Aspen Acres Kennel

08/18/2026

Gina vom Steinmetz. Mother to Lotti, Grandma to Darla, Great-Grandma to our A litter. I would put money on over 100 puppies and counting in the US directly trace back to her. She left her mark and built her ever lasting legacy. Gina was a matriarch and sweetheart. She will be missed.

Yesterday we had to do one of the hardest things ever—say goodbye to the one who started us on our LM journey, and the foundation of our Willow Hill Kennel. RIP Gina vom Steinmetz.

08/16/2026

We are proud to congratulate Elizabeth and Aspen Acres Asha on their well earned Prize 2 in the NAVHDA Natural Ability today. Big Purps starting it off right! 💜🎉💜🎉💜

Prize 2 for Ash! 🎉🎉🎉🎉 5 months old. 💜

06/09/2026

Darla and Lotti got a couple birds last weekend during a training day. We also did some water retrieves afterwards to help cool them down. Before we know it hunting season will be here and they both need to build muscle, stamina and endurance. The house still feels a little empty with the pups gone but the happy updates keep rolling in and making us smile. Gotta love this bird dog life.
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05/15/2026

Darla and Lotti got some bird work in last night.

05/10/2026

On this gorgeous Mother’s Day weekend Darla finally got a little peace as all of the wonderful families picked up their A litter puppies. Darla did everything she could to start them off right before sending them on their new hunting adventures. From South Dakota to Maine and down to North Carolina, these puppies scattered like aspen leaves in the wind. Good luck and good shooting everyone. We can’t wait to get all of the updates.
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05/08/2026

Allow me to properly introduce everyone to the Aspen Acres A Litter.
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05/05/2026

The days we have with these 7 large monster puppies are dwindling. Making the best we can out of what little time we have left is important. The weather cooperated yesterday and we got the puppies out with pigeons one last time. Again the goal is only to socialize, but this time individually. Each pup got their own turn or two with a pigeon. They learn the bird is nothing to be scared of, wings flap and make noise, and they cant catch them. There are glimmers of point in some stop to flush reactions from them. I noticed a few tucked paws and straight tails.

Over the next year the families will get to see the light bulbs turn on for each puppy, from the first point to the first wild bird. I am excited to see the pictures and hear the stories of these pups as they go out and do what they were bred to do.
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04/30/2026

Post breakfast nap time. These pups are gremlins! Not long after this the litter box was emptied all over the whelping box floor and they shredded the p*e pads. They are lucky they are so cute. 9 days and counting.
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04/28/2026

6 weeks old now. They are fun. Things are happening in their world. Car rides, new toys, new treats, its a world full of surprises.
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04/24/2026

The puppies had a busy day yesterday. They went on a car ride to meet and then got their first introduction to dead game, and live pigeons. And after all of that was done, a Ruffland Kennel was added to their whelping box.
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