Hi Richard,
Here is a copy of your (State of Wisconsin) inspection report. Pleasure meeting with you! Keep up the good work.
Shawna W.
State of Wisconsin Companion Animal Inspector
Division Of Animal Health-DATCP
August 17, 2011
Richard, I wanted to thank you for such a wonderful dog from Lilly x Chico. She was house broken within a week. She seems highly intelligent and doesn't even require being kenneled up when were gone. She roams the downstairs with no problems. I have her retrieving goose wings in the backyard and look forward to hunting with her next season. I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that I've handed out all the business cards you sent with me to neighbors and friends who have fallen in love with her. If we're ever in the market for another Lab, I would choose you guys again hands down. Thank you.
Nate M., Freeport, IL
Teagan has been an absolute joy to our family. She is healthy, vibrant and very smart. Thank you for investing your time and talents into breeding and raising such quality Labs. We wish you the best in 2012.
Tina and Gary F., Waukesha, WI
Hey Richard, We wanted to shoot you an email and let you know that Dawson, our male yellow born to Josie and Billy on 12/05/10 is just wonderful. It is his 1st birthday today and he is a incredible dog! We are so lucky to have come across Thunder Labs. Hopefully we can come visit soon although I have a feeling we would leave with another :) Sincerely,
Gavin, Andrea and Dawson, Madison, WI
Took the girls (Faith and Hannah) to the vet Monday. The vet was very impressed with both of them during the exam. Hannah is now 32# and Faith weighed in at 6.7#.
Debbie J., Racine, WI
Richard, We are extremely happy with the pup you sent me. He is such a lover, and has all of the positive attributes his half brother had without the hyperness. He and my other Lab, Kobe, who is 3 years old, are the best of friends and get along great. I have named him Trip, after his father. He demands that I let him in when I take a shower, and shows a huge amount of spunk with my older and much larger female lab. I am very pleased and grateful that I purchased this dog from you!
Rick T., Reno, NV
Hi Richard. Thought I would check in and let you know that Reese is doing GREAT. He loves swimming and being up North with us. He is truly an awesome addition to our family. I hope you are doing well.
Take care.
John M.
Dear Richard,
Just wanted to send you an update on Stella. She has been a bundle of energy and fun for this first year and Ron and I are both so glad that we chose you and your wonderful operation for our family member. We can't go out to the park or for a walk without someone commenting on how beautiful she is. As you can see from the photo she's grown into a very charming dog. She has filled our empty nest quite nicely. I have never seen a dog so loving and eager to please. As we approach her first birthday I can't imagine life without her. Just wanted you to know that we adore her.
Ron and Diana H., Wausau, WI
Thought we would send you a message and let you know that the Yellow pup we bought from you has been a wonderful addition! Dawson is about 8 months old now and enjoys swimming and playing with friends at the dog park. We could not be happier with him. Someday in the future we are thinking about adding a little black lab (one we originally came in to see, if you remember, but had to leave with the yellow). Hope all is well and we enjoy looking at the new litters on your site.
Gavin G., Madison, WI
First, I wanted to thank you for a wonderful dog…. Grover, a chocolate lab, was bought from you in 2007 (he was born 12-16-06). He is doing really, really well and can be seen at the following link:
http://lauriehaagphotography.zenfolio.com/p502982038
I began entering dock diving competitions (www.dockdogs.com) with Grover last year and I’m happy to say that in his class (novice) he is #7 in the nation! He also comes to work with me every day, and I’m grateful that I can do this.
The main reason I have written is that I am really interested in getting a second Labrador, either black or yellow, and was noticing on your website that some were still available. Would it be possible to come by and see them, in addition to putting down a deposit for one of them? I now live in Iowa, but it’s not too terrible a drive and I can easily do it on a weekend if that’s possible for you. I’m looking for an athletic dog who might take to the dock diving sport like Grover did. All the best,
John Manak, Ph.D , University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA
Hello Richard,
I can see from your website you are very busy with puppies. I just wanted you to know what a wonderful first dog experience we have had raising our black female pup from Sidney and Chico born in February. We came to you looking for a calm "chill" dog and boy did you choose right for us. We have such a beautiful, sweet, calm and playful girl. She started obedience training right away and she has done fantastic. My 13 year old son had her retrieving repeatedly at 8 weeks and now is training her on whistle commands and she is doing great. I cannot imagine my life without a dog in it so please keep making great labs. I have given your name to several people who have remarked on what a well behaved lab pup we have. What a blessing we have in our Montana.....many thanks to you.
Heather, Steve, Gabe and Ethan S.
Richfield, WI
Hello from Las Vegas!! I just wanted to send you a recent photo of our sweet Flower Bud and to thank you for picking out such a wonderful puppy for our family! At first I was a little hesitant on letting you choose a puppy for us, that being the control freak in me, but I honestly don't think I could have done any better myself! Flower has brought so much joy and happiness into our lives. Her favorite thing to do is be our little outfielder and retrieve all the balls when my two little girls play softball in the back yard. She has a wonderful disposition and in the last 8 months I have only heard her bark once! So much for a guard dog, hee hee hee:) We all love her so much!
I saw on the website that Mary is having another litter very soon, anyone who receives one of her puppies will be more than happy with their pup!! We would love to get another pup from you but want to hold off until Dude sires a litter. Any ideas as to when that may happen? I know he is still a youngin like Flower but he is so beautiful and we will be looking for yellow next time.
Well that's all for now. Thanks again for the wonderful gift you gave to our family in Flower Bud!!
Hailey M., Las Vegus, NV
I bought a black female DOB 11/3/10 from you, picked her up in late January and drove to California. Sara is now 45 pounds and an absolute joy. Highly intelligent, athletic and loving. My daughter, Rebecca, recently bought a yellow from you also. I know you are just a young guy like myself and will continue to breed dogs forever but just in case you have any ideas of stopping your program please notify me in advance so I can buy another Lab. We plan on buying another in 3 years or so and do not want to miss out on another of your superior dogs. Thank you.
David S., San Diego, CA
Hi Richard,
I wanted to send you a couple of photos of Mac, who we got from you last summer. I took Mac out to western Nebraska in December when he was only seven months old. I could not be more pleased with this dog. He was young but I thought he was big enough to handle these big birds. I had worked him with wings and such and this was the first trip hunting real birds over him. He did great. First bird was a crip at about 150yards. He looked like a linebacker hitting a back coming through the middle. My friend who lives in Nebraska told me he has hunted birds over 40 dogs in as many years. He said that this is one of the best he has seen. Coming from him, that's huge. Another hunter who lives out there has a four year old yellow that has been to formal training. He ran out to one dead goose, looked at it and ran back without it. My buddy asked me to send the "puppy". He brought it back no problems. You can imagine the grief this guy got from the hunters in the pit, about the "puppy".
Bill H., Cary, IL
Just wanted to thank you again for the chocolate lab we adopted from Lilly and Chico's litter born last April. We were extremely impressed with how trainable our puppy was and continues to be. I've attached a couple of pictures from our outing to the park this afternoon. We can't wait to add a yellow lab to the family when the Dude sires a litter of his own!
Nick Z. & Maren M., Milwaukee, WI
I am on your website all the time. It makes my day to see your beautiful dogs and puppies. Keep the pictures coming!! Sometime I would like to bring Riley out to show you. I know you were very fond of her, "carrying her around in your pocket”. Thanks again for the wonderful dog.
Linda B., McFarland, WI
Attached is a photo of our dog that we got from you 1 1/2 years ago. Just wanted to check in with you and let you know what a special dog he is. We are having lots of fun with him: he is so loving, smart and a pleasure to be around. Thanks for providing us with such a great companion. We look forward to many happy years with him. I'll be sure to recommend you whenever I can.
Kathy V., Winnetka, IL
Thank you so very much for our wonderful doggie Sullivan! From the moment we picked him up at the airport, he has brought nothing but joy to our lives! We had to have Richard pick out our puppy for us since we live out in California, and we can honestly say that he nailed it! Sullivan is gentle, loving, playful, protective, and just a pleasure to be around. We have only had Sully for the past 5 weeks....but our little guy has already settled right in with our family. We adore him! Thank you Richard!!!!
Kelly S., Long Beach, CA
Your kennel operation is quite impressive! The kennels were very clean and the dogs were in great shape. It's apparent you love what you do.
Mike R., Hartford, WI
Just thought I would let you know that our "Bunker" is quite the treat...He is such a smart, loving and happy dog. He brings alot of joy to our family. I am sending a recent photo of him so you can see what a beautiful dog he has turned out to be. He is from Billybob and Pattons Sweet Thunder born 04/30/2009.
Dawn K., Baraga, MI
Just a note to let you know that the boys, Bud and Chip, are doing great w/ ducks and pheasant. Each dog has their own hunting style and fun to watch. They also have passes in AKC Jr and HRC started tests and look forward to them completing the initial titles in the first part of 2011. Much training yet to do and look forward to the challenges that arise.
Regards,
Patti and Todd D., Janesville, WI
Hello Richard - Just wanted to share with you how great Guenther's doing. I enrolled him in Part 1 of obedience class. He was awesome. He was definitely the instructor's favorite throughout the class as she was frequently using him to demonstrate activities. The amazing thing is I wasn't always able to do the "homework" between sessions, but he's SO quick to learn that it didn't matter. He made it look like we had been practicing alot!! Thanks again for such a wonderful, smart dog! You raise great stock!
Dianne G., Monticello, IL
I think its a blessing that some how I found you and that you brought Lucy to me/us. We are very thankful to you. You make me believe that there are very good breeders out there for the people. What you do and how you treat your dogs makes me believe. (In my search) I saw a lot of BAD and not so much Good. I found you and I found "GREAT"!! You would be really proud of Lucy-She is PERFECT!!!!!!
Kathy W., Hubertus, WI
Richard, We have the pleasure of owning one of your pups out of Black Thunder Billybob JH (Billy) and Patton's Sweet Thunder (Sidney), April 2009 litter. We named him Hershey's Thunder Buddy General G.S. Patton (Patton). We did not select him from the litter. I called you and entrusted you to pick a Black Male out of this litter that would mesh with our very submissive chocolate 3 year old lab. (unfortunately, we did not get this one from you) We wanted him to be large, dominate, a cuddler, a good dog with grand-children and protective. You hit it directly on the head!!! We got exactly what we told you we wanted. We love him and there has NEVER been a minute that we were not pleased with him. One of the easiest puppies/dogs we have ever had the pleasure of training. I send everyone I can your way.
The only problem I now have, is that we are so very impressed with the socialization program that you have for your puppies, the health, bone structure, personalities, and your uncanny ability to pick just the right puppy out of a litter based on what personality traits we want it to have, I am trying to figure out how we can fit 3 Labradors in our home! One of each color of course!!!
Thank you again so VERY much for the fabulous pup! He is just a beautiful and wonderful addition to our family! I am sure I will be seeing you for more Labradors in the future...
Susan and Tom N.
Kenosha, WI
It's been one week and I wanted to let you know that "Chip" (Chocolate Chip) already knows how to tell me that he needs to go outside to use the bathroom.
I designated a spot behind our house, and using your advice, I picked him up out of his crate at night and first thing in the morning (rather than just letting him walk around in the house) and put him in his "potty spot" on the grass. Then every day after that I'd walk to the spot saying "potty" and he'd follow me, and he became more and more familiar with where the spot was and what it was for.
Then after having him for 6 days, he scratched on the back door and whined a little bit, so I opened the door and he ran right to the spot and went to the bathroom. So now if he scratches on the door, or sits in front of it and whines or barks, that means he has to go out.
Also, I think you've helped me get over a great puppy hurdle by having him crate trained already. He had no problem staying in his crate overnight in our den right from the first night. He didn't whine or bark, he sleeps all night, and I think the fact that he felt familiar with it was the reason.
Thank you--we are enjoying our Chocolate Lab! Here's a photo of our son Thomas with Chip.
Victoria D., Cottage Grove, WI
Hi, Richard....it was a year ago today that Mom and I adopted "Sadie". She is an awesome friend and companion! I had some doubt when you said she'd know the difference between my Mom (who's 97 now!) and me. She is so gentle around my Mom, everyone is just amazed! I just wanted you to know that I really appreciate Sadie and tell her everyday how much I love her. She has bonded with me so well....it seems, sometimes, she can read my mind! She's very easy to train and just a joy to have live with us. Thank you, again for Sadie.
Lauretta S.
Good Morning Richard. I have one of Seven's (Last Litter) and Chico's female puppies. Well, she is not a pup anymore. We named her Lola and she is by far the best dog that we have every owned. I never had a female dog before, but I have to admit, I do love her to pieces. She is smart, beautiful, well behaved and a great addition to our family. We are thinking about getting another pup in the Spring. We just think the world of you and the pups that you produce. If you could let me know, I would appreciate it. Thanks again and Thank you for Lola.
Eileen Z., Antioch, IL
We had the honor of getting one of Mary and Chico's puppies last winter. "Birdie" has brought a lot of joy to our life. She is fun loving, carefree, but focused all at the same time. No one is going to mess with one of her 'babies'. One of my 3 children. From day one they were hers to protect and love. To say it has been smooth sailing would be stretching the truth. I mean come on she was a puppy. But her intellegence and good heart made house training and socializing a lot easier than what it could have been.
When it is time for bed. She jumps up on my 2 year olds bed for her bedtime story. Stays with her until she falls asleep and then moves to my 3 year olds bed and jumps up for his bedtime story. Stays with him until he is asleep and then curls up with my 12 year old while she reads in bed. When she sees we are making our nightly rounds to check on the children she proudly walks by us and lays her nose on their bed. Then it is up on our bed for some cuddling, but within a half an hour she is dutifully laying in the hallway in the middle of all 3 children's bedrooms.
She was the best family Christmas present we could have gotten. After we lost our beloved yellow lab we never dreamed we could find one who we could love as much and who would love us as much. But we did. She is now in training for bird season. Such a sad time for us. We make the 5 hour drive to see her every other week. And the rejoicing between children and dog is beautiful for me to see. After one day in training we were asked if we would be willing to sell her by the trainer. Our answer a loud "No". He had said that it would take 3 months to get her through the beginning course of bird training. 5 weeks in and she is already started on the Intermediate.
Birdie is a beautiful, intellegent and loving dog. We couldn't have asked for more. From all of our family. Thank you so much. We love her.
The Harveys, Ishpeming, MI
Lola is absolutely beautiful and very smart, catching on to everything very quickly. She is doing very well....we couldn't be happier!!! Thanks again.
Shauna D., Milwaukee, WI
Just to let you know that our black lab puppy, Roscoe, is doing well. He is completely housebroken; I can count his accidents on one hand. He seems very smart and trainable in that he knows sit, down, leave it, drop it, come commands. He is up to the usual puppy stuff, and loves the newspaper, toilet paper, pillows and dishrags. Thanks for all your hard work. He is a wonderful pet.
Deb H., Mukwonago, WI
We just celebrated our puppy, Beasley's, 1st birthday yesterday. We have enjoyed her so much this past year. We are a family of six with two older children in college and two younger kids. All six of us have so much love for this dog. Needless to say she probably gets more affection than anyone in the family! We have worked hard with her completing beginning and intermediate puppy school. She has a great personality and is very friendly. Can't say thanks enough for providing us with such a sweetheart of a dog.
The Schostok Family, Wadsworth, IL
Just a quick update on our dog "Mel" we got from you. He has turned out to be a fantastic family dog and great hunter, he is very lovable with the kids and naturally keeps a close eye on them. Thanks again.
Dave B.
Hope all is well. "Reese" is awesome, we couldn't be happier! Take care. Kinds regards.
John M., Shorewood, WI
Just wanted to leave you a quick note to let you know "Cooper" is doing great. He met all the kids and dogs in the neighborhood and was very calm and gentle. He is house training very well for a 13 week old boy! I know he will grow up to be a great family pet. Thanks so much for him, everyone that has met him says what a nice looking and mannered pup he is.
Rick and Angela A., Madison, WI
I received one of your black male pups out of Gabby and Lil Trooper last May 15. He is a great dog and we named him Sooner. I just wanted you to know what a good "Sooner dog" I have and that you truly live up to your reputation of raising calm, well adjusted dogs. Thanks for a great dog!
Sue B., Fort Atkinson, WI
Our Rhyder (Rhyder's Secret Agent Seven Chico) was last of the litter but, is tops at our home. She will be a year on March 30th. She is learning hand signals plus all the other commands and obstacle courses. We hope that next November she will become a Therapy Dog going to a local nursing home and hospitals. In the evening when David goes to the living room, she sits in front of the TV until it is turned on, then she lays on her pillow, watches her favorite shows and shares an evening treat with David. During the day, she is my constant companion. Due to health problems, I often take an afternoon break. She lays on her pillow next to the bed and doesn't get up until I do. Something I call quite amazing for a "puppy". We are so happy that we had the chance to meet you, your wife and all the dogs. We hope you will add this to your testimonial page.
David and Gail J., Wausau, WI
I bought a yellow Lab from you last November. I couldn't be happier with my dog Homer. He is such a lovable dog and is a great little man. He is about six months old and we look forward to having him be a part of my life and future family for years to come. Again, I wanted you to know how happy I am.
Chris F.
Nicole and I would like to say thank you for such a wonderful dog we have from you. Jersey has been a great addition to our family. She has been very loyal, intelligent and willing to please. She has so impressed my father, a long-time dog owner, that he took her to Canada with him this fall. She was seven months old and she did wonderful for her age. By the second day she was making 500 yard retrieves. She was water retrieving by the third day. Nicole and I have been enriched every day by Jersey being in our lives. She is so much a part of our life that this May 8 when Nicole and I get married, Jersey will be making an appearance in our wedding photos, which we will be sure to send a copy to you. Thank you again for such a great dog!
David and Nicole W., Milwaukee, WI
I just wanted to touch base with you on our puppy. We had second pick female of the October 9 Mary/Chico litter. Ruby has been just wonderful. We are training with her daily and she is picking up on things quite easily. I just wanted to let you know how pleased we are with her. Thank you.
Jerry and Chris T., Iola, WI
I don't know if you remember me but I bought a puppy from you in January of last year. She will be two on November 21. She is a little champion and is rated 52nd in the USA for Dock Diving Dogs. She got invited to Nationals and everything. She is also sponsored by companies for her dock diving. I thought you'd be interested in that and hopefully I can bring her to you to see how she has grown and how much of a great dog she is. Such a wonderful personality. I would like to thank you again for her. She's really changed my life.
Kelly B., Hundelein, IL
Rocky is not only what I wanted but he is an excellent animal. He absolutely adores my son, listens well, and was very easy to train in all facets of behavior. I am so very impressed with your dog. I can not tell you how wonderful your company is. Your facilities were clean and your knowledge surpasses the veterinarian's. Anyone who chooses to buy a Labrador Retriever from anyone in southeastern WI is doing themselves a disservice if they do not go through you. I am so impressed that in two years I would like to get a chocolate to accompany Rocky. We never anticipated a second animal, but it makes sense if the next dog even approximates Rocky. You should be very proud of your work. I have had many dogs of various breeds and have never come across such a wonderful experience. My wife hates dog hair but ironically she gets it all over her and loves it because she is so impressed with Rocky's unconditional love for our son. This dog is his shadow and would do absolutely anything for him. If fact, he listens to everything Luke says and obeys every command. Professionally yours,
Dr. Michael K., Milwaukee, WI
Abby is absolutely wonderful. She is everything we hoped for and more. Abby has an outstanding temperament, very calm, always seems happy and is truly a people person dog. Many people comment on what a beautiful coat she has as well as body structure. I have started on retrieving and it seems to come so naturally for her. We have also completed the first of four classes to have Abby certified as a Pet Therapy Dog. Richard and Mirella, we could not be happier!!!
Michael and Mary Jo W., Hartford, WI
We are really enjoying becoming acquainted with our new puppy from Girl's litter. We decided to name her Jenna and we are very impressed with her. She whimpered for only 5 minutes when we put her to bed last night and then she slept through the night. Thanks for making our experience so enjoyable and your professionalism throughout the process.
Rob and Shawn T., Sun Prairie, WI
Thank you for making our first visit to see our new puppy so amazing! You have such a wonderful setup and such a great relationship with your dogs - we are impressed. The dogs are all so beautiful and the puppies are precious. I have a feeling we might be back for another someday in the near future.
Jane and the Gang, Milwaukee, WI
Pepper is fabulous and is possibly the world's smartest and loving dog! She seems to have her own fan club too. Kids want to know if she can come out to play, and at Halloween they ask if Pepper is home so they can pet her. She is so gentle, well mannered and friendly that we never worry about her around animals or people. I went from not really wanting a dog, (John did though) to the fact that I would throw myself in front of a bus for her. We cannot image life without her, but if and when the time comes that we ever get another dog - we will be coming back to you. We recommend you every chance we get.
Heidi and John L., Madison, WI
I cannot tell you how happy we are to have Hyde as part of our family. He is just perfect. I am so thankful to you! When we decide to get another pet, we will definitely be calling you.
Mitch and Brit, Casper, WY
On May 9th we celebrated our puppy's first birthday and just wanted to say thank you for the great puppy. She is now 60 lean pounds and the friendliest dog I have seen. Her temperament is great around the house, she can relax when we are busy but has tons of energy when it's time to play or go for a walk. She has an amazing ability to adapt to her environment. When she goes to my parents to play, they let her run around, bark and be crazy. But when she comes home she can turn that switch off and relax if we are doing homework. I have attached a few pictures of "Boomer". Again, thank you for a great puppy.
Josh A., Machesney Park, IL
I wanted you to know that we have enjoyed 3 excellent days with our new puppy. He has adjusted well to the entire neighborhood of kids and has been awesome through the night. We will make sure to send some pictures as he grows up. Thanks again for a nice experience getting a puppy from Thunder Labradors.
Chris H., Sturtevent, WI
Blazer turned one year old on Saturday and we thought you might enjoy an update. We couldn't be happier with him! Blazer is quite possibly the sweetest dog we have ever known. He has also learned to bikejor and skijor. In fact, he pulls better than many of the huskies and mals that I know! Our veterinarian/skijor companion claims that he's the best Lab ever! We have to agree. Thanks again for Blazer. We will be sure to recommend you in the future!
Erica and Brian N., Lake Mills, WI
We can't tell you how impressed we are with Missy. She is training so well! Crate trained, no problem. Hunting, she is so smart! Definitely in the blood! She sits and comes with whistle or command. Knows her name. She retrieves both on land and in water!!!! Wow! She will be a great hunting dog and so lovable as well. She already weighs 16 pounds! Thanks!
The Mulfords, Plainfield, IL
We just wanted to drop you guys a note saying how much we love our Bodi. We wanted to commend you on your ability to raise smart, good natured puppies that people can welcome into their families.
Erik and Kristen E., Hartford, WI
Shawn and I just wanted to let you know what a WONDERFUL and incredibly smart dog Spunky gave us! Sandy has been truly amazing and we believe that we got the most perfect little puppy. We've taught her Come, Sit, Down and Shake and she's impressing everyone who meets her with her skills for such a young age. We can't tell you enough how happy and amazed we are with your puppies.
Elizabeth and Shawn K., Mequon, WI
Piper's retrieving gene turned on at 6 1/2 months and it amazes me how she went from "puppy fun playing" retrieves to super-intense trembling-on-the-line retriever. We started doing some formal marking work and she loves it! She's also the star of our Agility 1 class, picking things up a lot faster than the other dogs and having a blast. Gotta run, but thanks for such a fabulous pup!
Lisa T., DVM, McFarland, WI
Just wanted to send you a quick note to let you know Hunter is doing very well! Our vet was very pleased with him and said whoever removed his dew claws did an exceptional job! He and our daughter, Cloe, are inseparable as well. He is a loving addition to our family. We are so glad to have him! Thanks again for giving us such a wonderful companion!
Julie F., Janesville, WI
I just wanted to drop you a note and let you know Ivy is doing great! She is getting acquainted with her new home and her new sister, my 2 year old yellow Lab. She is coming along very well with her potty training. She plays hard and sleeps hard. I couldn't be happier! Thank you!!
Sandra E., Chicago, IL
Cody is fitting in nicely with our family and is a very smart pup. He is already responding to commands and is crate training beautifully. He is great with the kids too! Thanks again!
Jennifer L., Eagle, WI
We purchased a puppy from you last year on September 11. We named him Wilson. Wilson is incredible. A wonderful, intelligent, beautiful dog and a true gentleman. We thank you.
Zach and Laura S., Cedarburg, WI
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