Caulderwoods Miss Lily Anne has come to live with us
Come the end of March, she will have been with us for a year. How she came to live with us is quite a
story. Oh, before I forget, I ought mention that Lily is a dog. A Beagle to be specific.
Back in '07 at age 72, I was diagnosed with Non-hodkins Lymphoma of the stomach, and began a long, arduous,
series of chemotherapy and radiation treatments. When it began I weighed in at close to 200 pounds, and stood five-foot
ten. When I was finally declared, "cured" I'd lost a good 100 pounds and an inch or so in height. Much of this
time I was in hospital confined to bed. When I couldn't take in enough nourishment to counter the weight loss, my body
began to consume itself. Consequently my muscles and body atrophied to something akin to a ten year old boy's physique.
At 200 pounds I wanted to loose about 20 or so pounds, but this was ridiculous! What has all this got to do with a
dog? I'm getting there.
Ever since I can remember my family have had dogs- Cocker Spaniels, English and Irish Setters, German
Shepards. I can even remember each one's name. So dogs were a big part of my life.
When I was finally released from hospital, during one of my many follow-up visits with my Oncologist,
Dr. Mary Lou Mayer, she urged me to get out and walk to rebuild my body. I mentioned to her that I was thinking about
getting a dog. To my surprise far from discouraging the notion, she urged me to do so. Then began a short discussion
about what I should get. I allowed I was seriously considering a Bearded Collie. She regarded me for a moment and then
urged me to consider a Beagle. The thought had never entered my mind.
Part of a novelist's life is spent in research, so I launched into a thorough study of the two breeds.
Although I was predisposed to the Bearded Collie, I soon learned from my research that our two physical conditions
and opposite temperaments would not be good for either of us. So, I began a search for a reputable Beagle breeder in the
Indianapolis area. Alas there are none. The closest seemed to be in the northern third of the state or in Kentucky and
Tennessee. This led to an Internet search for a kennel and a dog for sale. After several days of searching I saw a
photograph of Caulderwood's Miss Lily on an Internet site offering AKC Beagles for sale. "Miss" Lily had just turned
four, and had been bread twice. She looked to be just mature enough to be more docile and ready to "settle down"with a
family.
Following a fair amount of email correspondence, I decided to purchase Miss Lily. The Kennel owners, Gary
and Elaine Nichols, would not ship her so it was decided that I would drive down to Greeneville, Tennessee to complete
the deal and return home with Lily. It was a good seven-hour trip each way.
The Caulderwood kennel is located out in the rolling hillsides of Tennessee, and after much searching,
I managed to find the place. Turns out it was a very "small" operation- few dogs, each had open space to play and
run to their heart's content. Obviously not a puppy farm operation! Lily proved to be a delight from the moment we
met. With a few papers signed, and the asking price handed over, Lily and I were soon on the way back to Indianapolis.
Needless to say we took advantage of each rest area, and I provided a bowl of water with each stop. She proved a good
traveling companion, curled-up on the passenger seat next to me not much interested on looking out the window- just
content to be patted and talked to as we made the long journey. By the time we got home we were fast friends, and
it was obvious Lily considered me her champion and protector.
Lily has proven to be a perfect member of the family. She has taken to each of our adult children and
their children. She is a loving, trusting companion, loves to be taken for walks, and when the evening comes, she
insists of sharing my chair with me while I watch TV or read- if my evening is too busy she will go snuggle up next to
my wife in her chair. Lily has another advantage, she's the perfect size, sort of a "medium size" and has proven
to be the most intelligent dog I have ever owned. She quickly picked up on our verbal commands and hand signals. To
top it all off, her face and eyes can be read like the headlines in a newspaper. To say it is an honest, expressive,
open face is not to do her justice.
I began this story by citing the fact that I was not new to dog ownership, having owned several "popular"
breeds prior to our Miss Lily. So, let me end this short story with this quote from Diane Morgan's book on The Beagle:
Beagles are excellent dogs in every way. If you want a dog with the elegance of and Irish Setter, the brains of a
Border Collie, the trainability of a Golden Retriever, and the feisty temperament of a terrier, go ahead and get one of
those dogs. But of you want a charming, lively, happy-go-lucky companion to share your life, make you smile and nourish
your spirit, then a Beagle is really the only sensible choice. Beagles are blessed with the best temperaments in the
canine world, the kindest hearts, and the friendliest faces. Who could ask for more?" Miss Lily is the
good looking one on the right. -- Patrick Finneran Indianapolis
Earlier this year I drove to your place and purchased a little tri color boy (Gunner). I can not tell you
how happy he has made my family or how wonderful he has fit right in. Never have we had a puppy adjust and learn so fast.
He is so very smart and is truly one of the family. I haven't figured out how to post pics of him on your site, but as soon
as I do I will. I can't thank you enough for this amazing little guy. I also will be looking into the future of getting him
a little brother. These are really wonderful dogs and it was due to your web site that I've been watching for yrs that convinced
me, this was the breed and yours was the place. For anyone questioning the price or the distance, "there is no amount of money
and no distance we wouldn't travel for our Gunner". I pray your family is always blessed with this gift of making so many
families complete with these little Angels.
Always in your debt....Wendy
Beautiful Beagles - Great Kennel
I recently purchased a beagle named Tracker from Caulderwood Kennels, and needless to say, he is
by far one of the most beautiful, well taken care of beagles I've ever had the pleasure of seeing/knowing/owning. Elaine offered
great communication with us both before the sale, and requested that we keep her updated on Tracker's acclimation to our home
and family. These are breeders who truly care, and want to know that their puppies are placed well with people who will love
them and treat them as well as they did. I would certainly recommend Caulderwood Kennels to anyone who is searching for a
well maintained, well socialized, happy puppy for their families. Thank you Elaine! And I'll certainly keep in touch!
Elizabeth
Elaine,
Hello! Just wanted to give you an update.....Jax just turned 3 on July 26 (in San Francisco).
He has grown into the most amazing, lovable, smart, adorable and beautiful dog (with a lot of puppy left in him). He has made
so many friends.....he is very well socialized, being that we live in a densely populated City he has no choice. I think so
many beagles get a bad wrap due to their barking/howling, so I just want you to know that Jax is wonderful in that respect.
He only uses his voice when needed, provoked, or like a child, when he is tired. He is amazing with kids, other dogs, all
kinds of people, fire trucks, skateboards, bicycles, shopping carts, cats, squirrels and even gerbles.....you name it. He
makes friends with everyone and everything - has grown into quite the perfect companion!!! He is truly the dog of my life!!!
He is so amazing and he has such a connection to both of us. He listens, comes when is called (even in the park),
is wonderful off-leash - which is the most amazing part. We can actually walk Jax off-leash through the City - he doesn't
chase after anything and listens/trusts us extremely well! And, he is the best trail dog ever, he goes almost everywhere with
us! He loves to explore and follows me along trails, crossing rivers, hopping boulders and swimming at the lake. Of course
his nose still gets him into trouble every once in awhile ;) He is full of love every minute of the day! We couldn't be happier
that he has come into our lives - you guys are excellent breeders. He is a one-of-a-kind! Thank you!
cheers, -kerrie
& laurel (SF, CA)
Hi Elaine:
Just wanted to drop by with a little note about the beautiful lemon and white puppy myself and
my family recieved from you this summer. My Dad could not have been any happier and Beju is doing amazing! She has turned
out to be not only a great companion, but an amazing hunting dog for her first season!!! Thank You so much for all of your
help. I truly appreciate all the help you gave me!! Goodluck in the New Year and the new puppies are too cute!
Rachel Ambrose
Dear Elaine & Gary:
"Just wanted to let you know that little Sammy is doing great in his new home and has adjusted
very well. He is everything you said he was and more! He couldn't be any more lovable and playful. He is an absolute sweetheart.
Sammy is so happy all of the time. He can't play enough with his toys, and one by one....morning,
noon, and night...... every chance he gets he takes them all out one by one to bring to us to play. He loves to be out
in the yard and loves to take walks. We make sure he walks at least two times a day, and sometimes three, and he surprises
us just how well he walks on a leash. We are teaching him to come when he is called and he listens very well. He also sits
when we tell him to. He will be starting puppy classes at All Dawgs Academy and we think he will do very well, as he
seems to be so smart. We have to watch him closely, especially in the house, as he has no fear and will jump off anything.
Part of his classes will be in agility and we are sure that he will show all the other puppies a thing or two when it comes
to that!
We are crate training at night and Sammy doesn't like that very much, but he never has had any
accidents at night. During the day he is getting much better too. I keep telling him that once he's totally trained he he
can sleep upstairs with Mom and Dad in his new bed.
Yesterday, Sammy went to the vet, as he was due for his booster shots. Everyone loved him and
he gave them all kisses. The vet said he is an absolutely beautiful little beagle and very healthy too.
What a people puppy Sammy is! He loves everyone and has visitors all the time who just
love him. Needless to say, he is everything we had hoped for in a puppy. At night when he is finally tired out from his big
day and he's cuddled up next to us we are so grateful that we have him and that he seems so happy here with us.
Again, thank you for everything. From start to finish everything was handled so professionally
and so true to your word and we appreciate it. I don't want to forget to mention the wonderful Puppy Packet. We have found
that to be so helpful and organized with all the info we would ever need. Most of all, thank you for our sweet, lovable Sammy.
What a joy he is!
Sammy says, Thank You for giving him such a good start in life and he wants you to know that
he's very happy in his new home where he is spoiled everyday because he is such a good boy."
Sincerely,
Sharon & Mike
Sammy is an adorable son of our Little Ace & Miss Daisy
Elaine,
Buddy
has assumed his place of prominence in the family and has stolen all of our hearts in the process. He is truly a little love
and just wants to be with us no matter what we are doing. I was doing dishes at the kitchen sink and he went to sleep on my
feet! Emily adores him and has been setting her alarm extra early so she can get up and feed him and take him out in the back
yard before school. I believe the feeling is mutual and he simply cannot contain his excitement when he hears her voice. Of
course he is the talk of her third grade class and we have already had several visits from friends to meet Buddy. He went
to the vet last week and I was not sure that the vet was going to give him back he was so taken with him. He must have said
he was a great dog a half dozen times. You should be very proud because the vet commented multiple times about what good breeding
he must have had!! Are Little Luke or Miss Tawney pointers? Buddy has been doing perfect point formation when he sees the
chipmunks. He is already learning to fetch his favorite ball and Derek has him walking very well on a leash (thanks to his
favorite treats). Well, I best get back to work---I just wanted to give you an update and thank you again for allowing Buddy
to join our family.
Janice
"Elaine,
It has been almost a year since we came to your place and picked up our wonderful
and loveable Eddie. He has proven to be everything you told us he would be and much, much more: calm, even tempered,
very smart, loyal, adorable, gorgeous, loving beyond measure and cuter that I can describe.
I thought you would enjoy seeing Eddie as he looks now at slightly over one year
old. You told us he would be handsome like his dad, General Patton, and you were right. He truly is beautiful.
One of Eddie's favorite spots is the back of a recliner! He is not generally
allowed on furniture, a rule he accepts and obeys readily but this chair top is a favorite and he will doze off and I will
hold my breath that he will not fall, but he never has. He has created many interesting behaviors on his own,
like drinking from the bathtub faucet - his
favorite drink dispenser. He also LOVES to be rocked to sleep,
laying on his back in my arms, giving out deep contented sighs! I could go on but you can see Eddie
is a wonderful little fellow and we continue to be so thankful we found Caulderwood
and were able to bring this little guy into our lives.
All the best to you and all the creatures at Caulderwood, especially the beagles!
Gail and Jay Diederich
and especially Edgar Lamar, born Sept. 28, 2005 to General Patton
and Li'l Miss Bridget"
Edgar Lamar ( 1 year old)
" Caulderwood Puppy Farm, which is really Elaine and Gary, are the best!
My 8 year old son and I wanted to get a new beagle puppy after loosing our previous pet. I checked a lot of breeders on the
web, checked their references, etc. and no one could say enough about Caulderwood Puppy Farm. They were right! Now it
is my turn........After speaking with,(actually a kind of mutual interviewing), Elaine and Gary, several times, we chose our
pup, Cobi, when he was only a few weeks old, from a photo and their comments and responses to our needs. Elaine and
Gary emailed us weekly pictures to update us on how Cobi looked and reports on how he was doing. We waited each week for the
news, which only made us more excited about Cobi's coming home. Finally the day arrived! We had arranged for Cobi
to be driven to us, as we live in a northern suburb of Chicago. Most breeders fly their dogs, (which is not very healthy for
the young pups) but luckily, not Caulderwood. They take much better care with their pups! Cobi even had his first round of
shots and was vet certified before leaving! Cobi was driven, door to door, and delivered to us: happy, healthy, clean,
and with all papers in hand. We were thrilled to see him. Since that time, Cobi has been nothing but healthy and a joy.
He continues to grow and thrive, not to mention, he is absolutely gorgeous. Everybody says so! Anytime I need
help, I just email Elaine and Gary for advise and they get right back to me, with their expertise and continued concern.
We cannot thank Elaine and Gary of Caulderwood Puppy Farm enough! They brought life back into our home with their gift
of sharing one of their wonderful "children" with us, (and they do treat their pups like their family, that is obvious).
Now, I cannot say enough about them either........If you are looking for a great beagle pup that comes from a great home,
Caulderwood is the place and Elaine and Gary are your people.............Thank you again, we will never forget you!"
Cobi Baum
Hi Elaine,
"Here's a recent picture of
the family (minus me, cause I was taking the picture) with Abbey Rose in McCall, Idaho. She is doing really
great and has fit right into our family. She is very smart, loving and loyal to our family. She has also
made quite a few dog friends in the neighborhood and has a play date a few days a week.
We are so pleased that
we chose Caulderwood Kennels to purchase our puppy and we would highly recommend you to anyone we know."
Sincerely,
Kim
Curt
ABBEY ROSE & FAMILY
To whom it may concern,
"Having recently purchased a puppy from Caulderwood, I must admit that it was a completely enjoyable
experience. I found Caulderwood through the AKC web-site and emailed Elaine (one of many). Elaine replied to me quickly and
the tone of her reply caught my eye. From the moment I contacted Elaine to the day I picked up my puppy (a little over three
months) she was there to answer any questions I might have had, and I had quite a few. She also let me know that if I have
any questions now that I have my pup that she is only an email away. That is dedication.
My puppy is in perfect health and is a joy to be with. I had heard horror stories about their
voices but mine has the most wonderful temperment and has fit right in with the "family" at my house (my roomate, another
dog, and a cat). He is a beautiful pup and has gotten many comments from people in public as we are frequent visitors
to any pet store allowing pets.
I can't begin to tell you how easy and enjoyable Elaine made my experience, but she did. The
hardest part was waiting after my pup was born. Elaine sent weekly pictures and updates. When I arrived at her home the kennel
area was in wonderful condition and all of the dogs seemed very happy with plenty of room to roam and exercise. I would definitely
recommend Caulderwood and Elaine as she does her work well and was a joy to work with."
Mathew Willis
Director of Bands
Coventant Day School
Mathews, NC
"On behalf of the Wolfert Family here in Marietta, Georgia....I want to say thank you for our
new puppy "Ike"....
He really is fantastic and the girls love him dearly. You have placed him in an exciting, loud,
loving home. We hope he will be part of the family for a long time.
I also wanted to say thank you for helping us in every way during our search for the "perfect
puppy".....I'm so glad I found your website! You were really great to work with and did everything you said you would
do. From sending "update" pictures to us on the internet to delivering him to us on the day scheduled.......it was a pleasure
working with you.
I know you are a great breeder when you spend time on the phone with a new owner to talk about
the "what do I do now?" part of the equation.
Thank you for a job well done. I will recommend to anyone wanting a new puppy to work with the
good folks at Caulderwood Farms."
Best Wishes,
Matt, Cheryl, Emily, Katie, Annie and Now IKE!
Ike Wolfert & Family
"To whom it may concern, I would like to share my wonderful experience with Elaine Nichols of
Caulderwood Puppy Farm. Initially, Elaine rapidly responded to my inquiry about female puppies with E-mails that included
pictures of the available puppies. While waiting for the puppies to reach the required age for shipping she continued to share
pictures of the puppies and information about them. After I had picked two puppies, Elaine not only held them for me, but
also purchased a kennel for their trip to California. When I experienced difficulties with another shipper she assisted me
in looking for another form of transportation and drove the puppies to the airport in the early morning hours for their 6:00
AM flight. When I received my puppies they were both in good health and had wonderful temperaments. After receiving my puppies
Elaine has shown continued interest in the puppies. Elaine has offered helpful suggestions in raising my first beagle puppies
by giving suggestions in obedience, health concerns and graciously accepted photos of the puppies as they are growing up.
Sincerely, Bill Hudlow"
Charlotte & Abby Hudlow
Hi Elaine!
"This is an update on the lemon beagle I purchased from you, named Koby. He is doing well here
in Massachusetts. He loves playing with the kids, Dad, me and his beagle brothers of course.
Your vet records were remarkable, as my vet was very impressed. Koby has a great temperament
along with being a handsome lemon beagle. He constantly has compliments and people want to know where they can get their own.
I found the experience of purchasing a puppy from you very easy, thank you for keeping in touch
with me while waiting for him to come to Mass. He is doing well, learning his commands, potty training, and overall a happy
Lil guy!
We're enjoying him very much and his older brother Ben is always looking out for him.
Enjoy the pictures.........
