Lights at Christmas, the Czech Days parade in Tabor, or simply enjoying outdoor summer band concerts at the Meridian together. The Rothenbergers have always enjoyed spending time with their beloved dogs in leisure as well as off the clock. When the family decided to welcome a second dog into the family fourteen years ago, they had been introduced to the Large Munsterlander breed and desired one of their own. The Large Munsterlander has as Lori calls it, “An off button. They are more relaxed and comfortable when at home, but when I take them out to hunt – games on!” Among the breed’s notable attributes are their calm, family-friendly disposition, intelligence, eagerness to please and excellent versatile hunting ability. Lori recalls, “We just fell in love with the breed’s personality and knew it would make a wonderful hunting dog.” After patiently waiting for the birth of their puppy, the couple brought home their first Large Munsterlander; Snowy Oaks Desi, of Prior Lake, Minnesota. They picked her, because they found the breed esthetically beautiful with their long silky coats, soft ears, and flowing, fan-like tails. For some, the long coat can be a detraction because of the tendency for them to catch burrs and stickers. Keeping them clean and tangle-free can be time consuming. Lori feels it’s well worth it though, because not only does she prefer the look of a long tail visually, it’s also more helpful in the pointing aspect for hunting and can communicate a lot about a dog’s mood. Lori also wants to make it clear that while this breed is an apple for the eye, they are also adept workers in their natural outdoor environment. Initially Lori was a little nervous about guns because she’d learned from childhood experience that not only were they loud, but sometimes they kicked too. Lori was fully committed to hunting as a family, so on Mother’s Day in 2007, she and Todd went shopping together and found a twelve gauge under and over that fit her well, and she’s been using it ever since. The Large Munsterlander breed originated in Munster, Germany. In the United States there is currently a small gene pool, with most of the breeders located in Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota. Choosing a breeder is an important step for all potential purebred dog owners, regardless of the type of breed involved. Lori and Todd asked a lot of questions. It’s the breeder that decides who each puppy will get placed with. To be on a waiting list is common, because there are more people wanting puppies, then are actually available. This is especially true if specific breed characteristics, such as coat markings and colorings are desired. On average, there are only eightyfive Large Munsterlander puppies born in the US each year. Females approved by the Large Munsterlander Association can only have one litter a year, and a break of a year in between litters is recommended. With the arrival of their young Munsterlander, early training was a priority. Lori quickly became immersed with the Midwest Tri-State Chapter of NAVHDA in Sioux Falls and (now defunct) Freeman, South Dakota. NAVHDA is the North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association. Lori wanted to share her talents with the Large Munsterlander Association of America organization, and has been the treasurer since 2007. Lori also came up with the fun idea of creating a Large Munsterlander calendar as a club fundraiser, but primarily as a way to promote the breed. This was very successful and ten vMUNSTERLANDERS continued on page 15 Prescriptions Filled. Expectations Exceeded. We go the extra mile to ensure you receive the friendly service, fair prices and pharmacy expertise you deserve for your entire family. Michelle Lamberty, R.Ph. We can help make taking your medications easier by synchronizing your refills so you can make less visits to the pharmacy. We offer free in-town delivery. Visit our website at www.rogersfamilypharmacy.com or sign up for our convenient mobile app and you can simplify your life by refilling or transferring your prescriptions to us online. 218 W. 4th Street, Yankton, SD • 605.665.8042 • www.rogersfamilypharmacy.com HERVOICEvMAY/JUNE 2019v11