About Us

Welcome to Tom and Cathy Banks at Shoal Creek Labradors. We are a small hobby kennel in Southern California.

Tom has worked in Law Enforcement for nearly 33 years, and I retired 3 years ago from medical administration. We have three daughters, one son, and two grandchildren.

We got our first Labrador, out of field lines, ten years ago, and have been in love with the Labrador Retriever ever since. Shortly after acquiring our first Lab, Ty,we got another Lab pet, "J.B." this time from English lines. Having another Lab caused me to crave more information, leading me to join the High Desert Labrador Club of So. California. I was thrilled to be around people with Labradors, and was envious of their talk of going to Specialties and All Breed shows, taking their dogs into the conformation ring.

I became friends with Dian Welle of Blue Knight Labradors, and it was from her that I was able to get my first conformation hopeful puppy who I am pround to say is named American Champion Blu Knight Classic Slapshott (after my love of hockey). The day "Hrudey" finished, Dian was with me, witnessing one of the greatest days of my life. Hrudey has now retired from the regular dog shows, now entering as a "Veteran" at Labrador Specialties. Hrudey stands at stud at Blue Knight Labradors when he has a "visiting" bitch.

Three years ago, Sher-Mi-Imagine Two For Roughing, "Luc" joined our team, and is now Champion Pointed. My goal is to finish him on my own, made much easier with the purchase of a motor home.......90% for the dogs!

Last fall, after much begging, Decoys On the Ice At Shoal Creek, "Abby", found herself a delightful part of the family. I look forward to showing her in the ring and hopefully finishing her before we have our first litter in 2 years, entering a new phase as breeder and handler!

Tom and I are both members in good standing of the High Desert Labrador Retriever Club of Southern California, where I served as a Board Member for several years, and the Central California Labrador Retriever Club, a young club that will be fun to grow with.