The Siscos wrote:

(Mar 20, 2008)

It’s been awhile since we last communicated. Sophie is just a tad over 17 mos. She now weighs 13+ lbs. and I have cut back on her food because she is like a cinder block or a tank. Very solidly built. She has lost a little weight. Reds seem to be more solidly built at least Sherry was like that and now I see that Sophie is as well.

She is a wonderful, amazing dog. Bill and I have said repeatedly, if only we were younger, we would have wall to wall red poodles.There is no other color or breed of dog that can†interest us. Sophie is a true braniac.† We are amazed daily by her command of the English language. I cannot begin to tally the number of words she recognizes and responds to.

In all my years of grooming, handling and living w/dogs, especially a long relationship with the Poodle, she is w/o a doubt the smartest dog I have ever owned. Of course, we live in a giant playpen. She has toys in the living room, bedroom, office, dining room and kitchen. Occasionally even in the bath room. She continues to talk about everything. Nothing goes unnoticed or unannounced. She makes all her wants made clear to me. And believe me I must shape up and respond to her demands.

Henny, what is your secret? You must be so pleased to received these glowing reports on your puppies now grown into adulthood. However, there’s a little joke around her house regarding Miss Sophie whenever she steps over the line:”She’s only a puppy you know?”

Anyway, we thank you again for sending this wonderful Poodle. She is intelligent, loving, feisty and lives to play. What a great dog to come home to and to wake up to each morning. She sleeps happily in our bed. I can tell she is growing up because some mornings she doesn’t get up with me but lets me know she would like to sleep in.

Hope all is well w/you, your family and your wonderful Poodles.

Love from all the Siscos. Bill, Pat, Sophie and Lotus

---

John & Irma Ballengee wrote:

(Feb 10, 2008)

Until December 2006 our family consisted of my wife, me, and our 7 year old toy poodle Ginger. The first week in December Ginger became ill and was taken to the vet who diagnosed her with sugar diabetes. Although the vet did his best Ginger died 8 days later.

I knew that Ginger could never be replaced, but we would need another poodle to fill that sickening, lonely void that her passing left. I didn’t have a clue where to start looking to find a reputable breeder, so talked to my vet. He didn’t know any but told me a few tips in my search.

First and foremost look for a breeder that raises the dogs as family members. If you find that the breeder keeps the dogs in cages, turn around and leave.

Second, your sense of smell should be the first thing to use when visiting a breeder. If the house has a “doggie” smell, turn around and leave.

Finally, ask for the name and phone number of the vet that the breeder uses. Then call that vet and talk to them about the breeder.

In my search for a breeder I turned to the internet, and found Henny’s Poodles among many others. First I was very much impressed with her website. It states that her poodles are home raised. It also includes her vets name, address, and phone number. Hmm! It looks like we are off to a good start.

I called Henny and made an appointment to visit her home. Upon arrival we were met at the door by a very warm and friendly greeting by Henny who had a great big welcoming smile on her face. As my vet had advised, I paid close attention to any objectionable odors that might be present. There were none! After being shown around I could see that there were no dogs in cages.

We had a nice cordial visit, and although money was discussed it was not the main focus. By the time we left we had obligated ourselves to two pups, and felt that we had made a new friend as well. By the end of January our pups were old enough to come home. The visit to pick them up was our third visit to Henny’s. At no time during any of the visits did we feel rushed. Each visit was genuinely warm and cordial. Henny displayed love for the pups she was about to send off to a new home, but said she knew that they would have a good home with us, as any of her clients.

Each visit left my wife and I in awe at the almost magical control Henny has over her animals. I even told her on our last visit that she should have a TV show showing how to train dogs. She softly talks to them and they listen. She smiles and says that it is like having a house full of 3 year olds. Henny’s Poodles are more than a business; her animals are her love and passion. Because of the love and devotion we, the customers benefit. I have also found that she is always willing to stop what she is doing to answer questions you might have about your pups once they are home.

My two girls? They continue to grow and change daily. As you would expect from a high quality Poodle Their intelligence is unbelievable. They are very friendly and loving companions. They have shown no aggressive behavior toward anyone or anything. The latest thing that we have noticed is a couple of times they have demonstrated that proud, pompous swagger that you see in show poodles during competition. We will never show either of these, but it is neat to see them do that.

Although Ginger is missed and memories of her will live on, the void has been filled and our family once again feels whole.

John & Irma Ballengee

---