Hayley Parker

Gabby is a fit, strong healthy bitch and has always produced strong, robust pups (11 last year) all above average weight at birth. I only breed once a year and have no kennels. Pups are reared in the house and given the garden to play in when they are big enough.

Gabby and Jezza, 'my girls' as I call them have the classic labrador shape with strong heads, thick necks, barrel chests, straight stifles, good top lines and otter tails. Both are very dark chocolate and not only do I choose sires with good reputations but who are also dark chocolate as I like to keep the colour in the pups.

Originally Jezza came to us purely as a pet (and still is). Lucky for me I have friends who show and breed, some of them for more than 15 years and I learned the responsibility involved towards my bitches and the breed, in order to produce good pups. I homeopathically immunize pups and my girls plus add herbal supplements to their food to keep them in tip top condition. Their coats always look good even during pregnancy and pups. I walk them every day.

Given at the time I was just looking for a pet, I am fortunate, Jezza has a very good pedigree, from all recognisable, reputable bloodlines, is very laid back and is a devoted mother. And of course, if you have puppies you will end up keeping one eventually and Gabby came into our lives. Gabby is a good mum with more of a tomboy personality who loves the rabbits and pheasants and would have made a great gundog.

Gabby and Jezza are both very biddable, in fact they are rarely on the lead. I bike with them as well as walk to keep them fit and lean. They are house dogs, sleep on the couch and go everywhere with me. Gabby has superb gundog instincts and 'stands' naturally, a beautiful sight to see. They both have soft as butter, well balanced , grounded temperaments. Jezza has a great sense of humour!

I have to date resisted the temptation to take on a kennel name.