Most often, when i tell someone that I have 2 standard poodles, they look at me curiously as their mind forms an image of a dog whose torso is shaven and has marshmallow looking patches of fur running down each of it's legs. A lot of my friends questioned why I would even consider owning dogs that look and act prissy enough to be called "un canine". Their misconceptions are cleared up however, the moment they spend ten minutes with my over sized balls of fluff.

The breed of a poodle originates from the Portuguese water dog. This breed was a sport dog who existed along Portugal's coast to hunt for fish and retrieve tackle or nets. Poodles, looking very similar, also have natural athletic tendencies, love to run and hunt, and at times, incessantly bark to no end. their coat is very curly and dense, and they do not shed ( which is great for people with pet allergies).

I have both a girl and a boy who are aged four years apart. They both are black, have dark brown eyes, and weigh between 50 and 55 pounds. The male, Nova, is the most athletic dog I have ever owned. He spends hours frolicking in the backyard, digging trenches, rolling in smells he finds attractive, and (every so often) catching little animals. My female dog, Betsy Ross (born on the 4th of July), is the most caring and sensitive dog I know. She will follow me around the house no matter what room I may be in. Even though poodles have been traditionally known to be aloof, Betsy is a lap dog that is 10 sizes too big, and will climb on top of me where ever i sit down. Also, she actually babysits my 18 month old nephew when he is over. She is always by his side,retreives toys for him, and lets him grab onto her fur.

On top of being sweet dogs, I am amazed every day by the intelletual prowess that both of them possess. on top of being easily trainable, they have an extensive human vocabulary. In the morning, Betsy opens the handle to my door, and hops up on my bed to give me my morning kisses. When it is hot out, Nova pulls the head of the hose out into the yard and begs to be sprinkled with it. When we have suitcases out, ready to be packed, they both hide in their cages because they know they are going to the dog sitters house. When I left for college, Betsy would mope in my room, and be lathargic until i came back on the weekend to visit her. Mentally, i feel a great connection to both of them, and treat them more like humans than animals. When I look into their eyes, I see the love and passion that they have for life.

Nova and Betsy are the dogs that I have grown up with, and are the dogs that will remain in my heart forever when they are gone. They have shown me to respect them as a breed and as companions. They have truely enriched every single day of my life.