Local trainer, Ganon Graham gives life to young man’s dream
“There wasn’t a dry eye in the duck blind.”
While duck hunting as a sport doesn’t lend itself to shedding tears, one recent experience at Mossy Pond Retrievers was emotional for participants and trainers alike.
Mossy Pond Trainer Ganon Graham had the opportunity to do gun dog training with a dog named “Remi”. “Remi” is owned by Matt Reinhardt of North Carolina.
Graham and Reinhardt took “Remi” out for her first Mossy Pond duck hunt together.
During their time in the blind, Graham and Mossy Pond’s Retriever Manager Lee Howard learned about Reinhardt’s son, Levi, his love for the outdoors and his dream of duck hunting.
Levi, 12, has physical limitations with a handicap that made his dream of duck hunting seem out of reach.
Determined to help, Graham and Howard set out to make Levi’s first hunt a reality, no matter what it took.
That dream came true November 6 as Levi, accompanied by his parents, Matt and Laura, traveled to Mossy Pond Lodge.
“What we thought would be a memorable first hunt for Levi and his family turned into one of the most touching and unforgettable days we’ve ever had at Mossy Pond,” said Hannah Grant, marketing director for Mossy Pond. “The laughter, excitement and joy shared between Levi, his pup and his parents left not a dry eye in the blind.”
Inspired by this moment, Mossy Pond owner Brad Arington has announced that Mossy Pond Lodge will offer complimentary hunts for any handicapped children.
“We have made this commitment to making sure every young hunter has the chance to experience the outdoors,” said Arington.
One of Mossy Pond’s loyal customers even donated a specialized chair like Levi’s to help make that mission possible.
As for Levi, he and his family have already booked a trip to come back in just a few months. “One taste of duck hunting and he’s hooked for life,” said M. Reinhardt.
