Winterglen Labrador Retrievers

Winterglen is more than just a kennel; it is the story of generations of people and dogs sharing their journeys together.

Winterglen is childhood dreams come to fruition, rooted in family tradition. Our family’s relationship with Labrador Retrievers began before I was born, with a yellow Labrador named Buck.  My father, an avid outdoorsman, brought Buck home from Big Stone Kennels in Minnesota in the early 1970s. Buck accompanied my father through his time in the Army, where Buck served as a mascot in the barracks of sorts. Buck was a well-trained gun dog, and those cool dawn marsh mornings spent in the duck blinds were some of the most cherished. 

The influence of a Labrador of Buck’s caliber as a family companion and hunting partner began shaping my understanding and appreciation of the Labrador. 

Over the years, I devoured every book on Labs, breeding, and training that our local library offered, immersing myself in the world of Labradors as much as a young girl in 1980s Alaska could. My captivation paid off when our dog Katie was bred to a dog from AFC field trial lines, helping me successfully whelp a litter of eight pups. The lone yellow male, Cooper, became my first Lab. With these influences and experiences coming together, I knew raising Labradors would be a lifelong pursuit.

As my story unfolds, the next chapters are written by the dogs you’ll discover on this website, where Winterglen’s story truly comes alive. Each one has shaped my journey, leaving an indelible mark on my life and deepening my appreciation for Labradors. Whether curled up beside us during family movie nights or braving misty autumn mornings in the marsh to retrieve a duck, Labradors weave themselves into the fabric of our lives in ways no other breed can.

Dogs, and Labradors in particular, are my passion. Their presence brings a unique and unforgettable magic to our lives. Whether they are a cherished family pet or a trusted service dog, they are among life’s greatest gifts. Through my involvement and dedication to the breed, I hope this love shines through and inspires others as they embark on their own journeys with these extraordinary dogs.