Our Kids

by Amy Canton
(Longview, TX)

When I first decided I wanted a Standard Poodle a few years ago, I started doing some research and found an ad in the paper: "10 week old puppies $400." My husband was thrilled - he thought we would have to pay close to $1000! I was a little concerned though - if something sounds too good to be true it usually is. We went to the persons house and saw a pitiful sight - ungroomed puppies in a tiny enclosure with their mom, dad, and several other adult poodles. The dogs looked like bears they had so much matted, nasty hair on them. He proudly informed us that he breeds in the dead of winter so that "only the strong survive". He had never even touched the puppies he had only thrown food over the fence at them so they would be "tough". Fighting back tears we left, and on our way home called animal control. They took all the dogs to the shelter and as soon as the hold on them was released I contacted a poodle rescue to come get them. One poor little girl just sat in the corner in a semi-comatose state. Her eyes wouldn't even focus; she was too far into shock. I took a chance and took her home. She sat in the same spot for 5 hours without moving, barely blinking. She finally started to come around with alot of love and attention, and by six months was a typical healthy happy go lucky poodle....except... She needed a buddy to play with! Our other dog, a Great Dane/Dalmation mix is getting older and couldn't keep up with her so I started thinking about finding her a buddy. A friend called me and said "a guy just abandoned a standard at the (local) petshop". I found out a guy ordered a puppy online and when he didn't match their paint color they gave him up! Well he came home with me too and now we are one big (well groomed) family!