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Testimonials
AS OF JANUARY 1, 2006 WE DECIDED TO ADD THIS PAGE.
PLEASE FEEL FREE TO SEND YOUR TESTIMONIALS TO US!
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Update on Boats 1-23-12
Hi Francis,
We were on your site the other day looking at the pics and thought we'd send you a couple updated pics of Boats who turned 7 in Dec. As you can see he is still an absolutely beautiful choc lab.
Hope all is well and thanks again! The last 7 years with Boats have been amazing! He is the sweetest dog, while being bird crazy in the woods!
Lisa & Kevin LaPlante
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When it came time to think about another Lab, the idea of getting back into upland hunting also arose. For years
and while the kids were growing up we had a very calm, affectionate and obedient yellow lab named Buddy. The idea
for the new guy was to duplicate those traits and add in the drive, desire and smarts to excel as a field dog.
After much research we came across Puddleduck Retrievers and soon were in conversation with Frances about our needs.
Sure enough we ended up with Chief, a very calm family dog who can really turn it on in the field. His first hunt
was at 10 months, he earned his AKC Junior Hunter title at 14 months and his AKC Companion Dog title at 17 months.
Now after hundreds of flushes, retrieves and memorable days in the field he's still that calm dog that amazes people
on how gentle he is around other dogs and children. In fact his day job is the "interview dog" at Puppy Day Care -
the prospective new dog gets to meet and play with Chief during his interview and if all goes well the new dog is accepted.
We're so happy with Chief that when the chance to choose a puppy from the same general linage came up, we acted quick.
Now we have Gunny as part our family and can already see that he's a "chip off the old block" Thank you Frances for
adding such great value to our lives through Puddleduck Retrievers.
Vince & Heidi Devlin
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Hi Frances,
We can't believe how much time has gone by since we first met you both and brought our new puppy home. We're very happy to report that Bailey is doing great and we couldn't be more happy with our choice. She is a great family dog and took to hunting immediately. In one of the earlier photos attached, Michael gave her a goose wing to play with only about a week after we brought her home and she went absolutely wild with it. He took her out goose hunting her first time the November we brought her home (2007) and she was very excited but also well behaved and already tried to retrieve geese that were bigger than she was. She has a great nose and has been doing wonderfully retrieving on numerous hunts since then. She was easy to train and has a wonderful personality.
Really, she is quite a character and a ham! She talks a lot and cocks her head in the funniest expressions! As much as we loved and still miss our previous dog, it's amazing to us how different Bailey is and how attached we became to her right away! She has been very healthy as well except for an abscess she got in her mouth because of her love of chewing on sticks. She weighs 65 pounds, eats well and is very active.
Take care and thanks again for bringing us such a wonderful dog!
Marie, Michael, Mark & Bailey Kissel
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Frances,
Moose has been a wonderful dog for us, after losing our 13 yr. old; he filled a void that we never thought another dog could. When we saw his picture on your website we thought he was beautiful then and he has grown to be such a handsome fun loving dog that keeps us laughing all the time. He and Coco (our 10 yr. old) have been buddies since the day we brought him home. He is a very smart dog, (sometimes he we think he's human), he loves to play fetch, catch his Frisbee and go wading in the brook. We would like to take this time to Thank You for breeding such Beautiful Dogs.
Mary and Charlie
Belmont, ME
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We brought home our dog, Bayler in June 2008. He was a pup from the Gage and Annie litter. Frances did an amazing job picking out the perfect puppy for us! We not only love the way he looks (very handsome!) but also his temperament and personality. He is very loyal and is always by our sides. He loves to swim and go on long walks. Bayler is an all around perfect addition to our family!!!
Thanks again
Cahill (Newmarket, NH)
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Hi Frances,
I'm writing to give you an update on Brody. He is such a terrific puppy! We couldn't be happier that he is part of our family. He went on his first hunting trip over Columbus Day Weekend. We weren't expecting much, other than some fun, especially where is so young, but he truly amazed us. He was handling the birds, did some close retrieves and even did a good job releasing them.
For a 14 week old puppy, we were really surprised at how easily and quickly he took to the birds. I've attached a couple of pics of our "boys". They are the best of buds! :)
We have had so many compliments from family, friends and complete strangers about what an extraordinary dog Brody is. He's full of personality, has a great disposition/temperament and is too cute for words! Thank you so much for helping us to find the right fit for our family. We truly appreciate the care and thought that goes into your breeding program.
Thanks again for everything!
Sincerely,
Cassandra Perkins
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January 8, 2010
Dear Puddleduck Retrievers:
About a year before our failing senior Black Lab passed on, I researched breeders in the state of Maine, and found 3 that I interviewed before deciding on Puddleduck as the breeder where we would get our next puppy. We arranged to get a puppy from a yellow litter that whelped in July 2009, and took 8-week old Abby home at the end of August to join our other senior Lab, Samantha. We are very pleased with our experience with Puddleduck Retrievers. Abby has been the perfect match for us in terms of personality and energy level. I would rate her as a medium energy dog, who is playful, but calm, and definitely not "hyper' like so many Lab puppies can be (think of Marley of book and movie fame).
Abby is very smart and easy to train. When she was 3 months old, we taught her to ring a bell on the back door when she needed to go out. We haven't had any "accidents" in the house since. The early training done by Puddleduck that we continued in puppy school gave us a 3 month old who understood basic commands, like sit, down, and the modified heel, "Let's go".
Now at 6 months of age, Abby is becoming the wonderful companion dog we wanted. She loves to snuggle with our senior Lab, go for walks, and play with a frisbee or ball in the snow, or just be near us playing with her toys or napping. The early exposure to routine "living" noises that Puddleduck provided resulted in a confident puppy, who is curious but not afraid of everyday noises, who will lay down on the vacuum hose and be totally unconcerned. When she sees new things or hears new noises when we are out, she often will sit down and just watch and listen, then move on once she is satisfied. Abby is a handsome dog with good conformation, and receives raves and compliments wherever we go.
I would recommend Puddleduck to anyone who is looking for a breeder who is totally committed to Labradors that are healthy, happy, and carefully bred to be free of genetic diseases or problems. The "parent" dogs that I have met all have wonderful personalities. The time spent in the early training and conditioning results in puppies that are already on their way to being housebroken and understanding basic commands, and can be easily continued and reinforced. We are looking forward to having Abby as a wonderful family pet for many years to come.
Sincerely,
Susan M. Mondabaugh, Ph.D.
Rockport, ME
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We originally purchased two dogs from "backyard breeders". Both are wonderful AKC labradors....unfortunately neither are duck retrieving
dogs! After years of training with little success, (one dog was gun shy, the other hated feathers), we decided to seek professional help.
We asked around and were told that Frances Plessner was the best in the area. We met with Frances, started training with our yellow lab and
"Puddleduck's Muscongus Grace". Although all our dogs are wonderful companions, Gracie is by far the most trainable. She is eager to please
and beautiful too.
We and Gracie have worked with Frances for the past three years. She has trained Gracie (and us), which has resulted in Gracie becoming a fine
hunting partner. Gracie's personality, trainability and good genes made her a natural for Frances's breeding program. With Frances guiding us
and researching stud partners, Gracie has been the proud mother of three Puddleduck Retriever litters, with a total of 24 puppies. Frances has been
ardent in her attention to Gracie's health, diet and well being. We, in turn, know that Gracie's puppies are being placed in good, loving homes.
We keep in touch with many of Gracie's offsprings' owners and know that they love their dogs as much as we love Gracie. We are proud to co-own Gracie
with Frances and Stefan.
Elaine B. Abel
November 2008
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I've always had labs and wanted a high quality dog. I shopped around, and discovered puddleduck retrievers in Maine.
I met with Francis, discussed what I was looking for in a dog, and met her other dogs. IMPRESSIVE is putting it lightly!
In due time, I got exactly they type of dog I was looking for. Over the past 4 years, she's been the perfect companion. As
discussed with Francis, I wanted a great dog with the perfect temperment and personality. "Seagrams" is everything I wanted in a dog.
All I can say is if you want a high quality dog from a high quality breeder, choose puddleduck retrievers.........you will not
be disappointed! Thank you!
Mark Vojtko
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I purchased Riggs from you in May of 1999. The then puppy was already retrieving and listening to commands. The temperament
and talent that Riggs showed as a puppy was a sure sign of consciences breeding. Riggs and I trained together for duck and
pheasant hunting and the training was the easiest of any dog I had ever owned! He was both a "working" dog and family dog, a
rare personality at that. When I first bought Riggs from you I had a son who was only 1 years old at the time. Riggs was his
best friend and protector all in one! Riggs would sleep in the baby's room and instantly come find me when my son would wake!
I hunted with Riggs for 7 years until I became disabled due to a work site injury. Riggs and I no longer hunt, but he is my best
friend and confidant! We have a very close and special relationship, as does my now 11 year old son. Thank you for the special
dog (I think of him as a person, though). I do not look forward to the day that Riggs is no longer with us, although he is great
health now, but if the day does come... I will be calling upon you to fill my need for a perfect dog! Thank you again for providing
us with such a special family member.
Greg Dunican Newcastle, Maine
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We feel so fortunate to have stumbled upon Frances in our search for a lab puppy. It was clear from our first communications with her
that her objective was to breed wonderful family dogs, and this she does! Murphy is the first dog we have owned, and we often joke that
we "won the puppy lottery", as he is so beautiful, happy, and eager to please. He is a joy to have and has added so much to our lives.
Frances' guidance and advice have been sound and helpful in raising him. Her ongoing support and willingness to answer questions is
invaluable. We have the best dog we could imagine, and I would urge anyone looking for a lab puppy to contact Frances.
Kevin and Jennifer French
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Puddleduck Retrievers has proven to be everything that I hoped for, and more. When I decided to get a puppy, I did countless hours
of homework and research trying to learn as much as I could about the breed, as well as reputable breeders in the Northeast. I called
many different places, talked to many different people, and Puddleduck's name was a recurring theme in my search. The first time I talked
to Frances, it was like a breath of fresh air. She was not only extremely knowledgeable, but very friendly and helpful to a first-time
dog owner. I really liked her philosophy on breeding and dog ownership. When I made my first trip to her place to see her dogs, I knew
that I had found my breeder. Her dogs are not only beautiful, but very calm and well mannered. It was apparent immediately that she knew
her business, and was clearly doing things right.
After the litter was born, Frances was great in helping me pick out my new puppy. I ended up with a pup that has exceeded my high expectations
in every imaginable way. He has been very easy to train, is very responsive to my commands, and is one of the most laid-back labs I have ever
been around. We have picked up the pace with bird training, and since the beginning, it has been evident that hunting is part of Jake's genetics.
He goes from relaxed to "game-on" every time that he catches the smell of real birds. It has truly been a joy working with Jake, despite being a
relative newbie to training dogs. I attribute that to his genetics, and the work that Frances has done.
Every time that I bring Jake to work with me, I'm flooded with compliments on his looks, and his calm demeanor. It's a really nice feeling to
have such pride in your dog. I can't thank Puddleduck enough for providing me with my best friend and companion. I can't imagine using another
breeder for any dogs in the future, and recommend Puddleduck Retrievers highly. If you want a Lab, then you will not go wrong if you choose to do
business with Frances and Stephan.
Thank you both.
Matt Sinclair
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Frances has taught the Canine Program at Ironwood for the past three years. Her patience, sense of humor and ability to connect with our students is exceptional. She imparts her wisdom of canine knowledge in simple, clear, easy to understand ways. "Dog Training Days" with Frances are definitely a high point of the teen's week.
And her dogs . . . I cannot say enough about Frances' wonderful labs! Over the years, Frances has donated four incredible Labrador's to our program. They adapt to the constant comings-and-goings of kids with various emotional and behavioral problems. The dogs are incredibly gentle, well-behaved, exceptionally trained and remarkably kind. They lovingly allow the kid's occasional "overly playful" behavior, their constant hugs and their often not-quite-gentle treatment. They happily go on endless hikes, fetch many sticks and are comforting companions when the teens are sad or hurting.
I am deeply impressed with Frances and her wonderful Puddleduck Retrievers and I recommend these wonderful dogs unhesitatingly.
Marion Rodrigue
President
www.ironwoodmaine.com
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I admit I've become one of those "Labrador people" and I've learned over time that Frances Plessner produces
wonderful labs. Eight years ago I'd lost my first lab, Toby, to a tumor on his heart. It happened quickly
and I was desperate to replace him. Back then, I was referred to Frances as soon as I started looking but
she didn't have puppies right away so I went to another breeder for my loveable lab, Duffy. Then four years
ago I volunteered to be a puppy raiser for NEADS (Dogs for Deaf and Disabled Americans). When Hunter, the
black Labrador, was about ready to return to NEADS for his advanced training I knew that this time I could
take my time and I thought of Frances. When I contacted Frances, Hope was ready for a home and she has been
everything I "hoped" for. She's smart, beautiful and full of personality. She lives to retrieve - so much
so that I joke that she needs therapy. She's very affectionate and quickly became an indispensable part of
my life, and Duffy's. It was an extra bonus to discover that Frances has donated dogs many times to NEADS
and there are a number of people with disabilities whose lives are better because of a dog from Puddleduck.
This year a close friend was ready to add a second lab to her home. Moxie joined them in September and every
conversation I have with my friend is centered on how quickly she is learning, how attractive she is, and what
a superior puppy she is.
I picture myself living with labs the rest of my life (maybe a NEADS dog in my old age!) and I hope Frances
will always be there when it's time for a new lab.
Linda Kreamer
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My name is Bernadette Dutra.
In August of 2005 My husband and I bought a dog from Frances Plessner. On that
day our lives were changed forever. We picked "Morgan" a female black lab puppy out of Drake and Magic and
brought her home to the cape with us. She slept the whole way home, she was so small she fit on the center
console of the truck and didn't make a sound. She very quickly was housebroken and learned that her crate
was a safe place for her, so she had no problem going to bed at night. We lived in a small apartment at
that time so we had to walk Morgan regularly throughout the day, she was even so small that when we took
her to the beach she would swim in the tidepools. She never left our side, she was so happy that we had
given her such a happy home.
My husband Started going away to sea regularly about 6 months after we got Morgan, Morgan then became my
dog. Since we have no children yet, she became my sidekick. I quickly realized that Morgan was easily
trained, so I taught her to sit, stay, down, give her paw- each one at request, speak, come, retrieve,
even bring me my socks in the morning when its chilly. But, the one command I was so surprised she learned
was to Sneeze when I said so. It's amazing the things I could teach this dog. She is amazing and the best
friend I could ever have.
Morgan is 2 years old now, we live in a place where she runs free, she no longer sleeps in her crate, but
in the bed with me and my husband. She no longer fits in the center console of the truck but takes up the
whole back seat when we have a long drive. She is always by myside and when I take her for walks through
town she is a local celebrity because any passing person can't help but to pet her. Her personality sparkles
like her slick black coat and she cant help but to love anyone who will give her attention. She is a member
of our family and a great companion.
We owe alot of our happiness to Frances Plessner and Puddleduck Retrievers for giving us our best friend.
Bernadette & Leonard
Update on Puddleduck's Capt' Morgan 1/18/10
Since the last time I sent an update on Morgan we had a beautiful baby boy named Alex. Alex is almost 2 years
old and has renamed our sweet dog "Ra-Ra". They are best friends now. They play together perfectly, he can do
anything to her and she is the most calm and happy dog. He can even put his hand in the food bowl to "help" her
eat and she waits so patiently for me to come and move him. Alex looks forward to hMorgan's meal times so that
we can feed her together, he pulls on her ears, climbs all over her, and pretty much makes her crazy but what
he gets in return is love, loyalty and licks on the face. Morgan has always been our vacuum. She will clean up
anything and everything, however, if there is a half eaten cookie of his laying around, that he had forgotten
about, she will not eat it... even if left on the couch and we have gone out. Its amazing the relationship and
bond they have formed. Morgan is not only our pet but she is a member of our family and best friend. We are soooo
happy with her! Thank you so much.
Bernadette
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Hi Frances!
In just three months we'll have had Suzy for a year! It's hard to believe how fast the time has gone. What's
even harder to comprehend is what life would be like without our "best girl".
We're amazed at how quickly she learns new things (in a matter of minutes)! She can retrieve, sit, stay, come,
lie down, crawl, roll over and find a toy. She loves to play hide and seek. She LOVES other dogs... loves people...
loves the ocean... loves going for walks in the woods... loves going on the boat. She has become the perfect family pet.
While we don't have any of our own kids yet, a lot of our friends are starting families and we know that it's
only a matter of time before we do too. We love that Suzy is very interested in children and very very gentle
with them.
We're so happy to have her. She's a wonderful, loyal, well-mannered, beautiful addition to our little family.
Jon & Danielle Rodgers
Ipswich, MA
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This is Tom Gould I purchased a puppy from you in 2003. Topper and Mally are the parents. I just thought
I would add to your testimonials. I can honestly say Bill is the best all around pet and hunting partner
I have ever owned. I have trained him myself and he also has received a month of training at Silverton
Sporting Ranch in Canaan Maine. I have never experienced such satisfaction of watching Bill retrieve a
downed bird. He is also such a family dog that we are going to get him a partner in a few years, and you
can bet it will come from Puddleduck Kennels. This is the most loyal animal we have ever owned, he goes
everywhere we go. I would like to thank you and we will be calling on you when we are ready for the
partner for Bill and us.
Thanks Again
The Goulds
Pittston Maine
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Hi Francis,
Sorry it has taken so long to send you pictures of Boats.....I just figured out how to download to my computer.
As you can see, he is absolutely beautiful...he is very smart and everyone who meets him just loves him. I brought
him to work w/ me last week. I work in a high school...he was our greeter for the day....he is so loveable!!!!
I have seen many labs over the past 2 years and I can honestly say that your labs are the best looking I have seen!!!
Hope all is well w/ you and your family.
Lisa LaPlante
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Hi there,
I purchased a puppy in early February from Puddleduck's November 5th litter. After losing our
other chocolate lab Xander in December, we knew that we needed another wonderful lab. I drove 2
1/2 hours in a snow storm to meet Mrs. Plessner and her dogs; the drive was well worth it. I was
so impressed with the facility, and the puppies were adorable. She knew exactly what we were
looking for as soon as she talked to me on the phone the night before I got there. There he was,
9 weeks old, chocolate, and wonderful. "Drake" Mallard Dunn. He is so smart and kind, I highly
recommend Puddleduck retrievers for anyone, whether it be their first lab or their fifth! We bonded
immediately and my husband calls him a "Momma's boy" Thank you So much.
Meredith Dunn
Poland, Me
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When I came to "Puddleduck Retrievers" I had a few things in mind. I wanted the original English Labrador
Retriever true to breed.. I also wanted a female that was gentle, kind, calm, laid back, who loves
children, gets along with other dogs and is easy to train. Well, I got that and more. Hayley spends
two days a week with me at work and has become an office mascot because of her gentle, kind and patient
behavior, even the cat lovers are converted! Two of the other days she spends at a highly monitored doggy
day care where she gets along with anyone from Jack Russell's to Standard Poodles. Because she is a dog
who is so eager to please, it has been a joy to train her. Outside of swimming, her favorite thing to do
is playing frisbee. She could play all day and still have energy to come inside and play with my two grown
boys who so adore her. I think what I like most is to see her with children. Her eyes become small,
contented and she will kiss and hover near them to make sure that they are safe. I so love my dog, thank
you Frances for bringing me and every person in my family, joy, warmth, love, laughter, contentment and
the sheer pleasure of owing this beautiful animal.
Linda and Hayley
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Hello Frances Plessner of Puddleduck Retrievers
This is Justin and Elizabeth Larrabee of Brunswick, Maine. We purchased our baby Rielly (A.K.A DUCKY GIRL)
from you June 10th of 2007 from Hunter and Jimmy Dean puppy's. I am writing to say that she is the sweetest,
most loveable, well mannered, intelligent dog I have ever had the honor of calling a family member. We are
constantly approached by people who are amazed by here beautiful temperament and looks. People have gone as
far as to pull there vehicles over to see her up close and ask where we got her. She makes freinds wherever
we go and is even adored by our mailman.
Reilly is eager to learn and very receptive to training, as if she were programed at birth with instinctive
behaviors. She now at six months of age has already learned non verbal hand commands such as, sit, stay, come,
lay down, shake and many more. She took to her crate the very first night home with no crying, and now freely
goes to her crate during the day and goes to bed exactly at 9:30 every night. She also house trained in the
very first two weeks .
We Could go on forever of how impressed we are with the facilities and breeding of what is Frances Plessner's
Puddleduck Retrievers. If you are looking for a new family member look no further you have arrived.
Thank you Frances for the obvious love for your craft, your dogs, and our wonder full Rielly.
Sincerely
Justin & Elizabeth Larrabee
Brunswick, Maine
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Frances, just wanted to drop you a quick note to tell you how happy we are with our new "Gracie". She is the
most beautiful Lab, with the best disposition I have ever seen in a puppy. Very calm in the house, but still
loves to play. She is the best thing to happen to the two of us together! She has brought us closer everyday,
and brings a smile to our faces when we are tired and run down with the long Winter. I can't wait to swim and hunt
her! Once again, thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Best wishes
Garth Morin
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We purchased our dog Webster (Drake's Magic Webster) from Frances in October 2005. We really were hoping to find a puppy/dog
that would be a great pet for our children to grow up with. We were hoping that he would be mellow and that we would be able
to take him camping or anywhere with us. We found exactly that in Webster. He is always quiet. The only time he ever barks
at all is first thing in the morning and that is not always the case because my husband usually wakes him up to go out when he
gets up for work. Webster has always slept in his crate at night and he has never minded being in it. He has slept all night
from the very beginning. He never fussed at all. He used to wake us up by 5 am to let him out when he was a very little puppy
but now he is still sleeping at 6:15 when my husband wakes him up to take him out in the morning. Webster actually will go
in his crate on his own sometimes during the day and especially at night when he is getting ready for bed. He is always sound
asleep by 9pm at night. We found the best way to train him is to get on a routine. He always goes to the bathroom right after
he eats and every time he wakes up, especially when he was very little. Now, we still make sure that he goes at those times but
we also can tell if he looks restless or starts to pace a bit that he must have to go. He still never barks. He loves everyone.
He gets very excited when he sees anyone new but within a few minutes, he calms down. He doesn't jump up and he hasn't really
chewed on very much in the house at all. He will occasionally chew on something the kids have left on the floor and when he
was little he chewed a little on a chair rung that he used to like to sleep near but never destroyed anything at all. He likes
to try to get a shoe every now and again but he has learned the word no and we will say no and then he will drop it for us. I
think the key thing is to make sure that your puppy has a lot of toys and ours does. Webster has a ton of things that are just
his and when he takes something that he shouldn't we say no and then give him his toy to play with. He loves to play pull with
his ropes and he loves anything with a squeaker in it or any balls of any kind. He loves to go for long walks. We are very
fortunate to live where we can leave from our house and walk for hours in the woods. He would walk forever. We have had more
people compliment us on what a wonderful puppy we have. Most people who even don't have or don't think they like dogs like our
Webster. A lot of people will say "if we could get a puppy like that one, we'd probably have a dog". I think that is a great
compliment. I attribute that to good breeding and training. Even before we brought Webster home, we went to visit him at his
mother, Magic's home down the road from Frances. He was in a very clean quiet setting and his mother was a wonderful friendly
dog and all of the puppies were just amazing. We fell in love immediately. We also met his dad Drake that day and he is just
such a handsome fellow. We would highly recommend Frances and any of her puppies or dogs to anyone who is looking for a great
companion. We wouldn't trade Webster for any other puppy anywhere. We all love him very much.
Maureen Peabody
Hope, Maine
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I purchased an 8 1/2 week old male Chocolate Lab (Simba) from Puddleduck Retrievers the 1st of March and he is absolutely
wonderful. He is extremely easy to train in fact was housebroke within the first week I had him. He is very attentive at
such young age and is so eager to please. He heels off leash watching my feet naturally. His temperament is very sound
and sturdy. I can't say enough about the intelligence, temperament, and his looks. I told her what I wanted in a dog and
she said that was him. She was absolutely right. I would highly recommend purchasing a Labrador Retriever from Puddleduck
Retrievers only if you are looking for a highly trainable, eager to please, strong/stable temperament, and absolutely
gorgeous looks. Thank you Frances for breeding and selling me the best dog I've ever owned! He is not just a pet he is truly
a part of the family!!
Hilary
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About 18 months ago, we drove up to Morrill, ME in search of the perfect family dog. We were actually visiting Frances
at her Puddleduck Retrievers facility to meet the parents of a recent litter and to perhaps make a pick from the newly
born puppies. She had mentioned in passing that there was one puppy left from the previous litter (because the owners
had to back out last minute) and he was ready to home if we were interested. I hadn't given it much thought because we
weren't in the mindset of taking a puppy home that day. However, when Frances opened one of the dog pens and a plump,
healthy, energetic, chocolate puppy came bounding out, we new it was love at first sight.
Since that day, Jameson has been the perfect, loving, loyal, well-mannered, healthly family dog that every dog-lover
dreams of owning. He has been easy and truly a joy to train. He is smart and beautiful. We get comments on his perfect
Labrador features all the time, but equally as often, we get comments on his demeanor when he is in public. In fact,
Jameson comes to work with me on most days and his lingering, playful puppy antics bring a smile to everyone's face.
Although Jameson has not been trained for hunting, I have no doubt that he would excel in the field. He is a very strong
swimmer and the best retriever I have ever encountered. He will even go so far as to fully submerge himself in the lake
if there is something on the bottom that has caught his eye.
Most importantly, Jameson's personality and antics make us laugh out loud on a daily basis. It might sound funny, but my
husband and I are always saying that Jameson truly is one of the best friends we've ever had. I would highly recommend
Puddleduck Retrievers to anyone who is considering adding a Labrador retriever to their family!
Thanks, Frances!
Stacy Gleason
Falmouth, ME
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I HAVE ALWAYS WANTED A HUNTING DOG AND IT WAS NOT UNTIL I STARTED TO DUCK HUNT I REALIZED THAT I NEEDED ONE. I HAD BEEN
LOOKING AROUND FOR SOME TIME AND HEARD ABOUT FRANCES AND PUDDLE DUCK RETRIEVERS. I WAS TOLD THAT THEY WERE THE BEST
HUNTING LABS AROUND. NOW I KNOW THEY WERE RIGHT.
IN DECEMBER OF 2003 I ARRIVED AT PUDDLEDUCKS NOT PLANNING TO BUY A PUPPY, BUT TO CHECK OUT THE NEW LITTER AND QUALITY OF
DOGS. I WAS IMMEDIATELY IMPRESSED. ALL THE PUPS WERE EXACTLY HOW I ENVISIONED MY LAB TO BE. I WANTED A SMALL, FEMALE
BLACK LAB. OVER THE NEXT FOUR HOURS WE PLAYED WITH THE PUPPIES, WE THREW BIRD WINGS AND THEY WOULD FIGHT OVER THEM.
REMEMBER, THIS WENT ON FOR FOUR HOURS. THE LITTLE LAB I PICKED OUTLASTED HER SISTERS. SHE JUST WANTED TO KEEP RETRIEVING
THAT BIRD WING AND SHE WAS ONLY 51 DAYS OLD!
I WAS SO IMPRESSED, I HAD TO BRING HER HOME - I HAD JUST FOUND MY NEW DUCK HUNTING PARTNER! I WOULD NAME HER DAICEY, AFTER
DAICEY POND IN BAXTER STATE PARK.
I WAS NERVOUS BECAUSE I HAD NEVER TRAINED A DOG BEFORE AND KNEW IT WAS A LIFETIME COMMITMENT.
WE STARTED OUR TRAINING IMMEDIATELY AND THIS LITTLE PUPPY NEVER STOPPED AMAZING ME. SHE QUICKLY PICKED UP ON THE BASICS
AND EXCELLED. AS SPRING CAME WE MOVED TO MORE DIFFICULT TASK AND SHE NEVER MISSED A BEAT. IT WAS AS IF SHE WAS TRAINING
ME AND GETTING ME UP TO SPEED ON HOW TO BE A RETRIEVER HANDLER.
I THANK FRANCES FOR LENDING A HELPING HAND WITH HER IDEAS AND METHODS OF TRAINING. SHE WAS ALWAYS WILLING TO TAKE A PHONE
CALL OR E-MAIL AN ARTICLE. I SOON REALIZED THAT I NOT ONLY BOUGHT A GREAT DOG, BUT ALSO YEARS OF TRAINING EXPERIENCE,
ADVICE AND EXPERTISE.
IT WAS NOW THE FALL OF 2004, SHE WAS JUST GOING TO TURN A YEAR OLD AND WE WERE READY TO HUNT. THE FIRST RETRIEVE WAS
LESS THAN PERFECT, BUT I WAS SO PROUD OF MY DAICEY. WE CONTINUED TO HUNT AND AS THE YEAR PROGRESSED SHE KEPT GETTING
BETTER AND BETTER. I QUICKLY REALIZED SHE WAS LEARNING FROM EXPERIENCE AND HAD A THOUGHT PROCESS ABOUT EACH SITUATION.
SHE DID NOT SOLELY RELY ON THE TRAINING, BUT HER DEEP, DOWN INSTINCT. AT THE END OF THE YEAR SHE LOOKED LIKE A PRO, TAKING
WHISTLE COMMANDS AND HAND SIGNALS TO DOWNED BIRDS. SHE ENDED UP WITH FORTY SEVEN RETRIEVES, NOT BAD FOR A YOUNG DOG AND
NEW HANDLER. I LOOK FORWARD TO MANY MORE FALLS AND HUNTING MEMORIES.
I LEARNED THAT YOU CANNOT TRAIN OR MAKE A DOG INTO A HUNTING RETRIEVER. THEY HAVE TO BE BORN AND BRED, IT MUST BE IN THEIR
BLOOD. THEY MUST WANT TO DO IT, IF YOU TWO ARE GOING TO SUCCEED. THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT PUDDLEDUCK RETRIEVERS ARE - THEY
ARE BORN AND BRED HUNTING LABS, THE BEST THERE IS!!!!!!!!!!
THANK YOU FRANCES
SINCERELY,
DAVE CHABOT AND HUNTING PARTNER DAICEY
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"Anyone who says you can't buy love never bought a dog from Frances Plessner. Our black Lab, Marcus, is a
sensational dog in every way. He is now almost 17 months old. His handsome, blocky features never fail to
elicit complements. His hips and joints appear to be excellent. His disposition is terrific in every way.
He has a great attention span, is a quick learner and is easy to train. We used crate training to house train
and correct behaviors we sought to discourage. He was fully house trained in less than one week and we have had
an enviable, easy time reinforcing good behaviors and eliminating the undesirable. We have been able to leave him
loose and unsupervised in the home since about 4-months old without worry or problems. His next big test will be
the arrival of our first child in March. However, he has always shown remarkable gentleness and calmness around
infants and small children so we have no worries about Marcus making a great adjustment to his new reality. In
the house he is a calm and delightful presence. Outside, he needs vigorous exercise daily. He is active and intense
outdoors. He has never shown any aggressiveness towards other dogs and engages and plays with other dogs entusiastically.
We have tested him for gun-shyness and he has none. We will likely begin more formalized field training in the fall.
Marcus has raised the bar for any dog that must follow in his paw prints. When it comes time to get another dog we will
go to Puddleduck Retrievers. You should, too."
Ben Johnson
Brunswick, Maine
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Frances,
When we purchased our chocolate lab puppy ("Bear"), it was after long and careful online research. We were
looking for a dog with exceptional temperament, a family dog, excellent with children and other animals. While
all puppies are adorable, Bear has grown into a handsome young adult, medium build, broad and powerful chest and
the classic lab looks that you can only see on field competitions on ESPN or at dog shows. Even as a young puppy,
people would comment on Bear's perfect features, and more importantly on his outstanding disposition and
temperament. As you know, we are now in the process of buying a second puppy from you. We considered a few
other breeds, but after a family discussion, agreed that your approach to breeding labs, clearly reflected in
the quality of your dogs, is as good as it gets. We wanted a perfect family dog and I am pleased to say, that's
what we have!
Thanks again; we can't wait to take Bailey home in March!
Jim Ferrini
Kennebunk, ME
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