Pink's Page

Standard's Brilliant Paragon, ADC, CGC
therapy dog, herding instinct tested
April/02/96 - Sept/26/07

To those of you who know how we love and cherish our Standard poodles; I am sending this short note to let you know that our beautiful 11 1/2 year old Pink died quietly in my arms last Wednesday.

Pink was a character in our home.

She was the dog I used as an example to explain the differences between good and poor physical structure of the breed and she wasn¹t the good example! With legs that went on forever, absolutely no chest, a straight front, thin cotton candy hair, and a curl in her tail, she had more than her share of imperfections. Pink liked to tiptoe rather than leap into the water and was never a great swimmer, which was unique in our household of dogs who loved to leap into the water and swim forever.

Pink had a long and annoying bark when she brayed like a banshee to announce newcomers—man or beast. She demanded the best of resting places and didn¹t mind displacing other dogs in their own home if that was the bed she chose--apologies about both of those traits to Tucker and the folks of Woodlands Lodge--her favorite of all places in the world.

Pink was born in our home and except for a temporary foray to California as a youngster; she never left home again. She was never bred, yet had the instinct to save a young failing puppy and loved to play with the other puppies that were bred and raised here and I¹m sure she taught them some of her gentle habits.

Yet, with all her faults, we never regretted keeping this beautiful spayed female. She could make us laugh at her antics and Pink had a true Poodle personality and bright brain. She was quietly elegant and determined in her own way. Pink would insist on "one quick lick" to every newborn she saw—often after a long persistent wait and usually to the horror of new Mothers, but as soon as she had put her stamp of approval on the child she could ignore it forever afterwards. She was a dog who could be as happy racing with her long ears flapping in the wind as she was curled into a tiny ball in front of a glowing fire. She was greeted and accepted at some of the best hotels long before dogs were commonly allowed in those establishments.

Pink was a gentle and dependable dog with children, a great walking and traveling companion and our trusted friend who will be missed.

Sheila Booth