State Flower: Purple Violet
State Tree: White oak
State Bird: Cardinal
State Motto: Known unofficially as the “Prairie State”, a fitting nickname for a state that sets aside the third full week in September each year as Illinois Prairie Week to demonstrate the value of preserving and reestablishing native Illinois prairies.

Did you know… The Sears Tower, Chicago is the tallest building on the North American continent.

Source: www.50states.com

Hunting geese with Labrador retrieversFor the 21st consecutive year, the Labrador Retriever is the most popular purebred dog in America, according to 2011 registration statistics released by the American Kennel Club® (AKC). More than twice as many Labs were registered last year than any other breed making it a likely leader for many years to come.

Labrador retrievers are an easy breed to train.  If you are prepared to live with puppy-like behavior well into adulthood, the Lab is an excellent choice for a first time dog owner. Labs possess a strong desire to please and will do anything for some affection and a treat or two. Some owners think them to be difficult because they are so rambunctious, but the key is to start training them as puppies and keep training interesting and fun. Labs love to play, and if you make training a game, will participate with great devotion. Training should always begin at an early age.  Labs grow quickly and if they don’t have basic discipline early on, can become too large to control. They also behave like puppies for many years, so patience is an absolute must with a Lab.

If you need more reasons to consider owning a Labrador Retriever, be sure to read Ten Reasons to Own a Dog, a seven part article written by a counseling psychologist. She shows how owning a dog can help produce healthier, happier, more well adjusted children.

Woody and Judi Thurman have been breeding and training world class Labrador retrievers for more than thirty-five years. Their Labs can be found across the states from Alaska to Maine, from Montana to Texas. Visit our Puppy Page or call Woody or Judi for more information at 910.462.3246.

Call Woody and Judi Thurman at (910) 462-3246 for more information.