“Mattea is the living embodiment of everything that’s great about Labrador Retrievers and in particular, our amazing America Pointing Labs. She is both fiercely game driven and dynamic in the field and at the same time, gentle and loving to all that she meets. All that encounter Mattea notices and appreciates her kind demeanor and she in turn loves all the ear scratches and head rubs she receives. As an older, retired dog, she’s enjoyed living her best life; resting on the back porch, reminding us when meal time is approaching, going on leisurely walks and greeting all, and just so we don’t forget who she was in her heyday, taking a turn or 2 in the pheasant field to show off her amazing nose, hammer point and confident marking. During her hunt test days, she became known as pretty eyes. She had these eyes that would just melt your soul. She’s richly deserving of APLA HOF honor for all she and her offspring have accomplished in the Hunt Test arena, but as all that have known and loved Mattea can attest, she’s HOF at just being a fantastic, well-rounded companion too.”