Sky-Lab Argus of Belvedere***, WC, OS
"GUS"

Gus is Trey's paternal grandsire and he is also a full brother to Cricket's maternal great-grandsire, Splashdown Sky-Lab Syndicate ***. Gus was owned and bred by Mercedes Hitchcock. Mercedes says the following about Gus:

Gus was bred from strong field stock, possessing good health and longevity. He earned 8 pts. in derby with 79% completion. In the spring of '81, he ran 5 quals, 3 placements and a Jam. In his 2nd Open, he received a JAM. When finally placed with a pro in the fall of '83, he received 3 thirds in 3 weeks, two in Amateur and one in Open; The water blinds had been his downfall because of my training. What Gus lacked in titles, he made up in his ability and prepotency in his get; he exhibited intensity, outstanding all age marking, style and speed, intelligence, and extreme birdidness.

Jim Dobbs saw him at a collar seminar in '81 and called him "cheeky". "Mercedes says, "Gus was the most self confident dog I've known - even on a water blind!" Taken just 3 days before Gus died at the age of 15 - still his old self.

Amber of Belvedere**, WCX

Amber is Trey's paternal grandmother. She was bred by Mercedes Hitchcock and owned by Ron Mayfield.

Ron said of Amber:
Amber is the first dog we have owned, and in spite of our lack of experience, she still earned nine Derby points and was listed as #3 Golden in Derby in the Fall of '89. That's right, no professional training, no electric collar, and she was still the most consistent dog in the spring derbies of '89; placing 4 times and one JAM in six trials. Her intelligence, intensity, marking ability, toughness and attitude made her a favorite of anyone who worked with her.

Ron went on to say Amber was known for her long, stylish water entries and her hell-bent speed in the field. She lived to retrieve and at the same time, was a very attractive specimen of the breed.

Sky-Lab Gandy Dancer WCX OD

Gus and Gandy
Gandy was not trialed but she was a wonderful producer.

Scarlet O'Hara of Belvedere*** OD

Another dog owned by Mercedes Hitchcock, Scarlet was her best all around competitor. In six derbies, she had 2 firsts, a second, third, fourth and a JAM.
Scarlet and Brit

Sky-Lab Belvedere's Baby Doll*** OD
Dolly

FC-AFC Tangelo's Side Kick OS FDHF

"Pardner" Owned by Bill and Terry Woods. Bred by Ted and Pat Gross.

AFC Bonnie Belle of Hunt Trails

Gandy's Dam. Very few Golden bitches became champions in the field.

Belvedere's Kyrie Angel CD JH WCX Can CD & WC

Owned by Mercedes Hichcock, she writes the following on Angie's training.

I put her through two formal obedience classes before the age of a year and started her field training about that time. She was on of the "toughest" dogs I've worked with for collar conditioning and force on land and water. She never balked and never flared on the double T. She is the strongest non-field bred Golden I've trained and her improvement level was spectacular. Apparently she is a good worker, although her field work has been limited.

Six months after her JH was earned, I asked Laura (Linder) Gibson to put the all important obedience finesse training on Angie, with the stipulation that she be shown in two to three months. With 3 weeks out for a heat period, Laura did the near impossible with her and they became a beautiful team. This is what Laura had to say about her:

"Training Angie was a pure delight. She is the most tractable, even-tempered dog I have ever put my hands on. She was always "willing to please". If I ever saw this willingness falter, I could be assured our lines of communication had weakened. She is an "honest" dog: all you have to do is tell her the rules of the game and she will do her best to abide. She has the drive and desire to follow through with the training given to her. Time and time again, I asked of her Perseverance, Tenacity, and Endurance, and time and time again she gave her utmost."

 
Angie, Gale's Dam

Taken on my trip to Houston in late '99, Angie at 11 years old with Dad's slipper.