Around 1954, my dad, Robert C. Heaney purchased his first Labrador Retriever, "Heaney's Ma Pat Ma Midget". This was a black bitch that was of the Arden Lines.
My dad was primarily interested in having a good all around hunting dog and a companion that would be easily trained. The dog turned out to be more than he had ever hoped for. She was such a good worker that Dad got involved with field trialing. He then went on to open a boarding and training kennel in Lancaster, New York. Breeding Labs became one of his activities and the training facility and my father's expertise regarding Labradors, field and obedience training became quite well known in Western New York.
The prefix Ma Pat Ma, which I still use today came from my father's desire to have his three daughters feel some part and some pride in his first Labrador. The three syllables are the first letters in my sister's and my first names. Mary Martha, Patricia and Margaret. |
