About Us

Storm’s Ahead Kennel
and Pet Resort, LLC

Janet Rehfus

Janet is an animal lover at heart. A former veterinary technician (17 years), and K-9 trainer, Janet has created a leading boarding facility along with a successful breeding program of Labrador Retrievers over the last 20 years. Janet trains her own dogs to campaign in American Kennel Club and Hunting Retriever Club Field events. She also actively hunts her dogs for waterfowl and upland game as well as guiding hunts for a number of hunting preserves.

Michael Weiden

Michael, an avid grouse hunter, was introduced to Storm’s Ahead Kennels in 2007 while searching for his last bird hunting lab. Janet introduce him to the hunt test world and he was hooked. He adopted his second last bird hunting lab from Storm’s Ahead in 2011. Michael became a partner in life with Janet in 2016. He trains his own dogs to campaign in American Kennel Club and Hunting Retriever Club Field events. Michael also actively hunts his dogs for waterfowl as well as upland game and is also a guide for several hunting preserves. He is now working with his seventh last bird hunting lab.

Storm’s Ahead Kennels and Pet Resort is a full time boarding and breeding facility. Our kennel offers forty-two pens with heat and air conditioning. We also have five outdoor exercise areas, two of which have ponds. All of our Labradors have strong natural retrieving desire, hunting instincts, superior intelligence and trainability. They are all active in American Kennel Club and Hunting Retriever Club Field Tests to the highest levels and active upland/waterfowl hunters. They are well rounded dogs that are a pleasure to share the field, a blind, or the couch with. Our breeding females possess the highest qualities we can find. Extensive health testing ensures a next generation of healthy, sound dogs.

About The Name

The origin of our kennel name comes from our first lab “Radars Detected Storms A Comin MH’” – “Stormy”. After searching long and hard for just the right pedigree, we then waited two years for an available pup. To get a dog like Stormy the wait was well worth it!! Stormy’s main goal in life was to please us. Whether it be duck hunting on a nearly frozen lake, pheasant hunting in South Dakota, or competing in field trial and hunt tests, Stormy simply wanted to do his best and please his handler. Stormy easily became everyone’s’ friend. When prospective puppy buyers would come to see a litter, Stormy always had the ability to seal the deal, “we want a pup just like him”! He was so much more than a trial dog, he was our handsome boy and part of our family. Stormy along with Teal (Storms Prize Whistling Wings MH) were the foundation of our breeding program. They proved to be a great success, producing pups and grandpups that are all over the United States. All giving great enjoyment to their owners. As everyone always says, dogs just don’t live long enough, Stormy passed away in March 2008. Living up to Stormy standards he hunted and played hard to the the end. He just wanted to sit next to us and be petted, not wanting to leave his family. He will live on forever in the hearts and the priceless memories of many. Thanks Stormy you taught us so much, you are greatly missed.

We Love you, Stormy Boy, March 8, 1998-March 6, 2008