This February Business

I actually have very little news to report - if any.  But I know it's been a couple of weeks since a posted and I don't want Renate to start giving me heck for not posting ;-) 

Having a Standard Poodle is just about the most fun I think I could have with a dog.  I've had her to work a few times to have baths, brushings and little hair cuts.  She's very cooperative. 

Ritchie's still hanging out with Roland at the barn.  I haven't been out there near as much as I'd like to be, but this being a grown up and working really gets in the way of having fun!  The RPSI stallion auction is now underway and there has been a good amount of activity on its first day!  Check it out at http://rhpsi.hibid.com/catalog/54741/2015-rpsi-stallion-service-auction?tab=0

I went to introduce Amy to Jose a few days ago.  She was so afraid of the gigantic, black dog that she yelped when he sniffed her, and he was so gentle!!! 

Spring can't come fast enough.  I don't have any firm plans for this year except getting to Brooks in August for the Medieval Fair.  Can't wait to do something completely different. 

Anyways, I have a nearly 6-year-old kiddo to read a Frozen story to.  Have a wonderful night and, as always, happy horseing! 

Making Things a Little More "Standard"

I'm so excited I finally get to blog about my most exciting adventure - well maybe adventure isn't quite the right word for it although I know it will lead to several...

We picked up our Standard Poodle puppy
 yesterday!!!!  I've been a huge fan of Standard Poodles since I became a dog groomer and have been thinking lately that I'd like to add a dog to my pony show with Jose.  So my ideal dog for this is a white/cream poodle.  Now, the whole idea is a lot easier said than done!  I looked into 3 top S-Poodle breeders in Alberta, all breed for Black.  Now I know a black dog would be just as lovely but my big black horse already gets washed out in pictures.  A big black dog would get lost just as much if not more!  So I went on the hunt for a white S-Poodle and found ONE!!! 

The litter was in Red Deer, so not too far away, and I extensively interrogated the breeder.  The bitch is papered but the stud is not - not that it really matters to me.  They've both been vet certified for health and conformation.  I went and met them after a few weeks, I LOVE LOVE LOVE the stud dog.  He is such a sweet suck <3 The bitch is quite lovely too. 

So I decided it would be a great opportunity to create a surprise for Ali and we had a "girl's day" of lunch at Tony Roma's in Red Deer, a stop to shop at Pet Land after and then off to visit my "friend's Poodle puppies". 

At Pet Land, Ali got to meet 3 Ball Pythons, see a bunch of different fish and reptiles, some birds and hold a Guinea Pig.  We found a toy to take for the puppies too. 

We got to the breeder's and Ali immediately fell in love with all of the puppies.  They were all playful and snuggly.  The bitch dog was good with Ali and enjoyed her antler that I'd brought for her.  The stud dog was away as he is just a little too protective of his pack with new people yet and for Ali's safety, we just took that potential out of the equation.  I had the breeder take video on my phone as I sat our puppy on my lap.  I told Ali this was "Amy" and I had a leash and collar for her.  Ali liked the idea but I could see that she wasn't understanding the implication.  So I told her that this was "our" puppy, that we were going to take her home with us today!  That was much bigger!  She was pretty enthused and has been ever since. 

So now the great adventure begins.  I can teach my horses to do all sorts of behaviors, I'm excited to learn how to train a dog to do them too!!! 

Happy Horseing (and Poodling!!!)