ALDWYCK LABRADORS

LYNN AND DAN OELRICH

GOOCHLAND, VIRGINIA

ABOUT US:

Our home (Aldwyck Labradors) is located on 25 wooded acres that includes a lake outside Richmond, Virginia.  We, along with our labradors, enjoy the rural setting with its quiet beauty.

We have been blessed over the years to experience the love and companionship of several breeds of sporting dogs, but it wasn’t until we acquired our first Labrador Retriever (non conformation) over fifteen years ago that we learned why the Labrador Retriever breed had become so popular.

Our first Labrador, My Gal Sam, for which this site is dedicated, was beyond description.  All of the best terms to describe the temperament of the Labrador breed do not come close to summing up this very special girl.  We simply loved her beyond words for all the joy our best friend brought to our lives.  When she died suddenly and unexpectedly in our arms at the young age of seven years, we were devastated and began asking how this could have happened to such a young and vibrant dog.

Our love for Sam and our subsequent research into the breed led us to the conformation arena and our mission of improving the breed.  It was at that time we decided to do what we could to achieve the objective of creating a top quality versatile Labrador, that includes rigorous health clearances.  Our goal is to produce a Labrador that has both the type and good looks to compete in conformation, the intelligence and trainability to succeed in retrieving (hunting)/obedience work, and most importantly, the wonderful temperament, that is the hallmark of the breed.

While doing research and enhancing our knowledge of the Labrador breed, we happened upon Sherry Anderson of Sher-Mi Labradors, whose kennel is “dedicated to the betterment of the Labrador Retriever through high ethical standards of excellence in selective breeding, exhibiting and preserving the breed's natural retrieving abilities and keen love of water”.  Under her mentorship and guidance, we read extensively, watched videos, and attended dog shows all in preparation for the selection of our first potential Labrador show dog.  One of the books we read (several times over) was Mary Roslyn Williams’ book, Shooting for the Stars.  One of the many things that resonated with us was the importance of developing a line breeding strategy which creates and/or maintains a type labrador consistent with the highest quality standards of the all purpose lab.

Ultimately, our search landed us with Lisa Weiss of Lobuff Labradors.  We don’t know why she decided to take a chance on us but we thank God she did.  We were blessed to get Annica as our foundation bitch.  Lobuff Hollyridge Annica has been a welcome addition to our family.  She is a quality bitch with an exceptional pedigree but more importantly; she is a special girl that warms our hearts.

With the ongoing mentorship of Lisa and other dedicated breeders of Labrador Retrievers, it is our mission to favorably influence (in some small way) the quality of the Labrador breed during our remaining years.

Whether or not one believes in doggy angels, we believe in the spirit of our Sam and that she continues to guide us.   Sam left this world in the month of May so when Annica’s first litter was born in May (Memorial Day); we believe that Sam continues to be with us.

We miss you, Sam.