Baxter

I was not supposed to keep a male from Nova's first litter, the 'David Bowie' one. I had only six reservations, eight puppies on the ground, this gorgeous puppy was looking at me, I had no choice to keep him! I remember the Friday night spent on the computer looking at Websites to find a name that would fit him well. With his passion, his energy and his strength, he needed a special name. Haven’t found any, before going to bed, I went to one last page, just in case, and the first name I saw was Baxter. It was perfect!

From the start, he has been the most enthusiastic dog I've never had. He was always ready to play. He inherited an astonishing characteristic of his father; he was always wagging his tail like crazy!

In Canada, his show career was short, winning 'Best of Breed' 8 times in 10 shows, always handled by me. At 9 only months old, Baxter was my first homebred Champion. He was entered only 6 times in the USA, always in the 'Bred By Exhibitor' class (I have the AKC medal) and with four majors, at 19 months, he became my first American Champion. He also made the last 10 selected dogs (out of 108) during the Canadian FCRSC specialty in August 2007 in Quebec City.

2009 was a great year! We went together to the Westiminster Kennel Show in New York. It was a challenge I wanted to feel, knowing we were not going to win but mainly going there for the thrill of it. We were the first ones in the Madison Square Garden in that morning, we were able to walk the floor of this prestigious place and feel all the glorious moments of the past that happened there. At the US Specialty, handled by Wayne Heikes, Baxter made the cut and we finished the year with a Group 2nd placement in the Bible Hill (NS) show. Baxter finished that year in the 13th position for a flat-coated in Canada. He also completed easily his Canadian Junior Hunter.

He easily earned his Working Certificate, both Canadian and American CDs and finally his American Junior Hunter title in September 2011. He also had points toward his American Grand Champion title but I never intended to achieve that goal.

In spring 2012, he sired a litter with the beautiful Maura (Velvet Hunters Everybody Rejoice) who gave birth to two little boys.

With his titles in show, obedience and field in Canada and USA, Baxter deserved to be the first ambassador for Knightcastle. He is also the first 'All round retriever' Knightcastle dog in Canada and USA, having his show championship, an obedience title and a field title in both countries.

When Nova passed in August 2014, Baxter became my pack leader, a funny one, not taking his job really seriously but putting his paws down when needed, especially with young Forrest, who saw him as a mentor. Baxter was following me everywhere, was my most reliable dog in the house. He was happy as long as he was with me and had food!

All his life, Baxter had one speed only: Go! He was a gentle goofy boy and was a fantastic dog to have around. A really unique friend and a one in a life time dog, probably my best one! The decision to keep him was the best I could have made and raising him with his sister Céleste was simply happiness. One thing is certain, my life will never be the same without him. He died peacefully in my hands on February 20 2017.

Can't write in words how much I miss him. Baxter was simply my boy, most fantastic dog I've ever had.