Laskelsa Black Diamond - ‘Star’
Star was sired by SUP CH Driftway Special Envoy ("Mackie"), a prolific producer of champions across Australia. Mackie was a quality yellow Labrador with an impressive pedigree featuring Driftway, Rocheby, and Sandylands lines. A critique of Mackie’s Best in Show win at the 4th Labrador National by judge Mr. David Craig (UK) aptly captures his excellence:
“This yellow has quality stamped right through him like 'Blackpool Rock.' Top-class boy with everything in the right place, lovely head which is masculine but so kind, correct bone, super body properties with barrel rib, short loin, and excellent topline, good hindquarters, shown in great condition and has a correct coat of the right texture, a confident, extrovert showman who really comes into his own on the move—here he has excellent outline. Had no hesitation in awarding him the Dog Challenge which was most deserved."
Star’s dam, CH Driftway Black Silhouette, was the daughter of CH Tapeatom Easy Rider and CH Driftway Silver Fern, continuing the legacy of excellence from the Driftway line.
Star herself was a strong, well-boned, medium-sized black female, true to Labrador type. She boasted a classic Labrador double coat with ample undercoat and the hallmark otter tail, embodying the breed’s defining characteristics.
Her head was feminine and pleasing, with a bright, intelligent eye, correct ear set and size, and a good reach of neck that flowed seamlessly into well-laid shoulders. She had a well-barrelled chest and good depth of brisket, though she was slightly long in the loin.
Star stood on strong forelegs with substantial bone, slightly sloping pasterns, and arched toes. She had a level topline with a tail set perfectly aligned with it, complementing her strong hindquarters. These attributes gave her a balanced and sturdy build, well-suited for both the show ring and practical work.
Star was more than just her physical attributes—she was a true heart dog and the matriarch of what Morndew represents today. Her temperament was unmatched; she was affectionate to a fault, winning over everyone she met. Star was incredibly versatile, seamlessly transitioning between roles as a show dog, assistance dog, retriever, and, later, a support dog following her retirement at age six.
Every puppy Star produced was remarkable, excelling as either show dogs or assistance animals, cementing her legacy as the foundation of Morndew’s success. She left an indelible mark on all who knew her, not only as a dog of exceptional quality but as a loyal and loving companion whose influence will resonate for generations to come.
Star’s Pedigree
Health Tests:
Hips – 2-1
Elbows – 0-0
Progressive Rod Cone Degeneration (PRCD) - PRA - CLEAR
Exercise Induced Collapse (EIC) (Retriever Type) – CLEAR
Narcolepsy (Labrador) - CLEAR
Hereditary Nasal Parakeratosis/Dry Nose (Labrador Retriever Type) – CLEAR
Skeletal Dysplasia 2 (Mild Disproportionate Dwarfism) – CLEAR
Eyes: Clear eye examination