My husband Tom also grew up with toy and miniature poodles, but had always wanted a standard poodle that he could train to hunt and be a companion.

 

After we got married, about six months later, we had our first standard poodle - Buddy.  Buddy was supposed to be my husband's companion, but ended up choosing me as his.  And, I worked with him in obedience and enjoyed it so much, I later decided to purchase my first confirmation dog.  (So we lovingly blame my husband for getting me going in showing.)

 

I pretty much do the showing, competing and grooming with our poodles and I am very lucky to have the husband I do.  He has worked obedience basics with many of our poodles and has let me take over the reigns when I decide to compete with them.  He also works with them in teaching them to retrieve along with our English Springer and American Water Spaniel.

 

Our poodles are shown in Confirmation, Obedience, Rally and Agility.  We also do therapy work with them and working on training in field work.  There are many people I can say have helped me on my journey with my dogs, but I do have to acknowledge and thank a couple of individuals that have taken the time and patience to work on a personal level with me.  And, if it was not for them to allow me to show and breed into their bloodlines, I would not be where I am today.

 

First, I have to thank Dede Diehl of Silde Kennels for my start.  She is what I would consider my mentor.  She has shown me everything from grooming to handling to training and just having a huge ear for the many questions I have asked.

 

Second, Roberta (Pepsi) Gilson of Magicstar Standard Poodles

has also become a mentor for me not just in the confirmation ring, but also in the performance ring.  She has helped guide me and worked with me in my agility training with my dogs.

 

Third, I have to recognize two handlers that have shown my dogs and whom have given me an education in the confirmation ring.  Katie Kinowski of Parade Poodles has been a great friend and handler and Terri Meyers of Swag Poodles who has shown a couple of my dogs with much beauty and style.  I look forward to continue to have long friendship with both.

 

And, last but not least, I have to thank the many members of the poodle club in which I am a member.  They may not have a direct influence on my training and breeding decisions, but what they contribute to the many conversations I have with them, have helped me in many of my decisions regarding my poodles.