My name is Anne Swindeman. I was raised in a family owned apple growing, packing and shipping business in Michigan (Applewood Orchards, Inc.) and hold Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in Horticulture from Michigan State University. I moved to the Yakima Valley in 1985 where I am a self employed postharvest consultant with the Washington tree fruit industry working under the business name of Apple Advice. My strong foundation in the sciences has helped me tremendously in my quest to breed the healthiest, soundest Labradors possible.
Three generations of Labradors currently share my home and 5 fenced acres. And yes, they are all named after apple varieties!!! All breeding stock is OFA certified for hips, elbows and heart, and eyes are examined ("CERF'd") by an ACVO diplomate (eye specialist) annually as recommended by our breed club. In addition, Optigen gene testing is employed to ensure that no puppy produced here will ever go blind due to PRA(prcd form). In recent years, I have also submitted DNA from my 4th and 5th generation pups for the new CNM gene test (centronuclear myopathy, a muscular dystrophy type disorder in Labs) developed in France, and am thrilled to report all have tested Clear of that horrible genetic abnormality. In 2007, DNA samples from all of my girls were submitted to the University of Minnesota for use in the development of the new genetic test for Exercise Induced Collapse (EIC). This test became available to the public in July of 2008, and is revealing a very high (>35%) rate of carriers and affecteds for this disorder in our breed. Because these 3 genetic issues (PRA, CNM and EIC) are recessively inherited, it is important we keep at least one tested clear parent for each disorder in the breeding pair so we never produce the disorder. Intelligent use of such test results will go a long way in improving the health of our Labrador breed. For more info on these health conditions, please visit the Library page.
I am avidly involved in AKC performance venues with my girls, currently working them in obedience, rally, hunt tests, agility and tracking, and have titled 5 as International show champions (IABCA). I am a member of The Labrador Retriever Club, Inc. (LRC), Puget Sound Labrador Retriever Association (PSLRA) and the Yakima Valley Kennel Club (YVKC).
I have also been an active participant in Labrador Rescue in the Yakima Valley for several years now and just recently joined the LRC, Inc. Rescue Task Force to work at the national level. Because of what I've seen and experienced in Rescue, I breed only occassionally and always with the goal of improving my lines, and hopefully, the breed. I strive to produce Labradors that not only can do the work this breed was intended for, but also ones that look great, live long and healthy lives, and of course, have fun doing it with their families! All pet quality pups are placed with great care into only the best homes.
About WindyCanyon
Labradors
WindyCanyon's Ima Pink Lady CDX SH OA OAJ CC CGC "Rosa" (Laura Berger, copyright 2003)
Mata-- one of my "Lab Assistants"
Anne with Jazz, Fuji and Packer as babies
Anne, Mata and Fuji posing together at the 2007 LRC, Inc. National Event in Oregon. Mata won first place in Open A Obedience!
