Written By: Scott Arceneaux

This is a story with an ending to rival most fairy tales. Louis Dunigan started out to buy a lab to have for hunting. His first lab was a bust to say the least. This sent him on a journey to find a top notch retriever. When he traveled to Shreveport, LA, to the kennels run by Mike & Michelle Blackley his excursion ended. Mike had a two year old for sale. Louis being relatively new to the retriever game asked Mike to put Tex through his paces. Liking what he saw, Louis purchased Tex. Tex was a rambunctious youngster to say the least. Still needing some finishing touches, he enlisted the help of Ron Anderson.

It was evident early on that Tex had the talent to be something special. It was under Ron's patient approach that Tex became a consistent performer in both AKC and UKC hunt tests. He went 4 for 4 to earn his HR and did the same to earn his HRCH. Ultimately passing 11 straight finished tests at one point. Tex's first venture at the Grand was a good one, going to the third series at the Mossy Oak Grand. After running in limited hunt tests in 2002, Tex was ready to tackle the Grand again. This time is was the "Summer Grand" in sunny Canada. What a Grand! Tex, not handling on a mark and being impressive in each series earned his first grand pass. Not to be out done, with a quick turn around for the fall grand in rainy Louisiana, Tex matched his performance from Canada by not handling on a mark and earning his second grand pass. Though Tex was still short one finished pass for his Grand title, however it was earned at Bay Area this spring. Tex is also one Master pass short of his MH title.

Louis would like to thank first of all his family for their support and understanding. Mike and Michelle Blackley for the early training and rearing of Tex. Also, to the "Big Anderson Training Group" for their support and encouragement through all of the ups and downs of training and hunt testing. Finally, to Ron Anderson. It is under Ron's hand that Tex has hit his stride as a competitor and also as a producer. All of Tex's success is due to you. Thanks for your compassion, expertise, and friendship.

So, now the next chapter starts for Tex as a performer and now becoming a great producer much as his sire 2XNAFC Lean Mac. For a journey that first started with a backyard bargain, now ends in finding a retriever of a lifetime.