David Zalunardo is a native from Powell Butte, OR. He recently retired from the US Forestry Division 4 years ago. When David knew exactly when he was going to retire he decided it was time to buy a puppy. While on the old site working retriever central he found a breeding that looked like it might be a good one. A Labrador he could hunt with and run some hunt tests. David decided to name his puppy Parriette's Abby Gale and called her Abby. He hooked up with a local amateur training group and began to train Abby. A year and a half ago it became clear that Abby was a special dog and may be able to do so much more than what he was training for. Some folks encouraged David to seek the advise of a professional retriever trainer. He found a local professional Jerry Patopea who was willing to mentor him.
Today David Zalunardo and his Labrador Retriever Abby are competing in the 2014 National Amateur Retriever Championship in the 10th Series for the first time in his life. A year and half ago this was a thought that he never knew would even be possible. Well guess what David, you and Abby have been invited to the ball. Congratulations! What an accomplishment in just a year and half of field trial training. Just goes to show what hard work, an open mind and dedication can do for those who set goals and stick with them. Welcome to the retriever sport David and Abby.
