August 2012

Renaissance PoodlesThe Newsletter of Poodle Rescue of New England

Many of us enjoy summer outings with our poodles, watching our charges frisk, swim and play, relishing the outdoors and the many other delights that summer brings. Yet all too many dogs are not so fortunate - particularly those dogs used in puppy mills to produce litter after litter of adorable puppies to be sold by backyard breeders or in pet stores. These dogs suffer lives devoid of the pleasures that our beloved pooches enjoy in their loving homes. Puppy mill dogs live in cages for years, often unsocialized, untrained, and often with medical problems that are not addressed. Truly their plight is appalling.

Thus, this issue of the newslet ter focuses in particular on the special joys and challenges of rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming those puppy mill dogs that are lucky enough to find their way into rescue organizations such as PRNE. Along with Dr. Kay’s informative blog on the difficulties puppy mill dogs experience, the stories of Minnie, Blossom, Susie, Monet, and sisters Missy and Little Bit, give us all many reasons to avoid buying puppies from pet stores or backyard breeders. Indeed the more pressure we can bring to bear to drive puppy mills out of business, the better.

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In this issue: Welcome Note ...................................... page 1 Caring for a Rescued Puppy Mill Breeding Dog... page 8 Minnie .................................................. page 1 Whisker Walk 2012................................................ page 8 Blossom ................................................ page 2 Spotlight on a Volunteer......................................... page 9 Susie ................................................... page 3 In Memoriam......................................................... page 10 Monet.................................................... page 4 Gallery: Summer Scenes....................................... page 12 Missy and Little Bit .............................. page 5 Mailbox................................................................. page 13 Buddy..................................................... page 6 The PRNE-PETCO Connection............................. page 13 Puppy Mill Breeding Dogs.................... page 7 Upcoming Events...................................................page 14

Welcome Note... by Mahala Beams

So many things in our culture have become accessories and status symbols. The cell phones that we are umbilically connected to and all of the accoutrements that they require. Feathers woven into our hair. Acrylic nail tips. The too-large baseball caps. Unfortunately, living beings have been added to this list of fashionable “must-haves.” More and more, we rush

out to buy the latest version of the “status dog” just as we do the newest iPhone or DC shoe model.

You’ l l r emember the pocketbook dogs that Brittany and Nicole and Paris all carried around. In fact, dogs of this size became such a mark of status that luxury brand Louis Vuitton created a dog carrier in its trademark monogram leather so that owners could further show off their status. Dogs at the opposite end of the size spectrum have not been immune to fads either; witness the exponential

growth of the number of Pit Bulls in places where they were never meant to be, like tiny inner city apartments.

Although I could pontificate about how popular culture, movies, TV shows, celebrities, etc., drive the market for this or that breed of dog, my purpose here is to remind us that too often

Minnie... by Holly DeNike

Continued on page 2

Minnie

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behind these breeds of the moment are hundreds of dogs who are worth no more to their owners than the next litter of pups they can produce. They are breeding dogs living in horrible conditions in puppy mills or in backyard breeding situations. Our beautiful girl Minnie was one such dog.

Minnie and several other dogs were rescued by PRNE from a breeder several years ago. Minnie was fortunate and only had mammary tumors when she was surrendered to PRNE. Other dogs rescued from the same puppy mill had horrible teeth, weeping eyes, and skin issues. I suspect that Minnie was surrendered because the breeder didn’t care to pay to have her tumors removed.

We agreed to be a foster family for Minnie but it quickly became clear that we couldn’t ask Minnie to make the change to another family again. She craved attention desperately and screamed if she got scared or startled. When this behavior didn’t subside after a few months of acclimation, we knew that Minnie would stay with us so that she might feel the stability she hadn’t known earlier in her life.

Minnie’s tumors were removed and fortunately found to be benign. The condition of her skin and coat improved drastically with better quality food. We consulted with behaviorists and trainers and have made changes to help Minnie feel more secure. We know that Minnie doesn’t like to walk on a leash (she probably never was walked before she came to live with us), so we plan plenty of time for her to get exercise by running in our fenced-in yard.

Bringing Minnie into our family has not been as easy as it has been with most of our other pets, but every bit of effort has been absolutely worth it. Watching our pretty girl tear around the yard, roll in the grass with abandon, and lie in the shade on a warm day is without price to us.

Adopting a former breeding dog can be challenging, but is full of rewards beyond words.

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Minnie... continued from page 1

Blossom was a lifer. That's what they called her at the Puppy Mill as one who had been "chosen" to put forth generations of new dogs. The details of her existence there are horrific and well documented if you dare to do some research.

I wasn't looking for another pet; my mom wanted one and I was helping her. We've all done it. flipped through pages and pages of helpless animals that were hoping to be picked. And then - Blossom picked me. I couldn't turn away and found myself seeking the adoption. I had some very frank exchanges with her foster mom who told me,

among other things, that Blossom was fearful but gentle, sweet but reserved; she enjoyed the company of other dogs, loved her bed, loved the outdoors, and loved cheese! I was told I would be considered given that I had a fenced yard and another dog.

What did it all mean? I learned that it meant that Blossom trusted no one; Blossom could not be coaxed with food or with affection; Blossom froze when touched; Blossom had no play in her; Blossom had no fight in her. Blossom offered nothing; she didn't seek attention; she didn't enjoy company; she would not take treats; she had to be cornered to be caught. The magnitude of her pain and scars is still hard to fathom two and one-half years later. What I have learned is that lifers do not enjoy the benefit of love, caring physical contact, playtime, or the assurance that food will come and that someone wants them.

Blossom... by Dana Folco

Blossom and Dana

Continued on page 3

Blossom

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But I want Blossom. I am lifelong lover of animals and pets. I believe that I sense their emotion and pain; I appreciate their innocence. Blossom is developing some emotion, but she still has pain - the pain of not being able to break through and fully show her appreciation and devotion to her new family. Yet in two and one-half years Blossom has learned to trust her routine, has developed confidence that she knows what to expect in our household, shows excitement when she can anticipate her dinner, her walk, chasing squirrels in the yard, getting a treat from the neighbor, and having cheese!

It is bittersweet to adopt a lifer. I am overjoyed that Blossom jumps for joy to see me come home from work now; overjoyed that she doesn't poop in the sink during a bath anymore; defends herself when Sadie, our Cocker-Poo, tries to steal her cookies; knows that getting leashed means a fun adventure. And sometimes when we are out in the yard now, she'll pose down low on her front haunches and ask me to play. Who could say no to that?

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Blossom... continued from page 2

Blossom

Blossom with Sadie

Blossom

I am a silver toy poodle. My new name is Susie. I got a new name because last winter I got a whole new life. My old life wasn't so great. I was owned by a family who sold puppies. My job was to have as many puppies as I could each year. That was really hard work! Those little puppies sure kept me busy. When I was too old to have any more puppies, they did not want me. That sounds sad, but it was the best thing that ever happened to me. I was given to a wonderful group of people who work for Poodle Rescue. They found me a forever home.

M y n e w h o m e i s f u l l o f wonderful surprises. I live with a very nice lady and another toy poodle named Michelle. Michelle is my new sister. She told me to call the lady Mom because she will love and care for me just like a mother. My Mom gives us great food, and plenty of dog treats. Michelle taught me how to get as many treats as I want. All I have to do is hang around the treat basket and look cute. I even have a little dance that always gets me a treat.

Susie... by Susie (with the help of Pat Kelly)

Mom takes Michelle and me for a lot of long walks. I live in a busy city and so I was afraid of the noises and most especially of the car monsters. I thought they were out to get me. Once I

got over my fear, I really began to enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of my new world. There is nothing more satisfying than smelling the trunk of an old tree. You just never know who was there before you.

When we get home Michelle and I curl up on the couch for a nice long nap. Michelle has one end and I have the other. We leave room in the middle so mom can sit and pet both of us at the same time. She gives great belly rubs.

The best surprise about my new home is the love. I heard my mom telling a friend how happy she is to have me, and how much she loves me. She calls Michelle and me her girls. I know I will always be loved no matter how old I get. What could be better than living in a home where you are loved!

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Susie

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Monet was my foster dog, surrendered by a backyard breeder. I'll never forget the cold, rainy day my PRNE mentor, Liz, carried her in through the garage. The moment I saw those big round eyes I knew I was in Big Trouble. She was so little!

Monet had just had another litter of puppies. Trembling violently, she had a swollen tummy, teats hanging down, and black crusts on her face. I didn't dare hold her for a few hours until she stood at my feet, waving her front paws at me to pick her up. However, at first, she would allow me to hold her only for a short time.

Monet was compatible with my two dogs and grew in confidence with people. Very soon I knew I wanted to keep her, but I was hesitant about having three dogs. What if I could not give up my next foster? or the next one? I felt a need to foster, but did not want to start accumulating too many dogs. Applications for Monet kept coming in, so I had to make up my mind. Deciding I could not bear to give her to strangers, I finally adopted her.

As Monet grew more comfortable with us, her true nature was revealed. She is no tiny, timid toy: she is the first of my dogs to run out the back door to the fence and bark at the German Shepherds next door. She loves to chase butterflies, chipmunks, squirrels, rabbits, and baby robins. It took a year for her to allow me to stroke her head and back, but now she crawls into my lap every night to give me many kisses.

What a blessing she is for my two other dogs. Now my three dogs are a complete family, welcoming each new foster as a guest - but a temporary one.

Monet is the only foster who stayed. She belongs here.

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Monet...by Susan McDonald

Happy Monet

Monet with Roxanne on the first day in her new home

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A friend of ours thought she was going to have to give up her dog and asked if we would consider taking her. She is a lovely poodle that has come a long way since she was found on the side of the road in very bad

condition. After many years of not having a dog in the home, we said we would take her. As it turned out, she was able to remain with our friend. However, this planted the seed of having a dog again.

We spent a great deal of time searching all the rescues and shelters around New England. Then we submitted applications to several of them, but we had no luck for a while. My sister-in-law, Barbara, sent us a couple links to doggies she thought we would like. So we gave it another shot and inquired about a bonded pair of toy poodles. We were told the foster mom was in the process of possibly placing them in a home, but our information would be passed on to her in case that didn't work out. Once again, our hopes were dashed.

Then we heard from the foster mom, and with many messages back and forth, she arranged to come up for the home inspection so we could meet the dogs. There was a flurry of activity getting the house and yard ready for doggies. And shopping for things like dishes, beds, leashes etc. The time finally came when Amy of PRNE and her husband and doggies arrived at our home. We are happy to say the visit went well, and we adopted the two sisters.

These seven year old little girls came from a breeder that could no longer make any money on them, so they were sold on Craigslist. They were in deplorable conditions. After a little journey here and there, PRNE stepped in and took them into their care. All their medical issues and spaying were addressed.

Missy and Little Bit: AKA Two Bundles of Love... by Michele Crown

Dogs who have been in a puppy mill don't know that they are supposed to go outside to do their duties. They don't understand being on a leash. And sadly they don't know how to play. My sister and her partner have adopted more rescue beagles than I can count. They always take the sickest ones, and give them the best life any dog could have. So we were prepared for the many issues that often accompany rescue dogs from puppy mills.

Missy and Little Bit are so sweet and loving; we can't imagine anything they could do that would make us want to send them back. Everyone who comes in contact with them feels their loving and beautiful energy and immediately falls in love with them, as we did. They have settled in very well.

They are still a little skittish about quick movements and certain bangs, but are not bothered at all about thunderstorms and fire works. They only bark when someone drives into the yard. They are starting to run and play a little with each other when out in the yard. It only lasts for a minute or two, but it is a start. They are scared of toys, so that may take some time. Perhaps if they are exposed to another dog that plays with toys, they may realize it's a fun thing.

They are beautiful little bundles of love that have brought an immense amount of joy into our lives. They sleep with me and we have this little ritual we do after settling into bed. I tell them they are the babies now and they won't have to have any more

Missy and Little BitMissy and Little Bit when they first came into PRNE’s care

Missy Little Bit

Continued on page 6

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puppies. And I tell them how beautiful they are. They nuzzle up to me and take their front paws and cover their eyes. About ten minutes of petting goes on; then they are ready to let me go to sleep.

Everyone I know who has adopted rescue dogs feels that they are so

grateful to be taken out of the horrible conditions they were in and given a second chance. They will try very hard to please you and give you all the love they have in their little hearts.

We cannot imagine our lives without Missy and Little Bit. They truly are the sweetest dogs you could ever meet!

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Missy and Little Bit... continued from page 5

Missy and Little Bit in their new family

Missy and Little Bit

Buddy is our little “Love Bug.” A fourteen pound bundle of kisses and affection. For three years he has brought so much fun and joy to every one of our days!

We heard that Buddy was abandoned in a junk yard. Found mostly starved and skinny, he was a giant knot of painful mats. Poodle Rescue took him in and saved his precious little life. He was cleaned up, groomed, and had vet visits. We were the lucky couple allowed to adopt him. We are so grateful to Poodle Rescue of New England.

Buddy took to us immediately. He cuddles next to me every possible minute. He kisses my husband non-stop many times a day. He sleeps on our bed, snoring gently and quietly.

Buddy: Our Little Love Bug... by Anna Orbanes

My favorite image of Buddy is of him running in big circles in our yard at breakneck speed with a big smile on his face, his ears like sails blowing in the wind.

Buddy and our Grandson Leo are almost the same age: Buddy, four; and Leo, three and one-half. One of Leo's first words was Buddy (Buh- yee!). They are best friends and love each other. Their favorite game is burrowing under the bed covers, Leo giggling, Buddy yipping with joy, rolling around and around until they are breathless.

Buddy has beautiful, super expressive eyes. They say how much he loves us. And we love Buddy in return. Very much!

.........Buddy and his family

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I recently spoke at the annual conference of the American Animal Hospital Association where I reconnected with an old friend, Dr. Frank McMillan. We were small animal medicine residents at UC Davis together back in the day. Dr. McMillan’s professional journey has been an interesting one. Most notably, he has become a passionate, world renowned expert on the emotional well being of animals.

Dr. McMillan’s research on puppy mill breeding dogs was recently published in Journal of Applied Animal Behaviour Science. In his study called, “Mental health of dogs formerly used as ‘breeding stock’ in commercial breeding establishments” he compared the psychological and behavioral characteristics of 1,169 rescued former puppy mill dogs with those of 332 pet dogs without a mill history. The most striking difference between the two groups was in their fear level. Dogs originating from puppy mills exhibited far more fear in response to people, other dogs, stairs, and touch. For many of these dogs, an increased fear response continued even after years spent in their adoptive households. Dr. McMillan’s research also documented that the puppy mill dogs demonstrated more house-soiling and compulsive behavior as well as reduced trainability, energy, and aggression towards other animals.

Dr. McMillan and his coauthors discussed two likely causes for the behaviors demonstrated by the puppy mill dogs. The first cause, known as “stress-induced psychopathology” refers to behavioral responses to stressors such as spatial restriction (confinement to a small space), extreme temperatures, aversive

(April 17, 2012)

Dr. Kay, author of Speaking for Spot: Be the Advocate Your Dog Needs to Live a Happy, Healthy, Longer Life and of Your Dog’s Best Health: A Dozen Reasonable Things to Expect of Your Vet has graciously granted permission for PRNE to reprint one of her informative articles in each issue of Renaissance Poodles. Dr. Kay’s extensive credentials follow:

Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine; Recipient, Leo K. Bustad Companion Animal Veterinarian of the Year Award; Recipient, American Animal Hospital Association Animal Welfare and Humane Ethics Award; Recipient, Dog Writers Association of America Award for Best Blog; Recipient, Eukanuba Canine Health Award; Recipient, AKC Club Publication Excellence Award. For more information, visit her website: http://www.speakingforspot.com

Puppy Mill Breeding Dogs: Proof of the Psychological Price They Pay by Nancy Kay, DVM ©

Dr. Kay and Lexie

interactions with humans, lack of ability to avoid or regulate exposure to aversive stimuli, and limited access to positive social interactions with humans and other dogs. Most if not all of these stressors certainly come into play in most large scale breeding operations.

Also discussed as a cause for behavioral abnormalities in puppy mill dogs was inadequate socialization during the first few months of life (the critical period for normal socialization to develop). For puppy mill breeding dogs, most of this sensitive developmental time period is spent behind bars with little to no exposure to psychologically “nutritious” environmental surroundings. For those who work with rescued puppy mill breeding dogs, none of Dr. McMillan’s conclusions come as a surprise. It’s common knowledge that such dogs are damaged by years of emotional negligence. The true importance of this study is that it provides the very first scientifically documented proof that conditions prevailing in puppy mills are profoundly detrimental to the emotional well being of dogs imprisoned there. This research is one more arrow in our quiver as we do whatever we can to exterminate puppy mills. Kudos to you Dr. McMillan for the important work you are doing!

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If you would like to respond publicly, please visit: http://www.speakingforspot.com/blog/?p=3284.

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Caring for a Rescued Puppy Mill Breeding Dog by Nancy Kay, DVM ©

As discussed in last week’s blog [reprinted on page 7], rescued puppy mill breeding dogs come with a whole lot of emotional baggage. Fear is the number one issue- fear of people, other animals, and new sights and sounds. Should you

decide to foster or adopt a rescued puppy mill breeding dog, how can you help her adjust to her new life? Here are some pointers for creating an emotional environment to help your new dog feel safer.

-Enter the process with realistic expectations. Understand that your rescued dog may not ever be a “normal” pet in terms of her trainability and responses to new people, other animals, places, and things.

-Patience is a virtue as progress may feel exceedingly slow at times. Do your best to avoid pushing your new dog past her comfort level.

-It can help to have another, well-adjusted dog in the household to role model healthy emotional responses.

-Be sensitive to your dog’s reactions. It’s not a given that your puppy mill rescue will react positively to being held or cuddled. Some dogs prefer more physical distance.

-In order to acclimate your dog to strangers, recruit your dog loving friends and relatives to come over, one at a time. They should enter your home in a quiet and gentle fashion, allowing your dog to approach them on her own terms.

-Find a reputable trainer who enjoys working with fearful dogs. Such an individual will be an invaluable coach for both you and your dog.

-There have been plenty of books written about working with fearful dogs. Ask your trainer for his or her recommendations.

Rescued puppy mill breeding dogs are certainly not for everyone. Boy, oh boy, caring for them properly is a lot of work and requires so much patience. The reward for all that hard work and patience is the opportunity to observe a battered little soul slowly emerge from its shell and experience what life can be for a dog who is loved.

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Whisker Walk 2012

PRNE was well represented at the annual Whisker Walk on Sunday, June 3, 2012, benefiting rescue organizations.

Thanks to all PRNE volunteers who helped out at this important event!

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Spotlight on a Volunteer: Kim Rosen

I have had the honor of interviewing Poodle Rescue of New England volunteers for our newsletter since we decided to begin this column. Each time we start thinking about whom to spotlight and I start reaching out to see who might be willing to be interviewed, the humility and selflessness of our volunteers becomes apparent as folks are bashful about being in the spotlight. So, when Mahala suggested that this month I be not only the interviewer, but also the interviewee, I finally learned why our volunteers have been so hesitant! My focus is and will continue to be the poodles we work so hard to re-home. I, like our other volunteers, want the spotlight to be on them, not me. But… I guess we all need to take the time to let you, our supporters, know why this work means so much to us.

I first started volunteering with Poodle Rescue of New England as the Hotline Coordinator about seven or eight years ago. I was encouraged by my good friend Amanda to take an active role in the important work PRNE does. I took over the position from long time volunteer Eileen McGrath and, boy, did I have big shoes to fill! I must admit, at first the task was daunting. I was so afraid I was going to do something wrong. But the other volunteers were welcoming and supportive and helped make the transition a smooth one.

I’d been aware of Poodle Rescue of New England since getting my first toy poodles in 1995 and 1996. I’d often thought of volunteering, but wasn’t sure what kind of help I could offer. I only knew that I loved the breed and couldn’t believe that there would be the need for a poodle rescue group! The more I learned about PRNE and the extent of the work they do, I knew I had to get involved.

Over the years, I’ve chosen to get more involved with PRNE. I continue to be the hotline coordinator, which involves scheduling and training volunteers to answer our hotline as well as doing so myself. I am also a “Poodle Ambassador,” which means I go to PETCO and other events to represent Poodle Rescue of New England. PETCO has been a steadfast supporter of PRNE, so anytime I can be there, I love to spread the word about PRNE! Also I write for this, our newsletter.

After losing both of my toy poodles in the last two years, I decided I was finally ready to begin fostering. When the call came in to PRNE about a young poodle mix who was

surrendered to Angell Memorial in Boston, I offered to go get him. It was within minutes of meeting him that I realized I would surely fail as a foster mother! I fell madly in love and now share my home with Dexter, a lively and very happy eleven pound white Poodle and probably Bichon Frise mix.

The most gratifying part of being a volunteer with PRNE is seeing a dog go from homeless, frightened, and often in need of significant medical care, to one who is happily secure in a new home with a new lease on life! The most difficult part is witnessing some of the horrific experiences some of our dogs experience. But, without doubt, the benefits of volunteering far outweigh the heartache I sometimes feel.

One of my favorite things about volunteering and being involved with PRNE is the annual picnic. This year our picnic will be held September 30th at Borderland State Park in N. Easton, MA. There’s nothing like a fun filled day surrounded by anywhere from twenty to forty or more poodles! It’s such a great opportunity to see how much our fosters benefit from both the care PRNE gives them and the loving homes they all hopefully find. It is truly a celebration of all things poodle rescue!

My greatest wish for Poodle Rescue of New England is one I know I share with every other volunteer. I wish that there were no longer a need for rescue groups, that dogs were treated with the unconditional love they give to us. But since that seems unlikely, I wish for limitless resources so that we could give as much care and attention to the poodles we rescue as possible with no worries about funding.

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In this regular feature of our newsletter, we shine light on the work of individuals who don’t seek the spotlight, but who deserve acclaim for their special dedication and long-term commitment to the work of Poodle Rescue of New England.

Kim and Dexter visit with Kim’s mother in her assisted living facility.

My Work with PRNE... by Kim Rosen

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Buddy Dumplin’... by Holly DeNike

In Memoriam

Heart disease just stinks, really badly. It’s certainly not great for humans and it’s even worse for our pets because there is so little that can be done for it. Buddy Dumplin’ (as we called him) was not our first dog to develop heart disease, and we knew he had a fairly advanced case of it when we agreed to be his permanent foster home. As if any amount of knowing or forewarning could help decrease the heartbreak.

Buddy was on Lasix, Vetmedin and Enalapril to help control the symptoms of the weakening of his heart almost from the time we took him home, and for more than a year and a half they helped him fight the good fight. He enjoyed his walks, rubbing his whole body on any piece of furniture he could find, and especially, spending time with his people. In the end, since his heart weakened to the point where the medications were no longer effective, we made the very hard decision to let Buddy go.

What we came away convinced of is the absolutely imperative need to carefully tend to the oral health of our dogs. We knew

Buddy

On Friday, June 22, we said goodbye to Lucy and Jasper after eighteen and a half years together.

Lucy was my side kick, my "little girl", my shadow. She held her own against the three boys (Higgins, Skylur and Jasper) and she managed the household, too. Even with all the fosters

this at some level before, but Buddy’s condition drove the import of it even further into our minds. When he first came to live with us, Buddy’s teeth were horrible. His breath smelled terrible and we knew eating and drinking cold water were painful to him. We had his teeth cleaned by our vet and his appetite improved literally overnight. Based upon what I’ve read and heard, I believe that the condition of his teeth directly led to or contributed to his heart disease. In Buddy’s memory, please be watchful of the condition of your pet’s teeth. It really could be a matter of life and death.

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Lucy and Jasper... by Amanda Lion

coming and going, she would tackle each one and let them know she was the boss - all eight pounds of her very self! Right up until the end, she was fearless.

Jasper was the devilish one and friends would call him Jason. Anyone visiting knew that if they moved, Jasper would be right at their feet, barking to let them know what he thought about

Lucy and Jasper

Lucy and Tiny Tim

Continued on page 11

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them. And yet, with all his noisy banter, he was the only poodle we've had who smiled. I've always thought he had a terrific sense of humor and was a practical joker! Jasper had the most beautiful, expressive eyes and he watched you closely with them, but if Ave was nearby, she was all he had eyes for.

They were bonded in such a unique way. When they were puppies and through much of their adult life, they would sleep touching each other - a paw, a tail, an ear - it didn't matter as long as they were touching.

Lucy and Jasper completed the circle for us eighteen and one-half years ago and on Friday, June 2, they finished a chapter in our lives. Only an animal person will know and understand when I say that life will never be the same again.

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Lucy and Jasper... continued from page 10

Jasper

Rocket... by Gayle Morelli

He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion. – Author Unknown

Rocket first came into our lives when we would take care of him while his foster parents were on vacation. That was when the romance started between my husband, Mario, and Rocket.

They loved to be together and looked forward to Rocket’s "vacation time" with us. Rocket relished his rides in the car in his special seat to do errands and, in the summer, to go down to our community garden plot. Rocket would stand guard just in case someone or something had eyes for Mario's vegetables.

Rocket was adopted for a short time by another family, but it didn't work out. Since his foster family was away for the holiday, I picked him up with the intention of having him go back to his foster family. It never happened. Mario and Rocket took one look at each other and that was that - Rocket was ours. Rocket was so faithful to Mario, following him from room to room, guarding him, sleeping next to him every night. Rocket was his constant companion. He was the only one who understood Mario's Italian accent!

Sadly, Rocket was taken from us after a brief illness this summer. He was one of kind. Mario will always have a special place in his heart for his little Rocket.

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Rocket

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GALLERY

SUMMER SCENES

Micah and Carlo in a field

Micah and Carlo meditating

Suzie on the deck

Figaro in the garden

Triton, Figaro and a tulip

Poodle figurine

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MailboxDear PRNE,

Once again, Annie has been discovered - this time by Bella Luca Dog Clothes Line!Be sure to look it up online - it’s beautiful. [For the story of “Little Orphan Annie,” see the August 2011 and August 2010 issues of Renaissance Poodles.]

Pam [Annie’s adopter] and the owner of this classy company have been in touch and the owner is going to design a special outfit for Annie! We (as I am the godmother) are going to be receiving a bunch of material to choose from - we will see what looks best on "the girl." We will be running a story in the paper about this when it happens, and the owner is thinking about creating an "Annie line".....OMG what next for the world famous Annie?

Pam is ecstatic, of course, and is in the process of purchasing a new summer collection of vests for Annie. Annie will not allow ruffles. I have to say - the Bella Luca stuff is beautiful - although expensive.

Best,

Roxanne Houghton

The PRNE - PETCO Connection Continues Pet Adoption Day at PETCO

On June 10, 2012, PRNE volunteers represented Poodle Rescue of New England at PETCO’s “Pet Adoption Day.” Joining other rescue organizations, PRNE volunteers helped disseminate information about dogs needing rescue. A good time was had by all, except for Triton, a former PRNE rescue, who was totally intimidated by PETCO’s two entertaining mascots (pictured below).

Lilee and Spunky help out at PETCO PRNE volunteers at PETCO

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Upcoming Events

Ashley

Pet Rock FestivalSunday, September 9, 2012

Worcester, MAFor more information, visit:

http://www.petrockfest.org/

Poodle Rescue Picnic 2012Sunday, September 30, 11am - 3 pm

Borderland State ParkFor more information, visit:

http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/borderland/direction.htm

WHO WE ARENewsletter Committee: Mahala Beams, editing and layout; Amanda Lion; and Kim Rosen

Board of Directors: Merrill Agostina, Anne Aronson, Amanda Lion, Amy Moore, and Gayle Morelli

For more information on Poodle Rescue of New England, please visit our website: www.poodlerescuene.org

Please email suggestions and photos for Renaissance Poodles to: beamsm@verizon.net