Est. 1995

by

Susan E. Van Buren

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Beginnings: As a child I grew up with a poodle (Duchess). My first registered AKC dog was a standard poodle (Cupie). Later while married raising 2 children, small poodles (Missy & Odie) joined our family along with a large outdoor dog (Cubby). During the 1990's my family successfully raised 2 Golden Retriever puppies (J.J. & Jesse) as Future Leader Dog's for the Blind. Those experiences directed my path toward purebred Retrievers.

Competitions started with the Golden Retrievers that shared my life; our pet (Shoney) and show dog (Telcey). While competing in various events (show, obedience, AKC & NAHRA Hunt Tests), they also joined me as Delta Society’s Animal Assisted Therapy teams. My pet sitting business Tender Loving Care was later incorporated to establish the name of "TLC Retrievers" in 1995. My first TLC litter was with Telcey. From her only litter I kept one puppy (Maggie). I was often able to see 2 other pups during hunt training and tests. One littermate (Georgie) went to live with my cousin, Lea & Bob Barber in Canada. Georgie earned various hunt titles. Another littermate (Jackson) was sold as a pet companion to Steve Vargo. Jackson took him places he never dreamed he'd go, earning his SH. Together Maggie and I pursued hunt test, field trial, show, obedience titles along with agility training. Many treasured hours of training were spent together with my good friend, the late Joe Mercer and his dog (JD) - Maggie's best bud!

An offer of a co-ownership on a lovely English Labrador Retriever (Libby) with Ravenhill Labradors was accepted. I finished Libby’s Canadian CH in three weekends, she was also pointed in the US. She also earned a WC with limited training. As my foundation Labrador Retriever bitch she brought beauty and talent to the Labs of TLC Retrievers. Libby gave us 2 litters of which I kept 2 pups (Reggie and Nike). Nike earned all the same titles as her mom Libby. Nike went on to produce 3 litters of which I presently co-own one of her boys (Lightening). Serving as an active member and board member of three local dog clubs (2 dog breed clubs & a hunting retriever club), greatly assisted with my retriever knowledge.

Flat-Coated Retrievers soon became my third versatile purebred retriever breed. I purchased a young bitch (Sadie) and started to show her when she was accidentally killed in the road; which then led me to her breeder from Blacfriar Kennels. Thanks to Rachel Hill of Blacfriar Kennels, NY; in 1997 I purchased TLC Retriever's foundation bitch (Ashley). Shortly thereafter I joined the FCRSA.

Changes in my life revealed that I could no longer give appropriate the time to all of my dogs. Sadly, I placed some of my dogs into loving homes. However, God has a plan and a promise (Jer. 29:11); so trustingly I followed this diverse path. I'm thankful that I had the opportunity to live with and train my various dogs . . . they have taught me so much! Fortunately they were placed in loving homes that were able to give them the much love and attention that they were so deserving of. My heart is touched by those owners; they too were thankful for their opportunity of loving such wonderful dogs that shared their lives.

Some of those dogs have passed away, however like ripples in a pond . . . their love expanded into others lives. Now their loving memories circle the lives of those that they have touched.