NOVA SCOTIA DUCK TOLLING RETRIEVERS - TOLLERS

Edlyn Seastar Turn of Events, CGC “Turner” my Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, has been a turn of events in my life experience with dogs. For several years, I have been considering a second breed, and I just couldn’t seem to find the right fit. I was looking for a dog who had energy, easy to groom, medium sized, and who had a work ethic. One day, while in the Boston Terrier ring, I spotted the most appealing red dogs in the next ring. Curiosity got the best of me, and I decided to learn about these dogs, also known as Tollers. I became friendly with Jane Folkman, from Seastar Kennels, and before I knew it, I was heading down to Maryland to pick out my puppy from Sherry Seibel, DVM from Edlyn Kennels. My world has greatly expanded with Turner...from Field work, to obedience, agility, Freestyle dancing, and conformation...these little red duck dogs are so versatile and eager to please.

Turner is almost finished with his AKC Championship. In 2009, we have goals to complete his JH and WC, and hopefully be ready for obedience competition in another year. He is also getting ready for his Therapy dog certification. It’s a whole new world for me and I am loving every minute that I spend with Turner…and I’m gearing up for the addition of a female Toller in the next year or so.

The adjustment from non sporting dogs to sporting dogs has been huge. My Bostons continue to live to play and sleep on the couch, while Turner is always ready to work, and always waiting for the next retrieve. I find myself training outdoors under any conditions...frigid, snow, pouring rain….it doesn’t matter. If I fall asleep on the couch, the Bostons are cuddled with me, and Turner is dropping toys on me wondering why I am not throwing them. I will wake up to find myself nestled beneath a few Bostons and an armload of Turner’s squeaky babies and bumpers.

As my first Toller, Turner has many expectations to fulfill….so keep your eye on my drivey boy because I think we are headed for several titles in a number of venues. We’re dedicated to training to perfection, which means I am experiencing an intensity in training that I have not experienced before. As a result, I’ve put any breeding plans on hold while I explore Turner’s world of bumpers, ducks, heeling to music, and whatever else comes our way.

A huge thank you to the following people: to Jane Folkman for introducing me to the breed and supporting my efforts; to Sherry Seibel for allowing me to have such a quality boy, and to Celeste Meade and Buck Shope for being patient with my novice abilities but giving me support and high expectations for what I hope to achieve with Turner.