Zumi's Labs

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Please see our website for information on our dogs and breeding program, www.ZumisLabs.com. Zumi's Labs make outstanding companions, hunters, and therapy dogs!

Producing quality Labrador Retrievers that are true to the breed standard, beautiful in conformation, sound in temperament, and with strong hunting instincts! All of our breeding stock have earned their International Champion titles! And all of our breeding dogs have their OFA clearances in addition to their heart clearances, eyes normal, D-Locus and CNM clear, and have been EIC tested. Please see our website for more information at www.ZumisLabs.com.

10/30/2026

Niki was the last of our Zumi's Labs to go to her new home. She now lives in Canada with Karen and Malcolm. Niki will get to visit Flathead Lake often as they have a second home there.

Karen has been wonderful about keeping in touch!

"Just thought I’d send a few photos and let you know Niki is doing great. Such a lovely girl; so calm and gentle. We just love her so much."

10/26/2026

Even though I am officially retired now, I will do my best to still share updates on our puppies/dogs so we can continue to be our Zumi's Labs family!

"Hi Nanette! Just saw your post about your retirement. Congrats! Here are some pics of Louie (Dot/Boulder), coming up on 13 yo and not slowing down a bit! He spent yesterday swimming and retrieving birds for our boys.

I cannot begin to tell you how many compliments we have gotten on him over the years, especially his size and demeanor. We have cherished him and hopefully have years to come with him."

10/17/2026

The End Of An Era

After more than four decades of unwavering dedication to the health, training, and well-being of our canine companions, I am officially announcing my retirement.

I have had a lifetime of dog ownership. 47 years as a dog trainer that I've used to shape confident, stable and beautifully mannered dogs. 22 years in veterinary medicine as a highly skilled professional, well versed in medical management, assisting in the health and well-being of thousands of animals. 20 years breeding outstanding Labrador Retrievers with meticulous attention to pedigrees, structure, temperament, and health clearances. I have produced outstanding lines of healthy, stable, and highly capable companions.

For the past 20 years, my life has been anchored by the whelping box, the show ring, and the joy of preservation breeding. As I step away from a lifelong devotion to the canine world and the demanding 24/7 lifestyle of breeding and caring for dogs, for the first time in my life I am now dog free.

Our last two girls: Kit now lives with her mama Tika, Gary and Liz near Flathead Lake. And Niki moved into retirement with Karen and Malcolm in Canada just a week ago. Karen had Louie (Kuma/Boulder) for 11 ½ years and was always wonderful about keeping in touch.

As much as I have tried, as long as I was caring for dogs, work was constantly switched on and I was unable to rest. I am not sure how long I will be able to live dogless. But for now, this is where I am supposed to be.

As I enter this next chapter of well-deserved rest, freedom, and peaceful reflection, from here on in I will focus on playing, traveling, and improving my health.

To my wonderful puppy families: Thank You! You became a true extension of the Zumi's Labs family. Seeing the puppies we brought into this world grow into cherished, healthy companions has been a true honor. I wish to express my deepest gratitude to everyone that has walked this path with me. Thank you for being a part of my life, for loving my dogs, and for sharing a lifetime dedicated to the animals who give us their everything.

09/20/2026

This pretty much sums it up!

09/15/2026

Bonnie sent this note a couple of weeks ago regarding her 1 1/2 year old Juneau/Kenai boy, Remi!

"Hi! I hope you are doing well. I had to send this best friend pic - Nova went back to school on Wednesday and she and Remi are typically inseparable. So he was a sad boy while she was gone. But needless to say, by looking at this picture, he was so happy when she got home. She even read him a few books. He remains the most patient dog I’ve ever known."

09/13/2026

Nancy shared this photo of her Sina/Epic girl, Olive, and her Nita/Epic boy, Willie! Don't they both look so content and comfortable!

I'm thinking this bed would work really well for Niki and Kit. Nancy says she got it from Costco and it's 46x36x12.

09/06/2026

Hmmm... this doesn't feel like retirement.

09/01/2026

And so it's happening... Rob retired one year ago. After having dogs my entire life, including 22 years in veterinary medicine from kennel keeper to receptionist to technician then to office manager, earning my dog trainer and canine nutritionist certifications, and raising Labrador Retrievers for 20 years, it's my turn now. My turn to take care of me. This decision has been emotionally brutal and has been made with a great deal of thought and care.

Kenai went to his new home two weeks ago. He now lives with Kellie our dog sitter, and her wonderful family. Kellie, Jeff, and Austin already have Kenai's son, Drake (by Juneau) and Chewy (Reece/Griz). Drake is a spitting image of his daddy! Kellie is also a 20 year veterinary technician. We introduced all of the boys together on a walk along a creek. It went seamlessly. And when Kenai went to his new home a few days later, Kellie said “it's been extremely smooth.” He loves being inside. “He loves all of the stuffies. Is doing great. It's as if he's always been part of our family.” Kellie has been wonderful about keeping in touch and has sent us numerous photos!

Our fifth generation three year old beautiful chocolate girl, Shelby, went to her new home a couple of days ago. Our in-laws, Scott and Cindy, used to have our retired girl, Sasha, who passed away at almost 14 years old in November. Scott is absolutely in love with Shelby and Shelby absolutely loves Scott. Scott says Shelby is so patient and easy and is really enjoying the one on one attention, being in the house, their twice daily walks, swimming, and car rides. Both Kellie and Scott live nearby.

For now we are keeping Niki and Kit. Rob really loves having dogs. I would really love to have a clean house. So, we are reducing slowing... Seeing how things feel. Do we keep two, one, none??? For now, our options are open. Kellie is keeping Kenai intact for at least a year, just in case we change our minds... One step at a time.

For the 25 of you already on our wait list, retirement has been calling to me for awhile now. However, I am sorry. And no, I cannot refer anyone to you. How can I? How can I refer anyone with the training and experience I have. I've not meet any breeder that comes close. If, however, you do find someone and would like my opinion, feel free to reach out.

My website has not been renewed. However, I will keep my email and this page. Feel free to check in!

Thank you for being such wonderful and caring clients! And thank you for all of the loving homes you have provided our amazing puppies and dogs for so long!

It's been quite the journey.

08/20/2026

Alex sent this video of Gus's first swim! Gus is barely four months old out of Niki and Kenai.

08/17/2026

"Hard to believe Aylen (Juneau/Kenai) is 28 months old already! There are some days it feels like she has been in my life forever and other days it seems like she just came home last week! Either way, she is definitely my #1 girl who keeps the biggest smile on my face everyday. I can't thank you enough for all the love and care you put in to breeding these magnificent dogs."

Address

By Appt
Victor, MT
59875

Website

http://www.ZumisLabs.com/

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