"RIM"

OK, I can't keep it a secret anymore. I have to let the cat out of the bag...or puppy out of the bag. After months of discussion, weighing the pros and cons, we have decided to add another Standard Poodle into the family. We went through times where I wanted to get another dog and Sandi didn't and then she would want one and I would hesitate. Finally, it was clear to us both, we should look for another dog. There were a few reasons why we came to this conclusion. First, Gypsy is a little over 7 years old now and she has mellowed out with age. She can still party when she wants to but, I think she would really do well having a little male friend. Second, we have a desire to get involved with volunteering at places around town visiting patients with a dog. I think that Gypsy is still a bit high strung of this activity.  So, we began a search for the right breeder. I don't know if any of you have searched the net for a dog breeder but, you can get overwhelmed with the shear magnitude of breeders that all claim to have the best dog for you. Finally, after months of talking to breeders, letting them know what we were looking for, Sandi came across Linda at www.crossbrookpoodles.com. She is a wonderful breeder out of the St Louis area. Check out her web site. She knew exactly what we were after and suggested that we consider a puppy from a breeder in Oklahoma that she works very closely with. This breeder www.kitsuepoodles.com just had a litter. The father is "Phil" a highly rated search and rescue dog and the mother is "Britches" a beautiful laid back show dog. Linda thought what a great combination these two would make, probably giving us a wonderful volunteer dog. We knew we wanted a male puppy and really didn't care if he was show quality or not. We wanted the right personality. So, believe me this is true, Linda drives from St Louis to Oklahoma, checks out the puppies, gives a few personality tests, and decides which of the puppies is the future Rim. Linda has Rim back in St Louis and she and Sandi have been on email, texting, and talking on the phone non stop about this little boy. Next weekend, she is driving from St Louis to Cleveland where Sandi and I are going to meet her and Rim. How exciting is that? Linda is not comfortable with sticking a puppy into a crate and putting it into a cargo hold of a 747. She really cares about these little things.

So, life as Gypsy knows it, is going to change dramatically next weekend. I think it is changing for the better. I guess I will have to change the name of the blog to: Not Your Standard Poodle(s).

Here is Rim.