04/06/2026
Happy 7th birthday Nox!
Today I celebrate the dog who all of this wouldn't exist without. 7 years ago a little black lab puppy came into this world that would turn my world upside down. I brought him home at 8 weeks and over the next 2 years he trained to become my service dog. That was all I had ever intended, was for him to graduate and help me get my independence back.
What started as agility classes to continue building his confidence after he graduated in Spring of 2021 quickly spiraled into us trying sport after sport and earning title after title. We first tried dock diving early summer of 2021 and there I met, Linda, who quickly became my mentor in the lab world. She encouraged me to get involved with the Greater Atlanta Labrador Retriever Club and it was a free fall from there.
18 titles, 1 point towards his AKC Championship, 10 points towards his UKC Championship, 2nd Place at 2024 NADD Southeast Reguonals, and 9th Place at 2024 NADD Nationals in the Senior distance division, later and we haven't slowed down. His first service dog trainer was who encouraged me to start working with dogs professionally, as it had never occurred to me before.
It too some time but I opened my business in 2022 and never looked back. The confidence and knowledge that I have gained from not only Nox's support and job as my service dog but also through our partnership showing in the conformation ring and in sports has been invaluable.
I would not be where I am today without him and I will always be thankful to have him at my side. I am even more thankful for the several mentors who have helped us get to where we are and supported our journey, from service work and sports, to conformation and helping me reach outside my comfort zone.
Thank you Nox for loving me and being there for me, always, my light in the darkness!
Happy Birthday and to plenty more years together!
"Nox"
IntCH Kentfield's Light In The Darkness RI NAP BCAT DM DSX CGCA CGCU TKA ATT FITB FTN
