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I have been told by many and varied people that dogs do not have the ability to reason, but I found this not to be true in the case of my Jazz. I would like to tell you of my very special “heart” dog, Jazzie. Her registered name is Talisman Affaire de Couer (Affair of Heart). Named because she was born on February 14th. Little did I know then that she would truly become my Affair of Heart, my Velcro dog, my “armpit” pup. I brought her home in a cardboard box in the front seat of my car, a wee, black dot, no bigger than a minute. She proceeded to take possession of everything she saw, including my heart. Jazzie was a confident, self-assured bit of poodledom, not afraid of anything, and demanding of all that was hers by right of who she was. She was not satisfied to play second fiddle to my older and MUCH bigger Standard, Alli, who, by the way, had been there MUCH longer, and considered herself mistress of the house.

As time went by Jazz grew up and became a mother. She produced 2 little girls ,with Alli as mid-wife and babysitter. Jazz would let Alli take care of the “kids” only getting in the whelping box to nurse, and then turn them back over to the “ Au Pare”. I am convinced that those babies thought that Alli was their mom. I did keep one of those baby girls who I named Zoe. (Life)

I observed Jazzie many times exhibiting her non-existent ability (the power of reasoning). One such incident is burned indelibly in my mind. One of the bigger dogs had taken Jazz’s favorite toy up on a very high bed, and Jazz was unable to reach it. She couldn’t jump on the bed as it was too high. I watched as she tried to reach it unsuccessfully with her paws. After a while she sat down and considered the situation. Then she got up and went over the bed and tugged on the bedspread, pulling until she pulled the toy to the edge and finally off of the bed. She picked that toy up and trotted away with it just as proud and pleased as punch.

I lost Jazz in March of this year, and she has left a hole in my heart the size of which I can’t even begin to describe. It is said that when you lose a dog they take a piece of your heart and leave a piece of theirs.

A. Davis

How about joining the members of Hub Poodle Club of Orange County and other Poodle exhibitors at the Orange County Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa on December 4,5,6 and 7?

Shoreline Dog Fanciers and Malibu Kennel Club will be holding All Breed Dog shows those days and HPCOC will support the Poodle entry by offering trophies for Best of Variety and Best Opposite Sex in all Varieties

On Saturday, December 5, Hub will hold a Designated Specialty at the Shoreline show. There will be awards for Best Puppy, Best Bred by Exhibitor, Winners, Best of Winners, Best Opposite Sex to Best of Variety and Best of Variety.

For more information about the All Breed events, go to www.onofrio.com and click on Upcoming Events.

The judging times and Ring numbers for the shows will be available at www.onofrio.com after December 1, 2009.

If you have enjoyed dog shows on television, here is your opportunity to experience one up close and personal.

Jacki and Don were ready for all questions about how to get ready for a show (both you and your dog). They brought an irresistible 4 month old puppy and an adult in the Continental trim.

Aleah and Dorothy were ready at the entry table while Toni was keeping everything running smoothly as South Bay Match Chairman and President of Hub Poodle Club of Orange County.

Pam Woods brought the newest member of the Cynpams® family so there was a mini there.

Although the notice about our participation was posted on line and in two local newspapers, we could have used more questioners. However, we did try to make those who did come by feel welcome. We all had a great time. I think maybe Jacki is preparing for a career in judging. I saw her helping an American Eskimo exhibitor with some handling tips and she looked pretty professional as she scrutinized the dog and handler to determine where improvement was needed.
Dorothy agreed to judge Best in Match so her judging career has started. Her choice for BIM was a Kerry BlueTerrier that was most striking.

We all had fun and maybe we even helped a newcomer to decide to try another show.

- The Early Years

The first meeting was held on April 1, 1958.  It was called to order by the first president and founder – Mrs Patsy Dalton.  Some of the first members were, Jo Roepke, Clay and Betty Shephard, Vivian Shields, Grace Laken, Cherry and Mell Willians, Hilda Meisenzahl.

Purposes for which the club was founded:

1. To foster and promote interest in Poodles by encouraging their breeding in accordance with the standard  set by the Parent Club to the end that such standard and qualities of the breed be better known and the interest of the breed be advanced.
2. To sponsor Specialty Shows for the brred and to encourage the exhibitors of Poodles at regular benched and unbenched shows.
3. To develop among our members the highest spirit of co-operation and devotion to the principles of good sportsmanship.

The first match was held on August 9, 1959 with an entry of 147 poodles.

- Of Interest

In 1965, breeding control proposals were presented to the Los Angeles City Counsel.

Many seminars and grooming classes were sponsored and co-sponsored by the Hub Poodle Club.  Some of the presenters at these seminars included Byron Elder, Erica Dixon Huggins, Jacklyn Hungerland, Gwenyth Melchers and Mr. & Mrs James Clark.

The first A-OA match was held May 7, 1977.  With the great work done by Walter and Norma LeGrande (LeGrande’s Poodles) and Evelyn Gann Phillips (Obedience judge), the Hub Poodle Club was recognized by the American Kennel Club and also was incorporated and recognized as a non-profit club by the state of California on May 26, 1978.

Our first Specialty show was held on September 23, 1978 with an entry of 145 including 29 entries in Obedience.  We are now up to our 41st Specialty.

- Other Matters of Interest

Eligibility requirements for new members include attending two meetings, two sponsors and be in good standing with the American Kennel Club.  We offer breeder referrals, Specialty shows and our club newsletter.  Also have available the Poodle Club of America’s illustrated standard of the breed.

Our club logo was designed by Jane Hunt of Hunt’s Toy Poodles and our club colors are purple and gold  We have the general meeting every other month and in September they are held every month due to board nomination, elections and an awards and Christmas dinner held in December.

Whether you are a Poodle Fancier, spectator or just another one of us Poodle lovers, you’ve come to the right place.

We would like to invite you to come join us and share your stories. Be sure to check out our Calendar and let us know when you would like to pay us a visit, or better yet, join in the ranks of Membership.