 Merganser's Duck Dog Herbert QA2
(32 Derby Points)
(Qualified All-Age)
Hampton Bay Retrievers sent me a puppy ad: Sire “Clooney” x Dam out of “Mickey” x “Billie.” On a whim, I decided to purchase a black pup. “Herbert’s” litter was whelped at and given a great start with Louis West, Iron Sky Retrievers. Louis correctly described Herbert as “A big strong male that is full of himself.” Luckily Louis was able to ship Herbert to me the week before the airlines shut down animal shipments due to Covid.
Merganser's Duck Dog Herbert QA2 (Herbert) was amazing as a pup. He was a natural retriever bringing bumpers straight back to me, took diagonal lines, ran in and out of ponds without cheating on the return, and had intense focus and drive. Yet, Herbert was affectionate and calm in our house.
I took Herbert to Mark Henry in Idaho at age six months for basic and transition training. Mark handled Herbert in 10 Derby starts: five 1sts, two 4ths, and 2 JAMs. A big thank you, Mark. You are the best.
Herbert and I drove to Sedalia, Missouri to compete in the National Retriever Derby Championship stake, October 11-15, 2021. This was such a wonderful experience. Herbert and I were finalists! Herbert’s total Derby points were 32 - #4 highest point Derby Dog in the nation in 2021. Later, Herbert spent seven months training with Greg Bartlett in Texas and Montana. Greg ran Herbert in one Open field trial in September 2022 where they made it to the 4th series.
I brought Herbert home after that as I was diagnosed with breast cancer and Herbert was diagnosed with a left calcaneal tendon tear (Achilles tendon). I was able to use my physical therapist skills to rehab Herbert. Actually, we rehabbed each other. Thank you Steve Petersen DVM, DACVS, DACVSMR, Jennell Appel DVM, CCRT, and Erik Verdoux, PT for helping Herbert to a full recovery in our long rehab program. Later Herbert had surgery for a fox tail, and in January 2025 was diagnosed with a back injury (L7/S1) on the right side. Herbert won a 46 dog field trial Qualifying stake in March 2025. Herbert has recovered from his Calcaneal tendon injury. His back injury is a life-long process. I do not know if this is an injury, a genetic condition, or just bad luck. Herbert is the most intelligent dog that I have owned. He is so hard charging and needs that endorphin rush to work and train. My plan is to compete in All-Age AKC field trials with Herbert in 2026 on a limited basis balancing his health, fitness, and the specific terrain at each field trial.
Herbert has a QA2 AKC field trial title. |
