TarKom Labradors is a small hobby kennel located just outside Opelika, Alabama, in War Eagle country. Here at TarKom, we strive to produce the true "multi-purpose" Labrador Retriever. We believe that the characteristics which make a Lab a great hunting companion also make him a great tennis ball chaser or bed-warmer, and that there is no reason why your companion or hunting dog shouldn't be beautiful as well. As the old saying goes, "Life is too short to hunt with an ugly dog!" True Labrador temperament is vital to us, and our dogs have the wonderful disposition that is a hallmark of the breed.

Our Labs are truly a family affair. I'm Karlene, chief Lab Lady, trainer and handler around here. I'm the one who studies the pedigrees and decides on the breedings, screens the homes, sells the puppies, maintiains the website - you name it. That's me in the picture, along with our first Labs, Molly and Otter. They aren't with us anymore, but Gemma, the chocolate girl in the photo, is all grown up, and is our foundation bitch here at TarKom. Hubby Tom is Chief Financial Officer and Head Cheerleader. He brings in the bucks to buy the kibble, and supports me as I do doggy stuff. Son TJ is the principle pooper scooper and gopher, and also helps to socialize puppies.

I am blessed that my parents are also very involved with our Labs. They live very close to us (within walking distance but I drive 'cuz I'm lazy) and are a HUGE help. They are available to "run let the dogs out" when we'll be away from home longer than we expected, or when we want to get away together as a family. My Mom, Donna, is my dog show companion and traveling buddy. We spend hours in the car together traveling to shows, staying in sometimes very "interesting" hotels, showing the dogs and caring for their needs. She is always here when the girls have puppies to keep my company during the whelping and to help care for the newborns. As they grow up she aids in cutting toenails, changing out ribbons, taking the pictures as I stack them and puppy sitting when I need help. We make a great team, and I am blessed that my Mom is also my partner and one of my best friends.

Dad also has a key role. While he is not as "hands on" with the dogs (excpet for the 2 TarKom dogs that live with them!) he is always available to let dogs out, drive TJ to his various engagements when I'm tied up with puppies, and to keep up with TJ and things at the house when Mom and I are running to shows and Tom is at work. He's also very good about bringing me yummy things to eat when I'm sitting by the whelping box unwilling to leave. I don't know what we'd do without him!!

I hope you enjoy looking around the site. Should you have any questions, please be sure to contact me. God bless you!

 

Webmasters note: There have been a lot of changes to the pages recently, and not all the links work correctly. Please be patient, as we're working to get everything connecting smoothly again! :)