Dudley

by Linda J. Zwart
(Johnson City, NY)

In February of 2001, we adopted, or as I prefer to say, rescued, a gorgeous five month old chocolate poodle named Dudley. I made the appointment to see him, and when I walked into the front door, the moment I saw him, I thought "oh man, it's really a poodle."

I had just gotten over the death of my Belgian Sheepdog and wanted to get another dog right away. After I was introduced to Dudley, I thought, "well, he's ok, I'll take him home with me." I found him to be very skittish yet friendly. In fact, the owner, a retired police officer, told me that normally Dudley would not go up to strangers.

I had a heck of a time getting Dudley into my car. I literally had to push him into the car. But, the moment we got him home, it was like he'd always been there.

The first few weeks after we brought him home I learned some troubling facts about his previous owner. He would pull his ears and tail as punishment. So, I found that the first couple of weeks Dudley wouldn't let me near his tail or ears, but, after just giving him the love and patience he needed, I quickly was able to touch him anywhere and basically do anything to him. He was my boy.

Dudley was my first Standard Poodle. Unfortunately, I lost him on his 6th birthday to Osteosarcoma. That was the hardest day of my life. I miss everything about him--his clowning around (he had a better sense of humor than most humans I know!), his neverending love, patience, everything. They say you never know what you have until it's gone, but that's not always true. I always knew what I had and I am so grateful I had him for 5 1/2 years.

I now have an Olde English Sheepdog and German Shepherd. I couldn't bear to get another Poodle, but I will in the near future. As far as I am concerned, there is no better breed. I love my dogs that I have now, but Dudley will always have a special place in my heart, and I miss him every day. That's my story. Thank you for letting me put it on "paper". Linda J. Zwart