Gondolin's Tree and Leaf CGC, CDX, RE, S-TN-N, S-TG-N, Outstanding Novice Versatility, TN-O, TG-O, Can CD, WC

Date of Birth: March 19, 2004

CERF Clear done annually

Hips Good FR-4083G34M-PI

Elbows Normal FR-EL1177M34-PI

Niche is pointed in the conformation ring.

Niche's Pedigree

Ch C-City Francis Scott Key x Ch Gondolin's River Daughter

Niche hunting bumpers Fall 2006. He began hunt training in April 2006.

More photos of Niche hunting bumpers Fall 2006

Taken at the MAP, Inc April 06 NADAC trial, Niche is 25 months

Bringing back the Dumbell in Open Obedience, 6.06

Niche is a nephew of Regal's as Regal's mother, Scarlett, was River's (Niche's mom) mother. Niche's dad is Wyatt, a dog I have drooled over since 1999 when I 1st met him on a visit out to Sandee's. Niche comes from Gondolin Kennels in Washington.

You can see baby pictures *HERE* and more photos taken by Chris Butler *HERE*

Niche's name came from the theory that he is here to "A situation or activity specially suited to a person's interests, abilities, or nature: found his niche in life"

His registered name is in relation to the Tolkien books. "Tree and Leaf" was a collection of short stories and poems published about fairies.

Niche is the definition of flat-coat spirit. He goes through life at a 100 miles per hour, loving every moment of it and with the best attitude. He also has a lovely dark dark liver coat (at a local FCR meeting people didn't even see that he was liver, he is that dark). He has a terrific work ethic and will do what ever you ask of him with a 100% of his being. He loves to be moving, working and with you and will drive you batty if he isn't doing that at least some part of the day :-).

It took him about a year to figure out retrieving (due mostly to the fact that Regal and James beat him to every ball, bumper and stick). He can now run faster than them and therefore gets to the retrieve 1st. I take the dumbell out to practice for Open and he practically jumps out of his skin he wants to get it so badly. Same goes for bumpers and birds. His new favorite toy is one of those orange & blue flying squirrels, he thinks it is great.

Niche is a superb agility dog. He has the drive of the border collies and the accuracy needed to Q. He has lovely jumping form and running contacts. I am hoping (without jinxing it..) that he will be my Versatility NATCH dog with Superior Novice and Open titles along the way.

In 2006 we began tracking training and he goes at that with gusto as well. The friend who has been teaching me, tried to tell me at the beginning that tracking was a calm sport. I don't think Niche knows that. He sees the harness and lead come out and he starts his 'happy dance' on the front seat of the truck and whimpers with glee all along the track.

Niche is my 1st dog to ever finish his jumpers title before age 2.5! He did it in great style winning his class, and ran beautifully in the rainy, mucky and muddy weather! At the JAG agility trial in NJ in Jan 07, Niche picked up Novice Jumpers Q #6 to earn his Outstanding Novice Jumpers title! 4 more and we're in Open!

Niche finished his NADAC Novice Versatility title with a lovely fast and efficient Weavers run earning 1st place too boot at the Maplewood Assistance Partners, Inc NADAC trial in April 2007.

At the NEFCRC 30th Anniversary Fun Field Day in Oct 06, at our 1st time ever (I am so new at this!!) Unsteady Singles A Stake, we placed 2nd! He did very well!

At the Springfield Turkey Cluster in 2006, Niche picked up his 1st CDX leg with a score of 190! In Jan 07 at the NY Schenectady Dog Training Club shows, Niche finished his CDX with a 4th and 3rd place as well as getting 2 Excellent Rally legs both with 3rd places! Now on to Utility!

On a weekend in April 2007 at the Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada shows, Niche earned his Canadian CD in 3 straight tries! In addition he got two 2nd places and a 3rd place in the Novice class. He also went Reserve Winners Dog to a major at the booster (supported entry) on Saturday.

On his 1st try, Niche passed his WC test at the Yankee Golden Retriever Club test on May 12, 2007. He did great and had a very difficult water single that drifted right under the gunner's feet. He never gave up and one of the judge's commented that he had a lot of heart, and does he ever! We also placed 2nd in the Singles Stake.

Niche going Best of Winners at the WCKC show for point #2!

Baby Niche

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