In Loving Memory of my Friend , Trainer and Mentor
Mr. Lou Foehrkolb was my Friend, Trainer and my Mentor.Being in his presence was like being in the presence of Greatness when it comes to Training and Breeding Outstanding Quality Birddogs. There was not a day that went by where he hadn't taught me something about Birddogs. The days we worked long and hard in the Field and then went out to have dinner are the times I think I learned the most. Being able to ask him questions and learning about dogs and people from the past has given me Priceless knowledge about the Birddog world.
Lou was a Professional Trainer for 65 + years. He has successfully handled and trained many dogs to Field Championships. He handled dogs in both A.K.C and American Field Trials. Many of the dogs he trained were handled by clients to Field Championships and Wins as well as thousands of class gundogs for the most demanding hunter. Lou specialized in problem dogs as well. I have seen him take dogs that owners or other trainers have screwed up and given up on and turn them into Class Gundogs and some Trial Champions.
Lou is responsible for getting me started in the Outstanding Shorthairs that we Breed today.He has taught me more than words can say about Training , Selective Breeding, Understanding and reading dogs and how they think. He took me under his wing and allowed me to assist in his Training Program which in return has given me the Opportunity to meet many nice people in the dog world. Lou is the only person I have ever seen that can take a Quality puppy at 8 to 10 weeks old and Consistently make the Steady to Wing and Shot by the time they are 6 to 8 months old with Style and Class time and time again . Most people wouldn't even consider putting dogs on birds at 6 to 8 months old let alone have them Steady to Wing and Shot and retrieve to hand. I couldn't even begin to count how many dogs I have seen go Through his training program and became Class Gun dogs by the time they were 6 to 8 months old.
I would like to take this time to Thank you Lou for all the Help and Knowledge you have given me over the years on training and breeding Quality birddogs. You were a truely Great Friend and my Mentor.
As I sit here thinking of all the memories and good times we had together it makes it hard to hold back the tears , but as the Days move forward I know you will be looking over our shoulders with your Wisdom and Strength that will make all those lives you touched much stronger.
May you find all your dogs to the Front , Standing High and Tight on endless covies in those Fields of Gold. Put in a good word for me up there and save me a seat as we will have alot to talk about when we meet again. God's Speed My Friend , God's Speed.
