GP EDMOND'S NEW SIDEKICK

If you've been in Great Plains Edmond recently you've probably been greeted by Belle the black lab. Always Branstetter's wife Brooke is also very knowledgeable with retriever training as well. Her Dad is an exceptional trainer, willing to help and eager to please, Belle has become a so Belle was already well mannered when Branstetter met Great Plains Edmond regular ever since Jerry Branstetter Brooke. In fact, Belle is so well trained that a little over a joined the sales team. All one has to do to better under- year ago Belle earned her junior hunter title at an AKC hunt stand this well trained retriever is to do as she does which test. Branstetter admits she may be a little spoiled and pamis look towards her master for the answers. pered, but she's no slouch when it comes to retrieving. Before Branstetter started working at GP, Belle belonged "Growing up I had two jobs I wanted to have. The first was to his wife, Brooke. Belle has always been an inside dog, to train retrievers, and the second was to become a waterand is very well behaved, but unfortunately she was having fowl videographer and have my work on national televito be left alone in the house all day. So as a simple solution sion." Branstetter began bringing Belle to Over the last ten years he's trained work with him. When asked why he countless retrievers for people, and has decided to start bringing Belle to work traveled from coast to coast and into Branstetter had this to say: Canada filming waterfowl hunts for "Where I grew up there was a small a nationally televised hunting show, welding shop in a neighboring town. and although Branstetter could make a The owner had an Australian Shepherd living training retrievers and hunting that was always eager to greet anyone waterfowl, he confesses he loves both who came through the door. The cus- too much to turn into a full-time job. tomer service at the welding shop was "For me there is nothing more always great, but a friendly dog made rewarding than seeing a dog 300 yards it even more relaxing and enjoyable. away sit at the blow of a whistle, go in The best part about bringing Belle to the direction I cast my hand and watch work is the smiles she puts on every- them pick up a bird knowing that you one’s face. I can remember my first day helped them find that potential. I want at Great Plains Edmond. Bill Clark that reward to drive me, not the payhad driven up from Ada to meet with check." me and the rest of the employees. One Branstetter also has two thing he said that day was that our Man's Best Friend: Belle and Jerry are side by side male black labs, Ace and main goal was not to sell, but rather to companions at work. When Jerry moves a mower Luke that he brings to work ensure that every customer that walks around the lot, Belle hops on. When she's not greet- occasionally, but they are through our doors are to be greeted with a smile and enjoy their time here." ing customers Belle sits comfortably in her bed by Jerry's desk. Photos By: Reed Boettcher mostly outside dogs and have a hard time not drooling in pub Given Belle's behavior and disposition to customers lic. Maybe and employees, it's almost become part of Branstetter's job one day Belle can train them. description to bring Belle to work. Employees consider Even though customers might be her part of the family and customers love her, especially greeted with wagging tail instead of a the younger kids who like to throw her bumper (toy) to re- smile, Jerry and Belle are trieve. One of the local delivery drivers even leaves a treat proud to be a part of for her if she’s not around to give it to. what makes Great When asked how Belle is so well behaved, Branstetter Plains Kubota the elaborated further: amazing company it is. "During my first two years of college I was lucky enough to get a job working for one of the top retriever trainers in the United States. As an avid waterfowl hunter it went hand in hand with my passion for the outdoors and I learned quite a bit."

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