Norbeck Fiona of Tweedshot „Apple“

Apple was truly the apple of my eye.

She was a once-in-a-lifetime Labrador whose character was second to none. Her unwavering loyalty, exceptional trainability and remarkable desire to please made her an absolute joy to live and work with. She possessed all the qualities I admire in a Retriever: intelligence, kindness, natural ability, an exceptional work ethic and an unwavering willingness to please.

In the field, Apple was the complete package. Her style, speed, game-finding ability and exceptional nose were everything one could wish for in a working Labrador. She worked with determination, enthusiasm and elegance, always giving her all. Throughout her working career she was recognised on numerous occasions with Judges‘ Choice and Guns‘ Choice awards, accolades that reflected the high regard in which she was held by both judges and fellow sportsmen.

As a brood bitch, her influence has been extraordinary. She produced numerous outstanding offspring, including Working Champion ReedBed Anthony, FTCh & Int. FTCh ReedBed Barbaresco of Waterfriend, FTW ReedBed Bardolino and FTW ReedBed Episode 4 Darth Vader, amongst many other successful and talented dogs.

Apple’s legacy extends far beyond her own achievements. Many breeders have founded their breeding programmes on her descendants, recognising the consistency, quality and working ability she passed on to future generations. Her bloodlines continue to influence kennels throughout Europe and beyond, and many respected breeders have built entire breeding lines upon her progeny.

Although she is no longer with us, her spirit lives on through her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Few dogs leave such a lasting mark on a breed.

Apple was more than a foundation bitch, more than a producer of champions and more than an exceptional working dog. She was a truly influential matriarch whose impact can still be seen throughout the Labrador world today.

She was, quite simply, a legend.