Now, It's A Standard (Arf! Arf!) POODLE

~~The Gayla Pink Apple~~

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It Was Once A Miniature Schnauzer;
Then, It was a Shih Tzu;
Now, it's a Standard Poodle!

I've been wanting a standard poodle for a few years now.  I tried talking myself out of it several times - actually have talked myself out of it a couple times - but somehow would not let it go. The desire continued and did not disappear.  So, recently the search was on.  I looked into puppies and easily found some great ones.  I also completed an application to rescue a standard poodle and then put it on hold.  The waiting began - the pondering continued. Do I buy a puppy or see if a rescue that is a good match comes my way.  Do I have room in my heart for another dog?  Is the time now?  Is there a sign in this for me to follow?  Yes, I think so - keep reading...
 

I still grieve for our little Shih Tzu, Casey and it's been a year since she died.  Growing up we had dogs, but they were outside dogs. I never really attached to them like I have - as an adult - with my indoor pets. 

It Was Once A Miniature Schnauzer

Baron Von Benzer  

First, there was Benzer, a miniature schnauzer. His official name was Baron Von Benzer. He was kind of like my first child. Benzer loved to please you, instead of demanding you please him. He was well behaved - I taught him to NOT jump up on the furniture - I wasn't going to have my furniture smelling like "dog" - He didn't sleep on our bed - I mean, my goodness - no! Oh, the rules when I was young!!! :-) He joined my household before a baby/child entered my world. But, regardless of my rules, I loved him dearly and he loved us back many times over. 

Then, It was a Shih Tzu

Lady Peek-A-Boo Casey Marie enters the household and I must tell you about her, too.  Benzer shared the spotlight with her for 5 or 6 years.  Oh Yes, Casey - the teeny tiny 8 week-old Shih Tzu.  She belonged to my daughter.  Blair was in the 2nd or 3rd grade and decided she needed her very own pet.  She knew exactly what she wanted - a little white dog to sleep and cuddle with, and sit in her lap.  

Lady Peek-A-Boo Casey Marie

Casey was exactly what Blair ordered and she stole all our hearts, too. I have to say though, she expected you to please her, instead of her pleasing you. She had that little tilt of the head and cute little face that got exactly what she wanted when she wanted. Yes, she got on the sofa, slept on the bed, she did whatever she wanted and went wherever she wished. She broke all the house rules Benzer had to live by.   All of my rules went out the door when this little lady came along.

She was named Peek-A-Boo because the day we brought her home she would put her paws over her eyes - move her paws away - look at us - then put them back over her eyes; as if she were playing peek-a-boo with us. She was so loved by our entire family.  Casey passed away a year ago at 14 1/2 years old.

Now, it's a Standard Poodle!

I think at this stage in my life, a standard poodle indeed 'fits' me perfectly.  I got the call from a poodle rescue organization on the one-year anniversary of Casey's death.  Camille is white and cream (so was Casey) - is a girl (so was Casey) and her name starts with the letter "C"!  Is that ironic?  I originally wanted a male, black or chocolate brown; and his name would not start with the letter "C"!  But, here is this girl, white and cream, and need I say more?   It's obvious - She's my gal!  She's the standard poodle for me!

 

Mademoiselle Camille Bianca Rose

It is time for a large dog that can run with me outdoors.  I want a large poodle because they do not shed and are very smart.  I will admit I do not like small poodles very much and I've never been much of a poodle fan; but I'm convinced the big standard poodle is a good match for me now. 



It Was Once A Miniature Schnauzer;
(Baron Von Benzer)

Then, It was a Shih Tzu;
(Lady Peek-a-Boo Casey Marie)

Now, it's a Standard Poodle!
(Mademoiselle Camille Bianca Rose)

My Heart Smiles,

Gayla