Nearly seven years ago, our lives took an unexpected turn during the holiday season filled with the usual hustle and bustle, and our wedding. It all started the day we met Harley (the Labrador Retriever who would come to redefine our world in ways we never anticipated). A gift we didn’t even know we needed, Harley wasn’t just a dog; she marked the beginning of an incredible journey that started with a wedding present and evolved into a passion for raising training, and hunting alongside Labrador Retrievers.

A Surprising Auction Ending

Harley wasn’t part of our original plan. In fact, when we set out to bring a dog into our new family, we were certain we wanted a male (we also weren’t exactly sure on the color we always wanted chocolate or yellow). But fate, it seems, had different plans for us. Harley came into our lives thanks to our Brother-in-law's father who knew her breeder and asked him to put a puppy and training package into an auction. However, he ended up bidding on her without really wanting or needing another dog, but he knew the breeder had a strong lineage and was top of the line when it came to breeding and training, so he wanted to ensure the prize went for what it was worth. Our brother-in law suggested to his dad that since he didn't want a puppy a lab that would be pick of the litter plus training would be perfect for Landon who was helping guide hunts, and had grown up with a lab himself. His dad agreed, and they let Landon know. (Of course, we were in!)

Meeting Our Pup

We went to pick our puppy with every intention of sticking to our plan, but the moment we laid eyes on her, everything changed (for Landon atleast). As soon as we entered the trailer where she was, Harley didn’t run up to us with the exuberance of a puppy eager to impress. No, she ran to the far corner, a little uncertain, a little shy. It wasn’t the typical behavior you’d expect, and that’s precisely what caught Landon’s attention. We were there in November, wouldn’t return until December to make a final decision between her and the only male in the group, yet she stuck in our minds.

Decision Day

When we returned her breeder ushered into his home. We sat down in the entryway of the breeder’s home invading their Christmas festivities, trying to decide between the male and female puppies, Harley decided for us. She climbed up behind Landon’s neck, wedging herself between him and the wall as if to say, “This is where I belong.” That was it. We were hooked. From that moment, Harley became an inseparable part of our lives.

She spent countless hours in the truck, riding behind Landon, her little body snug between his neck and the seat. It wasn’t long before she outgrew that spot, but by then, she had already claimed her position as the passenger princess, always by his side, always ready for the next adventure.

The Unexpected Litter

As with everything else about Harley, even her first heat cycle turned into a surprise. She had been away for training, something that broke our hearts at the time. But when she returned, we noticed something different about her. Soon enough, we discovered that our strong-willed, stubborn alpha girl had managed to break out of her crate and had been bred by a handsome black stud while away at training.

What followed was a whirlwind of emotions and activity as we prepared for her first litter. We were flying by the seat of our pants, newlyweds trying to get pregnant ourselves, and now, we had a litter of puppies on the way. Seven puppies later, we were excited to find just one male among them. We decided to keep him, and that’s how Zeke, our third dog, joined the family. (I have a 10-year-old dachshund named Cooper; I will always have a dachshund..or two).

Harley: Queen of the Kennels

Over the years, Harley has proven herself to be more than just a pet. She’s a legend in our home, the queen of our growing pack. We now have 13 dogs, most trained or discovered by Harley’s breeder, who has become a lifelong friend. Harley set the standard for what we hope all our puppies will become—intelligent, well-trained, and extremely driven in the field.

Harley is more than just a dog; she’s the heart of our family, the inspiration behind our passion for Labrador Retrievers. She’s Landon’s girl, through and through, but she’s also mine in every way though I wouldn’t let her know that. We never imagined we’d fall in love with a dog that was a “her”, but now, we can’t imagine our lives without her.

I’m forever thankful for that stubborn, strong-willed black Labrador who came into our lives that Christmas Day. She may have been an unexpected gift, but she turned out to be the best one we could have ever received.