird in the air, retrieves the bird (chuckars) and drops it at my feet. He over came the shotgun blast the first day out. He has had no formal training as of yet and it doesn't appear that he will need it. His registered name is Rock Steadys Remington Rocket, as you requested. I am very proud of Remmy's hunting ability for being 7 months old. I had him out the other day and he was non stop hunting for the whole time we were out. He actively seeks out pheasants, points and retrieves. I don't have to fight him for the bird. He drops them at my feet. He is a natural. All he wants to do is hunt. At this rate I am pretty sure that I will be guiding him out next season. Outside of his puppy chewing issues (which we are working on) he is a wonderful loving dog. If I would have known that he was going to be this good, I would have paid twice the price.
Chris Arena
Laceyville, PA
bgdog1960@netscape.net
Just wanted to let you know that the little monster is doing very well. My German shepherd and Remmy are attached at the hip. The play/fight all day and I was surprised how much abuse Rambo will take from the little guy, and he is still very gentle. Remmy is already starting to point small birds. I am going to give him a couple of more months and we will start training. I'll keep you up to date. I have to tell you that was the best $600 that I have spent in a long time. I've had Remmy out three times and he is hunting. He stays on point without flushing, follows the bird in the air, retrieves the bird (chuckars) and drops it at my feet. He over came the shotgun blast the first day out. He has had no formal training as of yet and it doesn't appear that he will need it. His registered name is Rock Steadys Remington Rocket, as you requested. I am very proud of Remmy's hunting ability for being 7 months old. I had him out the other day and he was non stop hunting for the whole time we were out. He actively seeks out pheasants, points and retrieves. I don't have to fight him for the bird. He drops them at my feet. He is a natural. All he wants to do is hunt. At this rate I am pretty sure that I will be guiding him out next season. Outside of his puppy chewing issues (which we are working on) he is a wonderful loving dog. If I would have known that he was going to be this good, I would have paid twice the price.
Chris Arena
Laceyville, PA
bgdog1960@netscape.net
2007
Hi All,
Just wanted to let you know that the monster is doing awesome. I started doing some work with a trainer but he doesn't think he will need much. His hunting drive is nonstop. I'm going to guide him out with friends to make sure he is up to speed and if he does well I think I can secure a spot on the ring neck ridge team. Any way the Monster is so damn loveable and quite the smoocher. He has grown quite comfortable running in the Endless Mountains.
Thanks again,
Chris Arena
bgdog1960@netscape.net
Just wanted to let you know that the monster is doing awesome. I started doing some work with a trainer but he doesn't think he will need much. His hunting drive is nonstop. I'm going to guide him out with friends to make sure he is up to speed and if he does well I think I can secure a spot on the ring neck ridge team. Any way the Monster is so damn loveable and quite the smoocher. He has grown quite comfortable running in the Endless Mountains.
Thanks again,
Chris Arena
bgdog1960@netscape.net
2008
Mark and Sue,
I just wanted to let you know that I got to guide out Remmy this past winter at Ringneck Ridge Preserve. He was a big hit and everybody loved him. Believe it or not I have had several requests for him as the dog of choice. The both of us started out together with no skills or experience but our motivation and his instincts have taken us farther than I expected. I'm sure having great bloodlines had something to do with it too.
Hopefully but the end of May Remmy should have his Junior Hunter Title and then we can start preparing for the Senior Hunt tests in the fall. We now are working on his steady to wing and shot and he is making good progress. He is a quick learner and wants to please. He will hunt until he has nothing left in the tank.
Oh yea, I give my personal guarantee at the preserve to our clients. If they are not happy with Remmy and I they Do Not Have To Pay Me. That's how confident I am in a Rock Steady Dog. If there is anyone who would like to hunt with us this fall and see for themselves what your dogs are like they can book a hunt with Remmy at www.ringneck-ridge.com . You may also use me as a reference anytime.
Thanks again for such a wonderful,fun loving, hunting machine.
Chris Arena
I just wanted to let you know that I got to guide out Remmy this past winter at Ringneck Ridge Preserve. He was a big hit and everybody loved him. Believe it or not I have had several requests for him as the dog of choice. The both of us started out together with no skills or experience but our motivation and his instincts have taken us farther than I expected. I'm sure having great bloodlines had something to do with it too.
Hopefully but the end of May Remmy should have his Junior Hunter Title and then we can start preparing for the Senior Hunt tests in the fall. We now are working on his steady to wing and shot and he is making good progress. He is a quick learner and wants to please. He will hunt until he has nothing left in the tank.
Oh yea, I give my personal guarantee at the preserve to our clients. If they are not happy with Remmy and I they Do Not Have To Pay Me. That's how confident I am in a Rock Steady Dog. If there is anyone who would like to hunt with us this fall and see for themselves what your dogs are like they can book a hunt with Remmy at www.ringneck-ridge.com . You may also use me as a reference anytime.
Thanks again for such a wonderful,fun loving, hunting machine.
Chris Arena
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Hey Mark,
How are all of you guys doing? Gunner is doing good. He's starting to get the hint that he shouldn't go to the bathroom in the house. He really is a great dog. He seems a little bigger from when we first got him. He likes to play with the baby. He's very playful around my mother's two German shepherds. He actually scares one of them away and he's a quarter of the size. I'm interested in getting another one. When do you guys think you will have another litter coming up? Is it hard to train him to be a hunting dog and what would I need to do, and get, to train him?
Thanks for everything,
Ryan Laffey
Trucksville, PA
rlaffey@state.pa.us
How are all of you guys doing? Gunner is doing good. He's starting to get the hint that he shouldn't go to the bathroom in the house. He really is a great dog. He seems a little bigger from when we first got him. He likes to play with the baby. He's very playful around my mother's two German shepherds. He actually scares one of them away and he's a quarter of the size. I'm interested in getting another one. When do you guys think you will have another litter coming up? Is it hard to train him to be a hunting dog and what would I need to do, and get, to train him?
Thanks for everything,
Ryan Laffey
Trucksville, PA
rlaffey@state.pa.us
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Mark,
Just a note to let you know that the pup we got from you 3 years ago this fall is a great dog. The best Brit that we've owned, and he is our fourth. If you need a reference in the Ithaca area, please feel free to call on us. Again, thanks for producing GREAT dogs and the best to you.
Thanks,
Frank Flannery
Ithica, NY
fflane1@twcny.rr.com
607-272-8017
Just a note to let you know that the pup we got from you 3 years ago this fall is a great dog. The best Brit that we've owned, and he is our fourth. If you need a reference in the Ithaca area, please feel free to call on us. Again, thanks for producing GREAT dogs and the best to you.
Thanks,
Frank Flannery
Ithica, NY
fflane1@twcny.rr.com
607-272-8017
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Hello Mark,
Just a quick note to let you know that Molly is doing great. I have had her out hunting a few times and she is performing well. Thank you Mark and the rest of your family. There is never a dull moment with Molly around.
A Great Molly retrieval story for you as long as I have your attention... Let me give you a picture of the setting... 'Its late season pheasant hunting (Dec. 29th to be exact) in SD. There is about 14" of new snow on the ground, most of it falling on the day after Christmas. It's a fairly nice day though... if I recall correctly sunny and about 25 or so. The birds were very skittish and we had been struggling to get any close shots the whole week.
We stopped at a large canary grass patch that I had hunted the previous trip. I figured there would be birds in it and the anticipation was intense.
Stop the vehicle...hunters out, dogs out, Oooh!! look the birds are already flushing approx. 300 yards away. After a short sprint to the edge of the grass I was able to pick out a nice rooster. A long shot but I was confident in my shooting, yep one down bird... but not hit well.
Ok. The dilemma... The two dogs and the other two hunters decided to hunt the other side of the road; this means no dog for me! A quick call to Molly and within seconds she was by my side, and within another second no where to be seen. This grass was thick, 6-8 feet tall, and leaning over because of the snow and ice covering it.
I went over to where the rooster should be laying but found nothing. I searched the area for 10-15 minutes to no avail. The other two hunters along with my other dog (with nothing in their bag) came to help me look. We looked for another 10 minutes or so and still nothing not even Molly.
We decided to walk back to the road and wait to see what was up with the lost dog. Out comes the whistle along with a few calls to Molly.........whistle....NOTHING....wait a minute, I think that's her coming sideways, yes sideways, across the stubble cornfield approx 1/4 mile away!
Well it turns out that it was her and she had the bird with her in her mouth. The reason it took so long for the retrieve was because the bird was still alive and had his wings flapped over her eyes. Molly was retrieving by the sound of my voice and the whistles. She would stray off course if I would stop calling and eventually stop and wait for the next sound of where to go. We got Molly and the bird back with a few good chuckles. Watching her walk sideways and have no clue what direction she was walking was comical. It was an amazing site!
I see the guys that I was hunting with quite often and this story seems to come up almost every time.
I just want to note that this rooster had the longest tail feathers of all of the birds that I have taken. He is now spending some time at the taxidermist.
I hope you have enjoyed this story! I know that I do!
Oh yeah and one more note: I can tell she came from a great bloodline cause she sure learns things quickly. Mostly good things but she has her mischievous times as well. She's awesome.
Thomas Roelike
phone: 320-980-0880
address: 34993 county road 172
Freeport, MN 56331
e-mail:riggsg@hotmail.com
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Mark,
Rueger had a good night, his ride was great he sat on the back seat and put his head between me and Bob on the console. He has learned that when he goes out and relieves himself, he gets a treat when he comes back in. He will sit on the floor and wait for it to be opened. He has also learned all about kisses, loves to get them and give them. He is laying here on the floor at my desk. Will send pictures as soon as we take some. Thank you for all of your kindness, we love having him as part of our family.
Tammy Shutt
Pennsylvania
tshutt@goowy.com
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Dear Mark and Sue,
"One year after we lost our beloved 15 year old Brittany, we decided we were ready to share our life with another Brittany companion. After researching various Brittany kennels in three states, the Shoff's were the only people who showed interest in us. They returned our e-mails promptly and answered every last question we had to ask. They gave us the impression they wanted their dogs to go to good homes. So we set up an appointment to drive the 4 hours to see the Rock Steady dogs. They were the most beautiful dogs with excellent temperament we had ever seen. Mr. Shoff also took us out to observe one of his dogs hunting so we could see what his dogs had to offer. We were very impressed! We knew this would not be the last we saw of Rock Steady Kennel. Four months later, we picked up 11 week-old Zack from the Shoff's. Since that time, Mr. and Mrs. Shoff have remained in contact with us to monitor the progress of Zack's development and have answered any questions on training supplies we've had. Zack has been the joy of our life. He is healthy, eager to learn, and well socialized. Rock Steady Kennel cares about their dogs to breed the very best for temperament, health, hunting, and companionship. We would strongly recommend Rock Steady Kennel for your next Brittany pup or started dog."
Clayton and Jodi Beichner"One year after we lost our beloved 15 year old Brittany, we decided we were ready to share our life with another Brittany companion. After researching various Brittany kennels in three states, the Shoff's were the only people who showed interest in us. They returned our e-mails promptly and answered every last question we had to ask. They gave us the impression they wanted their dogs to go to good homes. So we set up an appointment to drive the 4 hours to see the Rock Steady dogs. They were the most beautiful dogs with excellent temperament we had ever seen. Mr. Shoff also took us out to observe one of his dogs hunting so we could see what his dogs had to offer. We were very impressed! We knew this would not be the last we saw of Rock Steady Kennel. Four months later, we picked up 11 week-old Zack from the Shoff's. Since that time, Mr. and Mrs. Shoff have remained in contact with us to monitor the progress of Zack's development and have answered any questions on training supplies we've had. Zack has been the joy of our life. He is healthy, eager to learn, and well socialized. Rock Steady Kennel cares about their dogs to breed the very best for temperament, health, hunting, and companionship. We would strongly recommend Rock Steady Kennel for your next Brittany pup or started dog."
Leeper, PA
cjbeichner@usachoice.net
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Mark,
Here are some pictures from 8-16-06 of Benny's 1st official outdoor training. Got some wonderful retrieves and an awesome point on a hidden pheasant wing. Additionally, he is great to walk with as we have brought him to the local archery club at least once a week and he is naturally a close working dog and we have never had an issue with him getting too far out. Vet is pleased with his health and disposition.
Dennis Micha
Endicott, NY
dsencore1@hotmail.com
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Mark,
This is Jim Kelley. I bought puppy #6 (Chuck). He is doing very well with his yard training. Today we put him on some quail and he did great. I couldn't be happier with him. Not only has he turned out to be a great home companion, it also seems he is on his way to being a great hunting companion. Thank you for the great puppy and tell your wife and kids we said hi. I have attached a picture taken last week. Hope you like it.
Jim Kelley
Okeana, OH
513-738-0656
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Mark,
Benny got his first bird this season. He is a natural hunter, as I got busy this fall and lacked a bit in training time. He finds the birds, quarters in the direction your gun is pointing and the one bird I did shoot he retrieved flawlessly. He ignores rabbits; though he did get sight of a buck and chased him, but does not scent them. Still young and working on it. Great family dog, wonderful with the kids and definitely a loyal pet.
Dennis Micha
Endicott, NY
dsencore1@hotmail.com
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Mark and Sue,
I just wanted to send you a couple pictures of our beautiful one year old Brittany, Kali. We really do love her. She has a great time running around, hunting, and being with people. We could not have asked for a better dog. Thanks again for giving us such a wonderful pet.
Judy Mellor
Schenectady, NY
ROLLEMJUD@aol.com
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Hello Mark and Shoff family!
Herbie, our brit, is now 3 years old and a wonderful addition to our family! We can't thank you enough for your great breeding practices! He's just the greatest dog in the world-of course, you probably never heard that before.
We look forward to seeing you in the future.
All the best,
Norm and Martha Richter (and Herbie)
Chambersburg, PA
wevrldy@comcast.net
