It all started one day when I met a big, curly-haired, biscuit-colored dog. As I peered into his big brown eyes, I felt I was looking into an intelligent and cognitive kindred spirit-soul. I asked the people accompanying this canine, “What in the world is that breed?” They answered “a Labradoodle”. Talk about a ridiculous name! And for such an impressive-looking animal! Funny name or not, I was already so smitten that I spent many hours on the internet, and then on the phone, and before long, I knew I needed a Labradoodle in my life.

It was at this time that I was facing the probability of having to put my beloved, but seriously ailing, Corgi, Duncan to sleep. Vet bills were mounting from three figures to four, and results were minimal. Sadly, Duncan digestive system was failing him, and the specialists weren’t fixing the problem. The pressure was on for me to acquire a puppy in time for Duncan to teach the new puppy all his wonderful traits. Let’s restate that: for Duncan to teach the new puppy those of his (Duncan’s) traits that actually are wonderful, which is, well, most of them. As my research into labradoodles broadened, I found a kennel that was one of the founders of this breed: Rutland Manor seemed to be very professional in its approach to breeding, and it looked like the most promising source. Then I realized

I flew to Pennsylvania to meet Beverly and her manager Tina and found a like-minded animal people who definitely knew what they were doing. I did not want to chance a backyard breeder who had a Poodle and a Labrador and decided on a whim to just see what they got as a result of Fido and Fifi having a romantic interlude. As the one-time owner and manager of a breeding ostrich ranch (really!) and a sometimes professional horsewoman, I understand the results of animal breeding – and lack thereof – only too well.

From their “prospective adoptee” clients, Rutland Manor requests that a lengthy questionnaire be filled out, asking all sorts of lifestyle information. Using this data, they basically design the dog that fits your family. They choose from a fairly long list of possible characteristics and then breed their stock to create the combination you want. The variables include size (toy to standard), color (red, black, white, chocolate, beige) sex (no surprises here, but whichever you get, it’s going to be delivered in a neutered condition; they retain breeding rights in the most direct way possible). Temperament and energy level can be determined to a degree, as can hair texture (from wooly to straight) and shedding factor (from non-shedding allergy free to slight shedding and some allergic response). My selections? Well, no offense to dear Duncan, but this time, I wanted a dog that I could pet without reaching down. This dog’s head would be right at hip level, and as my dogs come to work with me, I wanted a calm, sweet, intelligent and well-behaved companion.

Beverly and Tina must have grown tired of my endless e-mailed questions as the months went by, but finally, one evening I received a call. A litter of puppies was ready to be placed, they had a male puppy that filled my requests, and was I ready to receive it at this time? They told me his litter was from the largest-sized dogs they had ever bred, red in color and this puppy would grow into a gentle giant. After seeing the photos on my computer screen, I was captivated and said “YES!!!”

As you know it’s a looong trip from down-under, and I was worried that it would be too rough for a 3-month old puppy. They assured me that they had placed many puppies all over the world, and this one would make the trip without incident. The first leg of the trip is 24 hours. A special service receives them, processes them through US customs, feeds and rests them and gets them on the flight to their final destination.

In seven days I went to the Miami airport to meet my puppy. His flight arrived at 6 AM. Wouldn’t you just know it had to involve a pre-dawn drive for me? But it was worth it: there in a wooden crate was the most adorable red, ringlet-covered bundle of pure joy. He bounded out of the crate, attached himself to my side, and has never left. I had reason to stay in Miami for the weekend with friends, and I was worried that his potty manners were not going to be perfect. I’m proud to say he never had an accident in their house, nor in any other house since, and to this day a leash is really unnecessary. His name is Gus, and I am so grateful for having such a happy, sweet giant in my life.

I have to warn you, though: be careful what you ask for. I did say I wanted a large dog, and Gus has grown into 90+ pounds. The Labradoodle really is a designer breed, but only if you deal with reputable breeders and not the pet shops and puppy mills.

I am also happy to report that I finally found a surgeon who could repair Duncan’s problem, so now they both are with me. Duncan may be knee-high to Gus, but he makes sure Gus tows the line. Gus is so sweet, he doesn’t seem to mind Duncan’s bossiness; his only retaliation seems to be to trip over Duncan now and again in such a way that Duncan gets rolled about. Duncan grumbles a bit, but tolerates the young giant; he’s got seniority and he’s hanging on to it. I love them both.