Beth said in part......
Funny, that of all the retrievers I like Chessies the best. I think it
is because they are more protective, and have what I think of as a
stronger personality.
I would rather take my chances with a proper Pit Bull than a chessie
anyday.
______________________________
Beth,
I have owned one Chesapeake, and that was about 25 years ago. May I
say, she was the only dog I have ever owned that I could not get on the
same page with. I really could not handle her.
I currently own a Lab mix, and those two dogs are the only dogs in the
retriever family I have ever owned. I am trying to say I have nothing
to compare her to.
I am not a professional trainer, and I know nothing about field
trials.
That dog was hard headed, in her defense I do not think she was "quite
right" from the get. She chewed things up till the day she died, at
around 11.
She was an avid swimmer, and was accused of trying to drown my St
Bernard, Spencer. I would take them to the flats to swim and she either
tried to submerge him or was play paddling on his back and he submerged
himself. My partner had to jump in and get Spencer, who was no
athlete
Taffy never had a chance to display it, but I always felt as if she
would defend our famly, in the event it was needed.
I loved her, as I have all of my dogs, I just couldn't get anywhere in
training her. I have always had success with my other dogs, in varying
degrees, but not her.
Thinking about her, makes me miss her. I just always had the feeling
she was doing the best that she could. Maybe, she was a victim of poor
breeding. Maybe I failed her in some way? She was a beautiful dog, and
she certainly was headstrong, to say the least....
Be Free....Taffy!!!


Be Free.....Judy