Greetings from all of us at DeCoverly Kennels. We hope you all had great holidays and are off to a great 2010. It’s been a while since our last Newsletter because there have been many changes and exciting events happening at DeCoverly. This edition of the Newsletter will give you an update on everything that has been happening as well as our normal features.

Like many businesses, DeCoverly has been experiencing ongoing changes to our staff and management. The most significant is that Ken Alexander officially retired back in October. For over forty years Ken has been at the forefront of the Ryman Setter world, working on our breeding program and with our customers and their setters. Few people, if any, have contributed more to the Ryman Setter since George Ryman himself. We wish Ken all the best in enjoying more time afield and with his family, and thank him for his many years and contributions!

This year also marks the retirement of William B. Sordoni. Bill has been directly involved in the Kennel since the early 90's, and together with Ken has been instrumental in DeCoverly's sustained growth and success. Bill's son Bill has been involved for several years and is now joined by his brother Matthew in overseeing operations and continuing DeCoverly's long history of success.

The second annual DeCoverly Family Picnic was a wonderful success despite the rainy weather we endured. Well over 150 people and some 80 setters enjoyed the day with us, which included exhibits by sporting dog artists and a pig roast lunch. Thank you to all who were able to share this day with us.

- Click HERE to view a gallery of DeCoverly Kennels photos.

- Click HERE to view a gallery of photos from renowned sporting dog photographer Nancy Whitehead.

This year proved to be a challenging year for Grouse hunting in NEPA due to low bird numbers. None the less we hunted hard and enjoyed our days afield with our setters. My brother Matt and his setter Rye killed their first grouse this year, as did General Manager Jason Freethy and his setter Cody. From what we heard around the State, bird numbers were better in Western PA as well as other neighboring states. Most impressive was this photo sent to us by customer Guy Pardun from a hunt this year in Minnesota.

Unfortunately, due to work and family commitments, Clipper has had a slow hunting season so far this year. On top of that, the few fall days I had scheduled to take off of work to hunt were instead spent in bed fighting a terrible case of the swine flu. On the bright side, he has really matured into a fine grouse dog and had his single best day afield in October. This year he has also grown into a fine playmate for our children Caroline and Will, although I think it’s more so that the kids are playing with him and he's enduring the constant pokes and prods.

Every night before bed they each have to visit Clipper on his chair and give him a good night hug and kiss. Will in particular is just in love with Clipper, and although he's only just turned two I'm pretty sure he wants to grouse hunt with us when he grows up!

Dear DeCoverly,

Chiclet is going to be featured in the “365 DAYS OF DOG FANCY 2010 CALENDAR”!

The picture I have attached is the picture that was published in the calendar for Dog Fancy. I took this picture as we were traveling through Jekyll Island in Georgia during our annual costal trip from Florida to Pennsylvania each summer.

Chiclet is three years old and has earned her Canine Good Citizen Certificate (CGC) from the American Kennel Club and is also a registered member of the Delta Society Pet Partners Program. Chiclet and I volunteer as a pet partner team at hospitals, rehab centers, assisted living centers and nursing homes for animal assisted activity. I am an Occupational Therapist and Chiclet is also involved in animal assisted therapy sessions with my patients.

As I was training Chiclet to become a therapy dog, I suffered a severe fracture on my left leg. I was hospitalized, underwent surgery and my entire leg was immobilized in a brace from my hip to my ankle. When I returned from the hospital Chiclet stayed by my side at all times. She was wonderful for emotional support, comfort and helped distract me from the surgical pain I was suffering after this traumatic accident.

I have experienced first hand the wonderful healing power of animals and the positive effect that animals can have in helping aide in recovery.

Crista Ferretti and Chiclet

DeCoverly Kennels | Post Hill Road, RR 1, Box 1316 | Factoryville, PA 18419
P: 570-378-3357 | F: 570-378-3358 | E: dcoverly@epix.net | W: DeCoverlyKennels.com