Spencer can be seen running through the cover like a speeding bullet. He is a bold boy whose pinpoint nose, combined with that lethal speed can mean great success or great trouble.  His uncanny marking skill plus his ability to be handled to double and triple blinds make him a virtually failless retriever on land or water. Although an extremely high drive athlete in the field, Spencer is relaxed in the house, is neat & fastidious in his habits, and very smart.  These qualities, along with his playful, affectionate nature make him Diane's special favorite.

Spencer was our second Springer, a birthday gift for Diane, and he arrived in late March, 1995, from Sunrise Kennels in upstate New York.  A color reject in his litter, he was nonetheless promised to be a "feisty" puppy, well-suited to field trialing.   He arrived to San Diego via Pittsburgh none the worse for wear, and promptly pounced on his (much larger) new kennelmate, Winston, with vim and vigor. 

Spencer was handled by Diane to two puppy stakes wins and three master hunter legs before he was two years old.  Around then, we almost lost Spencer to an ingested or inhaled foxtail. It traveled through his body for a week, through his lungs, and we were extremely lucky it resurfaced through the side of his ribcage as a large tumor-like bump. Click here to see the wound where it was removed. Click here to read more about potentially deadly foxtails.

Then, after a dry spell, while Spencer matured, Diane handled him to two more master hunter legs before his first All-Age Win, handled by Tony this past March. In the meantime, he won Field Trial Dog class at Gateway Specialties (contested class, in fact).  Diane handled him to his final leg for the Master Hunter title in July, 1999 in Oregon. (see photo above)

At  11 years, he finally takes more naps -- but when he gets loose in the field -- watch out!!!   That Yankee blood dies hard!  And he still enjoys hunting with a passion!  

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