Our poodle journey

Our family lives in the Boston area and had fostered a white standard poodle for the Guide Dog Foundation on Long Island. For 18 months, we got to love Tapper and socialize him in all sorts of environments. As a service dog in training, Tapper went shopping, to church, schools - anywhere almost that we went as required by law. He wore a vest that designated him as a service dog in training. It was an extraordinary experience that we recommend. Tapper became a seeing eye dog after much more extensive training back on Long Island. When he left our family we were devastated by the "loss" of Tapper.

Filling the hole in our hearts for a poodle - We don't have a fenced in yard and so New England Poodle Rescue wouldn't even consider us even though we live in the country. So, I was online searching for a poodle rescue and found a cryptic listing for a silver and a black. When I made contact, both had been spoken for and the person said she had a red coming in at the end of the week. We exchanged more info. Within 3 days, our family was driving out to Albany NY to pick up Red Romeo, a 2.5 yr old purebred red with AKC papers that was returned to the original breeder. The one and only family to own him, returned him after 2.5 yrs. They didn't shed a tear when they dropped him off as they went on to the nearest PetCo to buy dog toys for a new dog (The breeder's husband saw them there an hour after dropping Romeo off).

Were we the lucky ones! There was nothing wrong with this beauty other than food aggression and a dislike for men in hats (both issues were dealt with). We renamed Romeo - Fritz and he has been our most beloved affectionate friend since he came home with us 3 years ago. He is funny, loyal, a "leaner", body glue...loves our family and has special relationships with each person. Poodle people - that's Fritz! We are a family that is totally "spood" for good!