Stockley's DeCaf
Stockley's DeCaf
English Setter Dam
at STOCKLEY KENNELS
Comments from some happy owners of DeCaf's litters

04-20-03 - Thank you very much for your call today. The puppy we got from you in January is going to be a real gem, and mighty handsome. His name is "Big Marsh Max" and we call him Max. He is terrific. He is gently, calm, polite, smart and really good looking. We all love him. From the moment Betsy and my two boys saw him he has gotten the royal treatment. He is as fabulous in and around the house as he is on the lead in the field. I have started working with him and he will undoubtedly train himself. I just can't say enough about this dog. I am extremly pleased. He also has the most gently mouth of any dog I have ever had. He retrieves and likes it. What can I say. I will continue to let you know how max is doing and I will send a photo when I first have him on birds. Sincerely, Andrew McCown, Betterton, MD.

Nov. 12, 2001 - Thought you would enjoy these photos of Holly (Hope) both "in the field" and "on the couch." She is doing great...yard work is coming along faster than expected. She is a very bright puppy who enjoys people nearly as much as she enjoys her groceries. (Decaf/Tech litter 2001) Joe Dougherty, Lewisburg, PA.

UPDATE - Nov. 1, 2003 - Holly has exceeded all expectation at 2 years. 2 months. She is affectionately known in the local gunning circle as the "machine". Her performances have resulted in more "engraved invitations to hunt" than my (retired) schedule can handle. This week she has retrieved more Woodcock to hand than I have seen (total) in a very long time. She has brought back not only the birds but also "the good old days". Her most incredible attribute is she knows where to go---it is almost as if she has a built in digitized map of where the birds are---I have developed an instruction manual on how to hunt her---The Complete Text: "put her down and follow!!!!!". What looks good to you also looks good to her and if it doesn't look good to you, fear not, she is on to birds. Just yesterday she left an Aspen stand (on a dead run) for an open field, I called to her -- she did not respond (unusual) --- just as I was asking myself, what in the ^%#$% is she doing --- she swaps ends, points, I walked in and shot a right/left over her. One of those rare days when it all goes right including the shooting. She is a real sweetheart on the couch and all business in the coverts. Her animated style and relentless search has all who see her work saying "What a Bird Dog"!!!! ----While hunting with my friends the repetitive conversation goes something like this: NO #&*% she is not for sale! You were absolutely right "she's a natural" from the point to the retrieve. Joe Dougherty, Lewisburg, Pa. (DeCaf/Tech litter, 09-11-01)

Jan. 2, 2003 - Snowball is doing well - he can be a terror. He is very sure of himself, not timid at all, and bites (chews) everything. He doesn't like being in the crate at night, or even in the kitchen. He wants to be next to someone, but he will learn and didn't howl too badly last night. He is having fun in the snow - his belly keeps him from sinking. We had about 18 inches and have more coming almost every day this week. Right now he is asleep in my wife's lap. We are enjoying him. Tomorrow we go back to work. I will be coming home at noon to let him out, feed and water. Thomas M Witham, Hudson, NH. (DeCaf/Tech litter, 11-07-02)

Jan. 3, 2003 - I wanted to take the time to say THANK YOU! Snowball is absolutely beautiful and what a wonderful addition to our family. We love him dearly. Ashley (granddaughter) was so excited when she saw him come off the plane. Was hard to come back to work this morning and having to leave him was torture. Paulette Witham (DeCaf/Tech litter, 11-07-02)

May 13th, 2003 - Snowball is doing well, very smart, learns quickly, tho he dosn't mind all the time. Paulette is taking a dog training course. He gets alot of comments both at the training and just from people walking by the house. He was castrated last week, really kind of hated doing that..... He is so good with people, very even tempered, can't say enough about what a nice dog he is. Glad winter is over - was sure a long one. Have been turkey hunting, nothing yet. Hope you are doing well, thanks for the card. Tom and Paulette Witham, Hudson, NH (DeCaf/Tech litter, 11-07-02)

Jan. 2, 2003 - Just wanted to drop a line and give you an update on Booker. He was great on the trip back, within 4 hours he had to meet 4 new dogs and a bunch of people, he didn't miss a beat. He slept the whole time in the car in my wife's lap. Once at home he has become great friends with our Corgi, so he has a play partner, seems to be learning the "no" command and is doing pretty good with house training. Only an accident every once in a while. We love him and look forward to many years of happiness. I think we really did get the best one! Thanks again for all of your help. The best suggestion was the toothbrush idea, it's his favorite chew toy! I'll update you soon on his progress. Bob and Alice Jones, Warrenton, Va. (DeCaf/Tech litter, 11-07-02)

UPDATE - Jan. 10, 2003 - All is well, he had his first Dr. visit with the vet last night and received a clean bill of health. He weighed in at 12 lbs! I can actually see him growing every day or so. Kennel training is going well. He doesn't bark when we put him in it to go to bed. I usually get up once a night now (down from two or three!) for him to do his business. He has a great play partner with our corgi, they get along great, as she is a good babysitter. He also seems to know "No" pretty well. When he is alone and quiet he will respond to "Kennel" and "Sit". Very promising for having him for only two weeks!! Bob and Alice Jones, Warrenton, Va. (DeCaf/Tech litter, 11-07-02)

Nov. 2, 2001 - I just wanted to let you know we made it home uneventfully, and Snoop(y) is doing great. I am amazed at his cheerful disposition, playful and alert when awake, easily comforted and calm when quiet. Your suggestion of feeding outside is great. I have not done it with my previous dogs, but it makes so much sense. He immediately recognized where his food and water are, and goes about his business whenever we take him out. Looks like housebreaking will not be a problem. I probably don't need to mention that we all fell in love with this pup, he is even more fun than we expected. I'll let you know about his progress. Thanks for such a wonderful addition to our family! (Decaf/Tech litter 09-11-01) J. Szczepanik, Washington DC

UPDATE - Nov. 12, 2001 - Thanks for your phone call. Snoop continues to thrive and is simply pure joy for the entire family. He seems to be growing every day and develops very nicely. His "toilet training" is progressing well, very few accidents inside the house (already tries to go the male-dog way). He is playful, cheerful, and not whining at all, even if he needs to spend some time in the cage or his little "room". No behavior problems whatsoever, needs a lot of "teething" toys, and shoes need to be out of sight, but responds well to NO (occasionally we use the water bottle you recommend), and we praise his good behavior every time. We are very happy with him, (looks like he is too), and we're getting to know the entire neighborhood. He is simply adorable and gets complements wherever we go. I'll keep you posted on his progress, and we'll recommend your pups to anyone interested in English Setters. (Decaf/Tech litter 2001) J. Szczepanik, Washington DC

Please feel free to call (757) 678-0966 if you are seriously looking for an English Setter pup. We will be glad to answer all questions that you may have.

E-mail: stockleykennels@esva.net
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Judy Lessard
Stockley Kennels
P.O. Box 298
Eastville, Va. 23347-0298
(757) 678-0966 or FAX (757) 678-0039