in 2010 when I attended the Atlanta Pet Fair Grooming and Trade Show, I was mesmerized by the big white poodle on stage during a seminar. I know I had to have one of those majestic dogs! In January of 2011 I picked up my standard poodle puppy. I worked with him and learned to groom him and then entered grooming competitions. Although I loved my (cream) standard poodle (Rio) I learned over time that he had a very soft thin coat and his structure was less than desirable. I tried to find poodles to barrow or rent for grooming competitions as my Rio was just not competitive. It was hard to find dogs because if you’re going to be serious about competition you need the dog for a year. I then got my toy poodle Turbo that is everything I was looking for. He has a fabulous coat, good structure and is my life co-pilot! I progressed from grooming competitions and began showing in confirmation and found it so rewarding to be such a team with my dog. I know have all 3 varieties of poodles and love how they all have their very different personalities. I continue to show in confirmation, occasionally I compete in grooming competitions, and I also do various sports and rally/obedience with my dogs.