We have been winding down from the last 9 months, which were a whirlwind (to put it mildly). Whew. I've been gently nudged by some of our followers that my blog was getting a bit stale. Many apologies :) Drafting a blog requires me to be centered, focused, and balanced in thought - harder than it sounds!
Being a caring breeder means that I keep my phone on 24/7- I answer texts, emails, and Facebook messages throughout the day. I admit, I have been slower than normal to respond as of late. I receive multiple voice mails as well each week and usually forward them on to my co breeders by now. I have emails weekly from qualified homes looking for older or retired poodles, and I have to say now, that I have neither puppies nor adults available at this time.
2016 thus far has been bittersweet. Thankfully, all of the poodles at and from Cadeau thrive in good heath, trainability, and temperament. I am abundantly grateful.
Armani's surgery in January went very well, thanks to the talented and dedicated staff at LSU Small Animal Hospital in Baton Rouge, LA. While there, he received the best of care from a young vet senior who was due to graduate at the end of the semester. Everyone loved Armani. A few months later, I received an email inquiry from the student's mother, asking about Armani and Jacki's potential retirements. Last month, I sent Jacki to her for a long weekend, and of course, they fell in love with one another. Jacki has been adjusting well to her new life as an only dog, doesn't give the cats an ounce of trouble, and is her new owner's constant companion. I am updated regularly, and I couldn't ask for more.
Armani is currently being courted by a lovely family. They are coming back from overseas soon and can't wait to try him out. You just can't know what the idea of placing my first champion does to my heart, but ultimately, I have the same goal for every one of my dogs - happy, healthy, and safe. I feel that Armani has so, so much to give. He is one of the most intelligent, expressive, affectionate creatures that I've had the pleasure of raising. He spent the day with his potential new mom at the Biloxi show, where he easily walked around with her, responding well to her attention. Again, many thanks to Betty Brown of Donnchada for these excellent foundation poodles. Their value to me has been immeasurable. <3
Being a caring breeder means that I keep my phone on 24/7- I answer texts, emails, and Facebook messages throughout the day. I admit, I have been slower than normal to respond as of late. I receive multiple voice mails as well each week and usually forward them on to my co breeders by now. I have emails weekly from qualified homes looking for older or retired poodles, and I have to say now, that I have neither puppies nor adults available at this time.
2016 thus far has been bittersweet. Thankfully, all of the poodles at and from Cadeau thrive in good heath, trainability, and temperament. I am abundantly grateful.
Our sweet Champion, Jacki, has retired and now resides in Baton Rouge, LA with a wonderful lady. Many thanks to Betty Brown of Donnchada for trusting me with her. She proved herself to be an excellent foundation bitch, and 4 of her kids are showing great promise for the AKC show ring, including Clover.
I know many of you were anxiously awaiting news about Armani. In January 2016, I made the decision to have Armani neutered and gastropexied at LSU, as I do my dogs once they are retired from showing and breeding. Jacki was not far behind, since her 3rd and final litter were weaned and off and running.
After Armani's 6 weeks of antibiotics and every supplement advised by my vet and breeders, I had his semen rechecked and was disappointed to learn that while it had reached the baseline 40% motility, the sample was not advisable for shipping and storing. My vet still discouraged me from neutering him, feeling that he would most certainly have excellent odds of impregnating a female for live breedings, but I opted to alter my boy for our collective mental well-being. He was tremendously stressed when the girls would come in season.
Armani's surgery in January went very well, thanks to the talented and dedicated staff at LSU Small Animal Hospital in Baton Rouge, LA. While there, he received the best of care from a young vet senior who was due to graduate at the end of the semester. Everyone loved Armani. A few months later, I received an email inquiry from the student's mother, asking about Armani and Jacki's potential retirements. Last month, I sent Jacki to her for a long weekend, and of course, they fell in love with one another. Jacki has been adjusting well to her new life as an only dog, doesn't give the cats an ounce of trouble, and is her new owner's constant companion. I am updated regularly, and I couldn't ask for more.
Armani is currently being courted by a lovely family. They are coming back from overseas soon and can't wait to try him out. You just can't know what the idea of placing my first champion does to my heart, but ultimately, I have the same goal for every one of my dogs - happy, healthy, and safe. I feel that Armani has so, so much to give. He is one of the most intelligent, expressive, affectionate creatures that I've had the pleasure of raising. He spent the day with his potential new mom at the Biloxi show, where he easily walked around with her, responding well to her attention. Again, many thanks to Betty Brown of Donnchada for these excellent foundation poodles. Their value to me has been immeasurable. <3