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