Stockley's Space - "Venus"
English Setter Brood Bitch at STOCKLEY KENNELS
Comments from some happy owners of Venus litters
January 28th, 2003 - You can tell any of the new owners that they are in for a true treat
with a Venus pup. (Venus/Broker litter 2001), Sara Holley, Baltimore, Md.
Sept., 6th, 2001 - Cassie had a very good 1st day. She woke me up twice in the night to
potty, but slept right next to me. I had to work today but I had my Mom come stay with her.
They've already built a bond, she slept
on my Mom's feet all day! She has done great with everything. No potty
accidents in the house, learning no real well, went for car ride tonight to
get new toys and more food. She's doing perfect. Thanks for all the potty
training assistance, I've never had it so easy. She knows her name and is
very smart. I'm another satisfied customer. (Venus/Broker litter 2001), Dianna Klabunde, Anchorage, AK.
Sept., 9th, 2001- Thought I'd drop a line to let you know how Cassie is doing.
She slept most of the early evening and was bright eyed at 4am. I imagine she
has to adjust to the time difference also. My son got in yesterday and it
was my Mom's 70th, so the whole family got together. Cassie was not shy at
all even with all the people and kids. She did have her 1st potty accident,
too much excitement and I wasn't paying close enough attention. This morning
the family went for a ride and let her go for a long walk down a wooden trail
where she could pick up some new smells...birds, moose, other dogs, and down
by the water for some fish smell. She did real well. She was leading the
walk, criss crossing, and smelling, but never very far ahead. She hates the
kennel now, I probably would too if I had to spend 12 hours in it on a plane.
So if we have to leave her she runs free in the garage with her bed and
kitty. She's really taken a liking to my husbands socks...we finally gave
her one that she drags around. Yesterday my brother asks my husband if she was going to be a hunting dog or
a couch dog (as she was snoozing on the couch) he replied, "she'll be a hunter
when she's outside and a coucher when she inside, that's makes her OUR dog!"
(Venus/Broker litter 2001), Dianna Klabunde, Anchorage, AK.
UPDATE - Dec. 12th, 2001 - Thought I'd take a minute to bring you up to date on
"Miss Cassie", yes, she
is still the light of our life. Her and our granddaughter are best
friends...with the exception of being a little jealous of each other. Cassie
is so nosy that when we give Kylee a bath, she's fallen in the tub on
several occasions. By the way she is our first dog that doesn't mind a
bath...it's great. Our vet has english setter also and loves seeing
Cassie...(hers is orange and white male). I think Cassie has finally hit 20
lbs....she's a skinny tall thing....full of herself and speedy, she can run
faster than 15 miles an hour along side a snow machine for over a mile and
not even pant. She likes riding too. She can jump too, I mean really jump
from a stand still spot. She has a lot of personality and very bossy (vocal).
She's adapted well and loves the snow. She's very spoiled but we knew that
was going to happen. She's a smart little thing and we are very pleased.(Venus/Broker litter 2001), Dianna Klabunde,
Anchorage, AK.
3-29-02 UPDATE - Miss Lucy "Missy" who will soon be 9 months old is such a joy.
There definitely is something to good breeding; you should see her "work" a field. A real natural to which her
"natural mother/father" Venus can take credit. When we walk down a field, the trainer on one side and myself on the
other, she makes her sweeps and then figure eights as she checks back in to both of us. Responds to the use
of a whistle and hand signals. Almost makes me wish I could take her hunting. Thanks for producing the "best"...
(Venus/Broker litter 2001) Joanne Blake, Middletown, CT.
Sept. 5, 2001- Have just returned from my summer home on a private lake in Massachusetts
and received your telephone call. How thoughtful. You're baby is doing just fine. As you said, she goes to the door
(most of the time) and asks to be let "out"; whereupon she promptly squats and does her business. My trainer friend is
very impressed at how sharp and quick to learn Missy is. She is beginning to "sit" on command and within one day,
coming when called by her name. I must say, I've seen more sunrises this past week then I have in my lifetime. I
would get up early for morning classes years ago, but not this early! The second day, I came down from my upstairs
bedroom (feeling guilty) that I had overslept, and I could hear her "growling" at the strange noise approaching. Of
course, once she saw it was I, the ole tail started wagging. She was awake, but making no cries for attention. A trip
outside upon rising and after meals and hard play, usually produce the necessary functions. I wouldn't say she's
100% housebroken yet, but getting there. We have "time-out" in the kennel and she usually settles down and catches
up on her "beauty" sleep. At other times, she seeks me out and then falls asleep at my feet. Her favorite toy is a
stuffed "duck" are you sure you haven't had her hunting? (Venus/Broker litter 2001) Joanne Blake, Middletown, CT.
Sept. 06, 2001- Well, our trip to the vet went smoothly. The appointment was for 1:20 p.m.,
so the poor puppy just wanted to sleep after lunch. Actually, that was probably good. She was very good with the vet.
He was impressed at how "perfect" her confirmation was and at how docile she was during his exam of her. He even
clipped her toenails to see how she would react after sniffing the tool; she paid no attention to the process at all. Just
laid there taking in all around her. She weighed in at 10 ½ pounds. The second shot also included hepatitis and
coronavirus in addition to the second distemper and parvoviris. He said to come back at 12 weeks for the next in the
series, plus rabies. Feeding her now ½ cup three times a day which he said is about right (1 cup per 10 lbs). Said she
is working on 15 pounds so that was just about right. He was very impressed that you had called to check on her
welfare; said that was a sign of a "good" breeder. Wanted to know if she was "pointing" yet; said you bet telling him
how she pointed with Neil. Said the Nemex II product was a good one and and gave me her first heartworm pill
(Sentinel Puppy Pack). So all in all it was a good report. Thanks again for taking the time and care to produce such a
beautiful baby. She plays hard and then crashes for an hour or so (my que to take a nap). She has been very quick to
learn and a joy. Sorry to be so long-winded, but just wanted you to know how much I appreciate all you and Neil have
done. (Venus/Broker litter 2001) Joanne Blake, Middletown, CT.
Sept. 15th, 2001 - Missy is doing very nicely. Growing in leaps and bounds. She certainly
is a smart little pup. Showed her just once how to ring the sleigh bells on the door when she has to "go" out...and by
gosh! she rings the bell when I'm in the other room and have lost track of where she is...and she has to GO! Picking up
basic commands very easily. Keeps me going all the time. Thank you very much for your card/s. You truly run a
"classy" business. A joy to know. For sure, I will spread the word to any friend looking for an English pup. Joanne (Venus/Broker litter) Joanne Blake, Middletown, CT.
Sept. 16th, 2001- I can't tell you
how much I am enjoying Lulu she is the sweetest. She has her moments of
course like a puppy would but she is a real lover. She loves to walk and we
get around quit a bit. She is very friendly with adults and children and is
beginning to get familiar with a few other dogs. I will be signing us up
for doggy school starting in November which I am sure she well be great at.
She is already sitting on command without any trouble but getting her to
come sometimes is a whole other story. She loves it at Mom and Dad's place
a true place for her to enjoy the openness. We are still working the potty
training thing but she gets better all the time. Now she only goes when the
dog walker comes to get her and I think out of excitement and the fact she
has been holding it she doesn't quit make it to the door. Her ticking has really
started to come out the bigger she gets. (Venus/Broker litter 2001), Sara Holley, Baltimore, Md.
Oct. 9th, 2001- Well I can't even say what a wonderful dog you have provided me with.
Lulu is a pleasure to be with at all times. She is very quick and has been
responding to commands from about 9 weeks. I take her with me where ever I
can. We went to pick out our pumpkins last week. I have also begun running
with her on a limited scale and she couldn't be happier doing so. Each time
I look at her I am so thankful to have her and you have given me a real
beauty. I can not tell you how many times people have told me how pretty
she is and how beautiful her markings are. She's my buddy. Of course my
Dad when we see him loves her like a grandchild and checks up on her
regularly. (Venus/Broker litter 2001), Sara Holley, Baltimore, Md.
UPDATE - Every now and then I take a stop into the site to check out the pups. I keep
thinking I might want another but I really can't see loving another dog as much as I do Lulu we are best of friends.
We do everything we possibly can together. I tell you she has the energy and endurance of a marathoner. We
started Pets On Wheels a few weeks ago and all is going well, Lulu was made for it. The nursing care residents
love her and tell me how pretty she is. After reading all about the 2002 trial in June it makes me think that with
Lulu's energy and natural instincts she would be real happy doing some of that. (Venus/Broker litter 2001), Sara Holley,
Baltimore, Md.
Ginny is doing great. She house trained quickly and easily with
almost no work on our part. She is very affectionate and loves being with us. She also gets
along well with our Sheltie. Ginny has always been very obedient and learns quickly. In the
field she stays close and watches constantly for directions. She's such a pleasure. It didn't
take long after we had her home for us to see how much work you had put into her. Thank you
for all of your hard work. She's a fantastic dog! (Venus/Toby litter 1999) Bob and Susan Davis,
Taylor, Pa.
We named the puppy, Galt. He's doing great. We love him alot.
And he's growing. The vet said he's a healthy little dude. Can't thank you enough for
working out a way for us to pick him up on the highway. I am so glad we found
you on the internet. I saved all your emails with all your advice (I need it) and
I hope when we get our second puppy, we can drive out your way and I can meet you
in person. I'll be checking back on your site now and then to see when your book is
published. Feel free to use my words. Glad to pass on referrals. Galt is the ultimate
referral. He's just a precious pup. I still go to your website about once a
week just to see what's new and it's lookin' good. - Mr. & Mrs. N. Reed, Olathe, KS. (Venus/Toby litter 1999)
Just sitting here admiring pictures of your latest pups on your web
site. We have Galt from the Venus/Toby litter last fall. He's such a great pup. The
neighborhood kids love him. Our friends bring him special treats. My vet told me when I had
him in for a rabie shot and neutered at six months, he was one of the best looking setters he'd
ever seen. And he said, besides that, he's just a sweetheart. Nate has worked with him on
birds and is really pleased with his progress. In other words, we believe we have the
quintessential dog. We would like to buy a female from you and Nate wanted me to ask you
when Toby might be a daddy again? I wanted to inquire about the Maggie litter coming up
as well because I think Maggie is such a beauty. PS. Liked your article in Field Trial
Magazine. Does the book follow? Telma Reed, Olathe, KS. (Venus/Toby litter 1999)
UPDATE - Nov. 2000 - 13 months old - Thanks for the help over the
phone last month. I got a bunch of pigeons and worked Galt every night in some fields around
the house. Got him real excited about birds. He started pointing some. He found some wild
quail in the pasture behind our home. Went to Cuba Ks (near Belleville) opening day (last weekend). Weather
was cool and damp. Started snowing Sat afternoon and Sun morn we had 4
inches on the ground. Put Galt out at 10:00 Sat morn for the first time with other dogs in
wild birds. In light cover row crop he took off running down a row. Some other young dogs
joined in and it looked bad for the home team. But they found some birds and had a good
chase. Half way through the field, some trees and grass provided a natural break. Galt made
his first point on a wild bird (hen pheasant so I couldn't shoot). One hundred yards furthur
down the field and he points again. Another hen. Fifty yard further and another point. Covey
of 15 quail. Walked several other fields and he hunted up a storm. Heavy snow (100 yard
visability) started falling and only three of us kept hunting. We were walking a wide tree line.
I was on the outside edge and Galt was working in and out of the tree line. He came out 75
yards in front of me and started working my direction. As he approached a circle of grass he
raised his tail high over his head and locked up like a stone. After yelling to my buddies that
I had a dog on point I was debating whether to crack my gun and chamber a quail load.
A rooster pheasant made the decision for me when it flushed. As Galt watched the bird rise
I was able to contain my excitement enough to get off a good shot and knock the bird down
right over him. It landed under some trees and he bolted right in (had not yet got him to pick
up a bird). When I got there he was trying to snatch up the still quivering bird. I let him enjoy
it for a minute before I picked up the bird. He looked up with blood all over his nose, a mouth
full of feathers, and he was a different dog then the one I had just let out of the truck.
I could not be happier that Telma found your kennel on the internet (thanks Judy). Galt is
everything that I was looking for. We have a long way to go. He still does not hunt dead,
retrieve, or honor, but that just means I will have to (get to) spend some
time with my new best friend. If you make it out here this fall let me know. I would like you to see Galt.
Sorry for the rambling of a proud owner (I know you here this yak all the time) but I did want to thank Neil for spending
time on the phone with me and hope I can impose again when I am having problems with training. Your technique
worked like a million bucks. You have already sold this family another Setter and she is not even born yet.
Sincerest thanks, Nate Reed
UPDATE - 11-21-00 - Galt had some good points and I finally got
him to hunt dead (still a little shakey). He loves it. Hunts hard. Works at a comfortable
distance and pace for me. - Nate Reed
UPDATE - 02-15-01 Galt (1999 Venus/Toby litter 1999) continues to wow Nate with
his field work. They went to a game preserve last weekend after being absent from hunting
for quite a while (Nate twisted his knee in December). Nate said Galt never missed a beat in
finding and pointing birds. He also started honoring points and showed promise in retrieving
birds. Nate is so proud of that dog he can barely stand it. Nate was born and raised on a
farm and has been hunting with his brothers since he was small. Bird dogs and hunting are
not new experiences for him. I've known him since the eighth grade and I have never ever
seen him so attached or proud of an animal as he is of Galt. And what I love about Galt is
when he's not out with Nate hunting, he plays contentedly in the backyard or hangs out with
me and a cat or two in the house and is as sweet and as gentle as any dog could be. Nate
and I feel so lucky to have him.
UPDATE - 04-02-01
Nate has so much fun hunting with Galt that he wants to share that thrill with everyone. We
made ten video copies and mailed them out to friends and relatives. Plus the german
shorthair (the other dog in the film) was professionally trained and does
some contest stuff. Nate thinks Galt does pretty well considering all he had
as a teacher was Nate. The phone conversation Nate had with Neil last summer
was exactly the information he needed to get Galt going in the right
direction. If you two ever have time to do a book or a "real" video, you'll
be millionaires in no time. Nate is working with Galt on retrieving right
now and it's going pretty slow but we have a sweet, attentive dog that
really loves to learn so I'm thinking he'll get the hang of it.
Just one more thing. And I'll let you go. We were in Kanopolis (central
Kansas) last weekend for my parents fiftieth wedding anniversary. Nate took
his smoker (he cooked a pig) and so we had pig and music and a little beer
and wine for about 150 people to celebrate the occasion. I wanted to leave
Galt at our house in KC (neighbors on either side of us volunteered to take
care of him) but Nate said it would be a good experience for him. So Nate
parks his smoker in front of the American Legion Hall in Kanopolis and for
two days he and Galt sat out front by the smoker cooking pig and visiting
with all the locals to talk old times. The party was a big success. And so
was Galt. People were amazed at how well behaved he was. All the commands
he knows. How friendly he was. Nate was able to get more land to hunt for
next season (a lot of it is great for quail). I had to admit, Galt is a
natural ambassador of good will and friendship. Gee, Judy, just think how
long winded I'll be if I have two English Setters to brag about! Take care
and good luck with trials! Telma
Just wanted to let you know Steamer is doing great. As of today he has found 8 coveys of quail
and several singles. I took him up to northern Indiania a couple of weeks ago to hunt wild pheasants and quail. He
found 4 more coveys of quail and a pair of pheasants. I killed both pheasants and 6 quail. I also went to our local fish
and wildlife for put and take pheasants. I killed 8 pheasants in three trips. Steamer had solid points on all birds. I am
so impressed with Steamer that I sold my pointer. He was a very good dog but just liked to hunt to hard and fast. Steamer
is the only dog I have now. I have had several dogs and Steamer is the best. Tell Neil he is going to loose a lot more money
than he made on this wonderful dog. Ha! Ha! I have the next two weeks off so you know what I will be doing. Thanks
again for the wonderful dog. Alan Littrel - North Vernon, In. (Venus/Toby litter 1998)
I can't begin to tell you how much joy the pup has brought to this house. My grandaughter suggested we call
him"Hunter", so that's his name. Give him a few more days and he will have us pretty well trained. He likes attention.
I will keep you informed of his progress. Again, I can't tell you how much I appreiate having him. Jim Gilford,
Frederick, Md. (Venus/Toby litter 1998)
UPDATE - The English setter pup I bought from you kennel in December has brought us so much pleasure. As I wrote to you earlier, we are delighted with him in every respect and I want to thank you again.
He is still a lot of puppy. Curious to the point of being snoopy and possessed of selective hearing. He was tentative the first two times I had him in the field but no longer. He quarters very well and he's not bashful about plowing through heavy cover.
I have killed 28 ringnecks over him since Christmas; he has pointed each of them (as well as a few that I missed). He has not bumped a bird in all of that time and today (our last trip with a gun until fall) he found and pointed his first woodcock.
He's strong as an ox and has a lot more stamina than I possess; he still wants to hunt long after I've had enough. He hasn't retrieved yet although he will fetch anything I throw out for him. I will need to do some yard work with him this summer and
I hope to hunt him on grouse next fall. Thought you might be interested in his progress. Again, I couldn't be more
pleased with the pup and I thank you for the start you gave him and the real joy he has given us. - (Venus/Toby litter)
James H. Gilford, Outdoor Writers Association of America, Mason-Dixon Outdoor Writers Assoc., Inc. & Pennsylvania
Outdoor Writers Association
UPDATE - I thought you might be interested in Hunter's progress. He
is now 1 year and 11 months and doing very well. I hunted him on pheasants and quail last fall
and winter (both on released birds because that is all I had to hunt) and on woodcock last
October. He has a wonderful nose, good hunting sense and a real desire to hunt. I killed 32
pheasant, 27 quail and six woodcock, all of which he pointed and held except for a couple of
the pheasants. (Even pointed one that ran down a ground hog hole). Those numbers are not
important except to give you some notion of how well he is performing. He does not retrieve
yet but I will work on that this summer. I hope to be able to work him on grouse in the fall.
That's a sketch of where we are right now. I couldn't be more pleased with Hunter. (Venus/Toby litter 1998) James H. Gilford, Outdoor Writers Association of America,
Mason-Dixon Outdoor Writers Assoc., Inc. & Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association
UPDATE - Attached are a couple of shots of Hunter (AKA Teddy) att work. It was a very
windy day and the pheasants were wanting to run (so what is new). I was expecting a lot of Hunter to find and hold
the birds while I put down my shotgun and took photos. He is doing very well by my standards; we are having a great
time together. He works very well on pheasant , quail and woodcock (haven't been able to
get into grouse yet). Among his other talents, he can tell time. We eat about the same time every evening and if
Barbara isn't in the kitchen getting dinner ready at 5:30, Hunter lets her know about it. He curls up in
an easy chair in the T.V. room when we watch the evening news; as soon as the news is over, he takes off for his bed
in the kitchen without being told. He's gentle with the grandchildren, a wonderful watch dog and great field companion.
Thank you so much. Jim Gilford
UPDATE - Nov. 4, 2001 - Just a quick update on your Teddy, my Hunter. He's starting his
third year of hunting this fall and he just keeps getting better and better. In all modesty - he is everything I had hoped
for when I brought him home. He works very well on woodcock, quail, pheasant and grouse, everything I have hunted
him on over the past two seasons. He is easy to handle, anxious to please and great companion at home and in the
field. Once again, thank you. I'll send some fresh photos from this fall's hunt. Jim
UPDATE - 4-24-02
We (Hunter and I) had a great hunting season
from October through March - grouse and woodcock in October/November and
pheasants from November through March. Couldn't have a better companion to
with whom to share the fields and woods.
In addition to his bird finding talents, he can tell time (not watch or hour
glass needed) and he understands more of the English language than my kids
did at a comparable age. Jim
Thank you so much for your inquiry about our pup. At twelve weeks and 14
pounds, she is doing great. She is well mannered and very lovable. She is
learning a lot in her daily outings and has a beautiful point. We are so
happy that we found your kennel - you and your Setters have made this a
wonderful experience! We would recommend Stockley Kennels to anyone looking for an English Setter.
We were very happy to see such a well kept kennel and such interest in the
progress of your pups after they leave your care.
We will send more pictures as Easton grows and progresses. Julie and Mark Fedele - Smyrna De. (Venus/Toby litter 1998)
Tully is GREAT ! ! ! Fantastic even, the best ever, beyond all expectations.... as she has effortlessly fit right
into our little family from the moment we left your home. She was a flawless traveler and seemed to enjoy the back seat and all of my
daughters toys. The hotel stay also showed Tully's remarkable adaptable poise and calm mannerisms as she ate, slept, and did her
puppy things. We would just like to say thank you again from the bottom of our hearts for the wonderful puppy. We could go on and
on about how great we think she is or how she hasn't missed a day of work at the office yet or how pretty it is when she sets up on the
doves that frequent our yard in the morning. - Jeffrey Greiner - Inverness, Fl. (Venus/Toby litter 1998)
YOU SHOULD FEEL GREAT ABOUT MOLLY. SHE IS JUST THE GREATEST
DOG. WE ALL LOVE HER DEARLY. SHE'S GETTING BIGGER, BUT IS STILL AN INCH
HIGH. WE HAVE TRAINED HER TO HEEL, SIT, DOWN, SHE'S GREAT ON A LEASH AND SHE
CAN ALMOST FETCH. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR HER. SHE'S A REAL TREAT IN OUR
LIVES. SHE UNDERSTANDS NO AND IS JUST SO MUCH FUN. SHE GOES TO THE DOOR WHEN
SHE HAS TO GO AND SITS THERE CALMLY WHEN IT'S TIME TO COME IN. - Susan Bertelli - New York ( Venus/Toby litter 1998)
Please feel free to call (757) 678-0966 if you are seriously looking for an
English Setter pup. We will be glad to answer all questions that you may have.
E-mail: stockleykennels@esva.net
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Judy Lessard
Stockley Kennels
P.O. Box 298
Eastville, Va. 23347-0298
(757) 678-0966 or FAX (757) 678-0039