23/10/2024
Final words for October. We don't have a lot of litters at YDP bc we try to be very responsible ( alternating poodle with doodle and not allowing too many litters for the the moms’ health. For example, Lucy had only two litters ) but my heart is always full each time.
Its a TON of hard work. Having 9,10,11 puppies is like shoveling out a farm stall each morning- and each afternoon- and again each evening- and AGAIN before bed. (And what seems like a 1000 small messes in between.)We bravely do it ALL in the house bc we don't want any back yard breeding dangers! My family gives up a whole room for those two months.
Its a lot of puppies and a lot of p**p. 😂. Its dirty work for sure. Staying up for days in a row with little sleep when they are tiny and new (when a nursing momma really needs suport and observation), monitoring an all night birth to avoid complications and stepping in when trouble threatens, ensuring they gain and thrive in the fragile weeks... syringe feedings if neccesary, supplements and all. Weaning them onto solids day by day using a blender to make food that is easy on little tummies-- I've done it ( and my parents have too.) Maybe being a nurse helped me along the way. It's hard work, BUT IT'S WORK WE HAVE LOVED DOING. And, its pays off beautifully. I know our pups are loved and cared for and healthy and socialized and again, LOVED.
I started this bc my daughter had allergies and we had to get a poodle or other non-allergic breed. I rescued my first Good Boy, Luke, who tragically passed from Bloat at only 6 years old. We could not find another poodle to rescue, but I did locate a local breeder who was retiring and moving away. It was her last litter of poodles. This was during Covid lock downs. I lost my mother in law, my grandfather, and my most special friend. Those were tough months. It still hurts- and though I have three amazing clowns in the Hopkins house, I still miss my Luke most of all.
-- -- That's how Lucy came into our home. Born in Westerly, RI and joined the Hopkins here in Warwick. She is my Angel, but I don't have favorites. 😎
Having lost Luke - The hole in my heart was so great, I set out to change the system, and pick up where the other breeder had left off. I wanted to provide options for other families who need hypoallergenic pups or just love the breed. That’s when Andy came into our family. He and Lucy are soulmates, if such a thing exists with four legged creatures. My dad joined me with his two beautiful goldens not long after.
The rest has been a journey and a labor of love.
I have three poodles, my dad has two goldens. I call them my "circus dogs" because they are just that. Goofy, smart, lovable, and enjoyed by children young and old.
I plan to have a litter of poodles in the near future- but nature is as nature does- so we shall see. Stay tuned, family. And share this page with others so they can get a little joy and love watching what we do.
*We are actively seeking a poodle, golden, or lab for stud. Our poodle June cannot have a litter without a new companion. Reach out if you know anyone.
♥️🐾
/Marie.
Lastly, the photo below is one of my daughter's art creations. She painted it when Luke passed and it remains on my mantle. I will never stop missing him -- But making other families complete goes a long way.
Standard Poodle and Goldendoodle breeder in Warwick, RI
