Hi Bob,
I was hoping Yank's breeder would add their views, or Lainee who reared him for me. As a feel guilty by not answering your questions, here I go...............mind you, Yank is the only dog I have ever imported, so my reply will be limited and I am sure the second time will be easier as all importing regulations are known.
I had travelled over to the US twice, in my zest of further training education, after hearing your trialling games and hunting were similar to ours. How I loved watching prenational training 5 years ago. I had two dreams while watching the ballet. One to organise importing semen and the other to enquire if any pro's would be interested in holding a training seminar in Australia.
Soundess is a very important criteria, besides genetic health.
I sat on the fence for over 4 years regarding importing, on average once a month :lol:, wondering if importing semen or a dog, would be the best course of action for me. I had studied pedigrees, and made endless international telephone calls. The honesty I received, was priceless.
Finally after deciding on a sire, and wanting a line bred dog........I read an advertisement on the RTF. I must have looked at the ad, every hour over a period of a day. Looked after the following day and pondered.
As long suffering had be aware of my search, I only to nag a little. With trembling fingers I rang Yank's breeder, and luckily a couple of pups were still available. Payment was sent.
Lainee reared Yank for me, while quarantine regulations were filled. I had known it was a long process...........6 months. Lainee as well as driving around for the routine quarantine tests, spent many hours in obtaining Penn hip, preliminary elbow radiographs (copies of which were also sent to Australia), CNM, PRA and CERF. Every test had me worried and so joyful as his results, came back good. During this time she also filled me in with day to day activities and photos. Her kindness can never be repaid.
I was very keen to have Yank evaluated by a trusted pro, but time was against us, as Yank, again required blood tests and vet check, before final clearance was received from Australian customs. Frankly by the time Yank had settled with a pro and looked at........lets just say.....I got over that wish.
Yank flew from Lainee's to California, with a great pet transport company, again who were heavily researched. There are apparently a few bad apples. US quarantine vet checked him out and apart from some excitement teeth chattering, which required another check, he was on his way.
He handled the flight well, and arrived in Australia. Every time I visited Yank the staff would look sadly but with good humour at me,as he was crazy as a loon, compared to other dogs they had seen. Yank had no problems in quarantine. What an understatement. After 2 weeks in lock up, I finally dragged my eyes from Yank, and looked about. Other dogs were trembling, tails between legs, and depressed. Yank greatly enjoyed watching the further buildings being erected, he was quite possessed when he heard the nail gun.
On the eve of Yank's release, my mother, who has since passed away, suffered another health crisis. Long suffering picked Yank up. Unfortunately not organised with a crate. He had quite a drive home in an open sedan.
Yank's looks are different to the average working labrador in Australia. Not for one second am I concerned of such, as I bred the youngest National winner here, and she is certainly has a unique beauty.
Yank training wise, is a joy. He tries very hard. Yesterday he blizzed a quad. I have bored you enough and I need to get packing, driving to training 3 hours away today!!! Please excuse any typos, Yank lies peacefully as I type, but as soon as I move, he will be bolting out to the truck. :wink:
