|
Jacqueline and I have always been fond of animals and in particular dogs. When we met in college Jacqueline already had a small black poodle. When we married she just came right along as part of the family. There has always been at least one poodle family member since that time. Some time ago Jacqueline gave me a really great chocolate labrador who was my partner for many years. Having had both breeds made us receptive to a dog that carried the best of both breeds. What we found is a designer dog that has exceeded our expectations.
A few years ago our son Kyle called and asked Jacqueline if she had seen this new designer dog in Fortune 500. That call started a process of research, inquiry, and examination into the labradoodle. What she found was not as simple as it appeared to be on the surface. Yes - you could cross a lab and a poodle, but you could not be quite sure of the results. The good news was that in 1989 labradoodles were intentionally bred as guide dogs for allergy sufferers. Armed with information that the Australian Multi Gen Labradoodle might be a dog of interest to us, Jacqueline began her search to adopt one.
After many contacts, deposits and waiting lists, a large medium, black & silver (blue) male labradoodle came into our lives. (Southern Cross) "Smooch" came with all the pedigrees of a multi gen but was desexed to be our pet. "Smooch" not only won us over with his love, charm, personality, intuitiveness, non-shedding coat, allergy-friendly coat, and intelligence (he is now listed in the Canine Good Citizens "CGC" Archives by the American Kennel Club and is certified as a Therapy Pet "ThD"), but made us want to get more into this wonderful breed. Smooch not only met our expectations, but exceeded them. With this high degree of satisfaction in Smooch not only was Jacqueline hooked, but so was I.
 |
 |
The next step entailed an airplane flight to Oregon and a breeder who had a female chocolate puppy that met all of our requirements. After meeting (Spring Creek's KoKo) we knew she was right for us. "KoKo" who was born June 15, 2004 , has a wavy fleece coat, and the sweetest disposition. She is the building block for Barksdale kennels. KoKo proved her sweetness returning to Mississippi with us on the red-eye out of Portland by never uttering one peep of complaint. Taking her out of the airport and back through security at 5:30 a.m. in the morning was a real experience. One of those experiences, thanks to airport security and onlookers, you will never forget.
We talk about how our six Doodles have adopted us, and we have adopted them. This is true, but I would be remiss if I didn’t mention our other 4 legged child. Aspen is our Polish Tatra sheepdog and guardian of Jacqueline and all things Doodle and my friend. This big white dog thinks of the Doodles as her flock and responsibility.
Barksdale is more than just a play on words in naming our kennel. This love for the breed made us search for a name of real personal meaning. Barksdale is Jacqueline's grandparents' name on her mother's side and very special in not only memory but thought.
OUR MISSION WITH BARKSDALE LABRADOODLES IS TO SHARE THIS GREAT BREED THROUGH A CONTROLLED BREEDING PROGRAM, SELECTIVELY PLACING THE DOGS, AND ENJOYING OUR SPECIAL FRIENDS!
Allen and Jacqueline Gordy
|
Trudy
