Santa Fe has “something for everyone,” and if your “thing” is dogs, you’ve come to the right place. While every dog owner who loves his or her canine friend can be a devoted caregiver, arguably none are more devoted than standard poodle owners.
Perhaps it’s because standards require so much care. In exchange for not shedding (they have hair, you know!) and being unusually perceptive companions, they must be brushed daily, bathed weekly and groomed at least once a month...and this grooming is an expensive proposition -- upwards of $100 a pop, unless you learn to do it your self and have the time and inclination.
Like all much-bred dogs, standards are more prone to certain illnesses and health complications, like Addison’s Disease (a life-threatening shut down of the adrenal glands which, like diabetes, can be controlled by regular injections) or bloat (another life-threatening condition wherein the intestines get entangled).
It is said that standards (being among the smartest breeds) have “breed recognition,” meaning they know when they are among “their own kind.” While I don’t know if this is scientifically validated, it does seem to be true. While they may be friendly to other dogs, there is a distinctive level of play (very mouthy and rambunctious) they engage in with each other, in almost endless delight.
Owning a standard naturally puts one into the same category with other poodle owners; i.e., we love our poodles. Recognizing this, two Santa Fe women started a club for standard poodle owners and some 27 people registered in the first month.
The first meeting, held at one of the founder’s private homes, drew 15 people for coffee, desserts and a presentation about poodle health from a local veterinarian: feed them a balanced diet like you eat -- meat, vegetables, dry food/grains, and be aware of Addison’s Disease which can disguise itself as renal failure or other vague distresses.
Many of us exchanged business cards and vowed to make play dates so our beloved children can experience the active social life we hope to create for our selves. Because, sleeping with their heads on a pillow, eating baked chicken for dinner and enjoying $100 haircuts every month, they are not only our charges, but we are most certainly and willingly their servants.
