Meet Libby!

Hearthside's...

Lady Liberty

Libby

We drove through blizzard conditions in the hills of the Southern Tier of New York to pick up Libby from the Kraack family. A chocolate-brown standard poodle, Libby's addition to the family introduces the possibility of golden/brown and red/brown Golden Doodles to our lines.

Libby is a true comic. Standing shoulder to shoulder with Mick at 24", she's taller than both Roxie and Maddie. Her easy-going personality allows me to brush her dreadlock hair (which I love!) and a shampoo/spa day for Libby is quite the adventure.

When she shakes: Watch out!

Like the other dogs, Libby loves water. Poodles were originally a retriever-type bird dog, so she fits right in around here. We've never let her meet a prissy poodle, so Lib thinks all poodles are like her, sheep dog-looking, hairy dust mops.

Shh.

Don't tell!

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Libby in her nest of towels.

In the beginning, the Goldens thought their new, young friend was some kind of especially animated chew toy for their gnawing pleasure. More than once we saved Libby's life!

Once the Goldens got acclimated to the idea that this new furball was one of THEM, they started treating her with a little more respect.

Now the dogs are tolerant of cats, kittens, and other dogs. It took a lot of stern looks and commands for them to realize that not all moving things are fair game. We've also been schooling them on gentle mouths. Bird dogs and pets shouldn't snap at food or other animals. Dogs that rough up the birds they retrieve are useless.

The crew is doing a great job of learning lessons as they go.

Libby on Puppy Spa Day

While hunting enthusiasts will most likely cringe, the ladies out there will understand why we prefer the term "Puppy Spa Day" to bath day.

Baths are mundane. Necessary. Something to be done.

A "Spa" day????

Something to look forward to, to cherish, languish in and enjoy.

When the crew was small, the laundry room sink worked well. Back then we could bundle their little selves into a nice, soft towel and cuddle them dry on our laps in the living room.

Uh, huh.

That was long ago.

Now it's a hose hooked up to the laundry room sink and brought outside, where a seventy-pound dog can fully enjoy the elements of Spa Day.

And my house stays reasonably undisturbed.

And cuddling them dry?

They're too busy running through the grass and dirt trails.

With their freshly-washed coats, of course.

If you are a dog and your owner suggests that you wear a sweater. . . suggest that he wear a tail.
Fran Lebowitz

Hearthside Kennels

Meet Libby!