Fair Havens was established in 2004 in Littlestown, PA. The name Fair Havens is taken from the Bible - Acts 27:8. Fair Havens is a harbor in the south of Crete where the Apostle Paul took refuge on his journey to Rome.

I have worked in Veterinary Medicine for ~ 20 years and love all animals. My love of Labradors started in 1989 with the purchase of the family's 1st Labrador, Duchess. Duchess was a beautiful black girl who helped open the doors to the wonderful world of Labradors and dog shows.

My HeartDog Susie (named at birth) was born in September 1992. I had high hopes for Susie, but a fractured pelvis sustained when she was hit-by-a-car at 11 months (while at a boarding kennel) halted any future conformation and/or breeding plans. We then shifted focus to Obedience, working our way through Basic and Advanced classes. An injury to Susie's paw, requiring 2 surgeries to repair, halted our Obedience plans. Susie did earn her CGC. Susie & I became a therapy team through PAL and visited many nursing homes.

In January 2004 Hope joined the family as a special needs dog. Then during the winter of 2006-2007 I anxiously awaited the birth of a litter from Robnie Labradors that would hopefully produce a show pup for me. In April of 2007 Ripken came home, and so my dream of having a dog to show came true!

In October 2008 2 Field Spaniels, Shiloh & Beauregard, joined the family from Wood Duck Field Spaniels. Aglet, another Labrador from Robnie,  joined the family in December 2009. I enjoy showing Ripken, Shiloh and Aglet in conformation. Hope is working on Rally, and everyone has started field training for future Hunt Tests.

In May 2011 my 1st Field Spaniel litter was born and Katy, the only liver pup, stayed and is a wonderful addition. She has surpassed all my expectations and we have accomplished much together.

All the dogs enjoy life in the house and being part of my family. As I always say 'My dogs are my kids'.

Over the years I have continued to learn all I can about Labradors: reading books, researching pedigrees, joining Labrador forums and lists, and attending dog shows. I have been involved with Lab Rescue and numerous foster dogs have shared my home.

I belong to 2 Labrador clubs and in 2009 I became a founding member of the Mid Atlantic Field Spaniel Club. In 2010 I joined the Field Spaniel Society of America. I hope to continue to preserve both breeds and to educate people on the joys of living with Labradors and Field Spaniels.

Valerie Taylor