Just when you think that things can not become much worse, bang. It was a very bad day yesterday. Our chocolate lab “SUNSET’S OPENING DAY HAWKEN” passed away. “Hawken” was our watchdog, he was very protective of his surroundings, and our property was his domain. For all the people that have come in contact with “Hawken” knew him as a 120 pound power house that looked like a bear. His health had been going down hill for a few months. Yesterday was my worst nightmare, he collapsed in the yard. I was able to move him into the kitchen and he gave me a look as to say “I have had enough”.

 I can still remember the day we picked “Hawken” up from Buffalo NY. It was in January and the temperature was below zero. We ran into snow storms on the way to Buffalo and returning home. On the way home the temperature was so cold that “Hawken’s” tongue actually froze to the inside of the passenger side window. He was not a warm weather dog, but did he ever love the cold and snow.

Over the years he sired many wonderful puppies. One of those puppies is our “Magnum” who has been our all-star as a stud dog. I considered “Hawken” to be the backbone of Sunset Labradors. All though he is no longer with us he will always be in our hearts. His ashes will be in our dinning room along with Amber’s. I will never forget “Hawken”, he was a man’s dog that I took pride when walking him outside. People always took a second look and it was not at me, it was at “Hawken”.     

It has been a very hectic 4 weeks. My partner, best friend and most importantly my wife has been having major problems with her leg. Finally after numerous doctor appointments and all kinds of different medications she seems to be on the mend. I sent her in to stay with my mother for a week and possible longer. My mom, her mother-in-law has always been a care giver and the company will do her good. Arlene’s problem is she is always there to take care of everybody else’s problems and she lets herself go. My mother is 81 and has many health issues herself but this gives her a purpose, she was the one that nursed me through my hip replacement last year.

I can not imagine my life with out my mother and Arlene. I have gotten behind with everything. There have been many emails about our new Labrador retriever training site at http://www.sunsets-labradorretrievertraining.com Hopefully I will be able to work on that site now. Also I have started working more on http://www.labrador-retrievers-world.com I have been able to keep up with Labrador items ordered, however the personalized products will not be ready in time for Christmas. I am very sorry but my priorities were Arlene and my mother. At this time we would like to wish everyone a merry Christmas and a happy new year. Now it is time to start to catch up around here.