Who am I—and why should you trust me to help you choose a wonderful AKC Labrador Retriever puppy as a cherished pet and family companion?
Who am I to assist you in selecting your next Labrador show dog—or to guide you in choosing future Lab brood stock?
I am Mrs. Jennifer Groves, and I am D9 Labs.
My life has been immersed in purebred dogs, training, and the sport of dogs from a very young age. I am an active member of the Mt. Palomar Kennel Club (MPKC), currently serving on its Board of Directors, and I also act as MPKC’s AKC Match Chairperson. If you’d like information on upcoming matches and shows, feel free to reach out to me at d9labs@verizon.net.
I have worked as a handling assistant to AKC Professional Handler Ric Plaut (for professional handling inquiries, Ric can be contacted at rplaut@earthlink.net). In addition, I have taught both handling classes and obedience classes, helping exhibitors and owners build confident, well-trained dogs.
I quite literally grew up in the show ring. I began showing dogs in Junior Showmanship at age six, starting with fun matches, and by age eight I was competing in AKC “B” matches. By the time I was ten—old enough for Junior Showmanship at licensed AKC shows—I was well prepared, knowledgeable, and competitive, with dogs that were thoroughly trained. At just twelve years old, I qualified and proudly took one of my champions to the Westminster Kennel Club Show in New York City.
From age six onward, I learned the foundations of grooming and training. I showed dogs for my parents, Bill and Susan Buck of Nuforest, and gained hands-on experience grooming multiple breeds at Buckwood Boarding Kennelthroughout my teen years.
Dogs truly run in my family. My sister, Mrs. Tammie Gilbert of AWOL Beagles, has achieved exceptional success, with several of her 13-inch Beagles ranked in the Top 5 nationally for three consecutive years. Her dedication and accomplishments continue to inspire me.
When I married my husband, Bill Groves, my dog-show family expanded even further. His mother successfully showed German Shepherd Dogs for many years and is now active with River Run Labrador Retrievers. The tradition continues with my daughter, Hollie, who began handling Dachshunds for her grandparents at age four and is now, as she approaches her teen years, a formidable competitor in the show ring.
Health and temperament are central to everything I do. My adult Labrador Retrievers have had hips and elbows X-rayed and registered with OFA, and their eyes certified clear by CERF. I strongly believe in genetic testing and take every possible step to reduce the risk of inheritable conditions within the breed.
I do not always have puppies available, but when I don’t, I am happy to refer you to other reputable breeders who have quality AKC-registered Labrador Retriever puppies. If you prefer to wait for one of my own youngsters, I maintain a waiting list.
For current availability, breeder referrals, or to be added to my waiting list, please contact me at d9labs@verizon.net.
