Louie

by teryl kidwell
(lasalle, michigan)

I found Louie through a friend, that this poor animal was being abused, studded out for Laberdoodles, the owner was a hopeless addict and living his addiction off the proceeds of the puppies.

Louie was a papered true Standard Poodle. When I went to the home to look at him he was a mess...over several years of non grooming, face distorted from coated crap and coat covered with disgust and at least two years growth.

I entered the yard with the friend that told me about him and went and sat on a lawn chair at the other end of the lawn, while my friend hugged and greeted him. Shortly, he came to me and hence never left my side for the entirely of his life. The vet said he would not have lasted out the month without care. 4 teeth pulled, worms in stomach...emaciapated...50 lbs...sick. Well, though the care, loving, meds and encouragement, Louie gained to 75 lbs., beautiful, confident, loving animal. The dog he was meant to be.

Life can be cruel and loving. My boy was put to sleep yesterday after having him for 6 wonderful years. He woke up not knowing where he was, who I was, refused food, drink and could not pass waste. I've had two Standards before and recognized our demize, horrified me. Loved on him, washed face and ears and talked, touched and cried.

Dr. Helena Woodward, Macomb St., Grosse Ile, MI is the best. She has taken care of two of my standards and closed their life with me. What a wonderful, caring Doctor of the profession.

So, another wonderful animal is in heaven with the children, family and friends we have lost.

Today with swollen eyes, slits actually, am looking for another wonderful animal that needs me and Robert, my darling husband, who did not know what poodles were about. They are the closest things to human...he never realized and now knows the loss, worst than any animal he had ever previously owned. Thank you for letting me tell. If you know of an abused Standard, please respond. I cannot tolerate that type of treatment with these perfect animals. Actually, they all are, are they not? God's gift. xo teryl