Retailers, Manufacturers and Links for USA Made Dog Toys

West Paw Design

URL: http://www.westpawdesign.com/about-us

Phone: 800-443-5567 or 406-585-0505   Email: westpaw@westpawdesign.com Mailing/Shipping address: 32050 E. Frontage Rd. Bozeman, MT 59715  Hours: M-F 8:00am through 4:30pm Mountain Time

Some samples of toys Finnegan has are below

Floppy Dog $9.00

Handmade Floppy Dog is stuffing- free.  You pick the size and we’ll choose a fun color or pattern. Comes in two sizes. For small and large dogs.  Made with machine washable and dryer-safe polyester. Hand made in the USA.

Zisc® is a durable, floating dog frisbee that goes the distance for games of fetch!

Guaranteed tough dog toy Floating dog toy   Soft, flexible material for easy pick up.  Flies far . Two sizes - Large & mini   Made in the USA

Zisc dog toy is meant for interactive and supervised play; guaranteed against dog damage. If a dog manages to damage this or any of our Zogoflex dog toys, we offer a one-time free replacement or refund. Zogoflex dog toys are bouncy, buoyant, made in the USA, 100% recyclable, BPA and phthalate-free, non-toxic and even dishwasher safe.

Available in small and large sizes and in three bright colors for easy spotting in water, grass or snow. Now available in Glow-in-the-dark for fun without the sun!

Puppy Pooch $5.00 

An attention grabbing squeaker, recycled polyfill and soft corduroy fabric combine to create Puppy Pooch. Perfect for small breed dogs. Has floppy ears and eye catching patch that will grab and hold your dog’s attention.

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Perfect Play

http://www.purrfectplay.com/index.php
A manufacturer of a line of organic pet toys and other pet products made in the USA.  Order on-line or call: 219-926-7604.  Find wool balls, tug and fetch toys and soft fabric toys for your dog.

WIGZI

http://www.wigzi.com

This is a new company, launched in 2011.  There are several stores in California, and one in Las Vegas (the West Coast area.) The only retailer in Arizona is: Best Friends General Store PO BOX 376 Chino Valley, AZ 86323 Phone: 602-515-7093

WIGZI LLC  1776 I Street N.W.   Floor 9 Washington D.C. 20006
Free phone: +1 888 My Wigzi Telephone: +1 202-709-4494 E-mail: Info@wigzi.com
To find a store selling these toys:  http://www.wigzi.com/STRLOCATE/index.html

Happy Dogs Play

URL: http://www.happydogsplay.com/

A retired dog lover searches for dog toy manufacturers and toys that are non-toxic, lead-free, phthalate-free, eco-friendly and durable and selects ones to sell on her site: And:

In compliance with the safety standards recently set for children's toys in the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008;   Manufactured by responsible companies who use independent labs to test their toys to make sure they're safe.

Tested again by happydogsplay.com to check for ourselves that there aren't unsafe levels of Lead, Mercury, Cadmium and Chromium. We use a local company that specializes in testing for lead and other heavy metals using the X-Ray Fluorescence device that is commonly used to test children's toys;   Made from plant-based materials (no wool, no leather) or safe synthetic fabrics instead of wool. All our toys are vegan and cruelty-free.

1425 Market Blvd. Suite 330-115 Roswell, GA 30076 678-352-0928 (9-5p EasTime)

Companion Blog Site URL:  http://www.happydogsplay.com/blog/?page_id=2 Email Address: kath@happydogsplay.com

Akers Acres Pets

URL: http://www.akersacrespets.com/home
Email:  CustomerSupport@AkersAcresPets.com  Chose products online, see security statement and shipping/return policy.  Restocking fee for returns or exchanges within 14 days.  Call: Montana (406) 442-5795

The good Dog Company

http://www.thegooddogcompany.com/
PO Box 18980 GOLDEN, COLORADO 80402

woof@thegooddogcompany.com

LOCAL: 303.216.0443   TOLL FREE: 866.433.6426 FREE SHIPPING WITH ORDERS OVER $40 (Retail)   Made from 55% Industrial Hemp and 45% Certified Organic Cotton.

Only Natural Pet
www.onlynaturalpet.com/

Healthy, Organic Interactive Dog Toys.  Check at the website for a selection of dog toys made in the USA.    

Americans Working

http://www.americansworking.com/pets.html

Contains a list with information and URL addresses of companies that manufacturer pet toys, beds, treats, foods, et al. in the USA.  Note that the list may not be updated as frequently as one might like, the ones I chose to list were the ones with working links.

Dog Toys
www.dogtoys.com/madeinusa.htm

On the URL above, you can select for dog toys specifically manufacture red in the USA.  They carry 13 such products.

Manufacturers include Kong Company, Nylabone, and Jolly.

Kong Company

http://www.kongcompany.com/

Kong has a selection of dog toys and treats that are manufactured in the USA.  Check the website for the specific American made products.

Planet Dog

http://www.planetdog.com/home/

This website offers an option to search for the dog toys they sell that are made by USA manufacturers.

USA Made Pet Products

http://www.usamadepetsupplies.com/  Phone 424-259-1160

Search here for USA made dog toys and clothes.

Active dog Toys:  This on-line retailer has a special section with USA made dog toys, like the ones from West Paw and Kong.

http://www.activedogtoys.com/

 

Finnegan Checking Out Rabbits

 

Finnegan and I are hanging out this Monday afternoon in late March.  I was on the computer.  I set him up in one of his beds on the desktop.  Finnegan loves looking out the window.

I heard him make a funny sound …kind of like a half bark/sneeze and a snort. 

I’ve come to recognize the meaning as, “someone is walking on my block… (or) there’s another dog walking in my neighborhood… (or) the neighbor girls are home… (or) I see something, maybe a rabbit”.

 I looked out to see my neighbor's young girls in their driveway, arriving home or going to their swim meet.  They were in their caps and swimsuits and prancing about like girls do.  Finn adores them.  He barked, but they still went away in a car.

A little while later a louder "HHMMMMPH" came from him and he stood up.  I looked out but didn’t see anything at my level so move to see what he sees.

There is a rabbit in the bed of penstemon in the front yard.  It runs into the bed and out of site within seconds.  I tell him to be quiet and open the window, leaving the screen closed. We both watch.

The rabbit emerges from the flowers again and just sits there. Finn does his half woof-bark and settles in to watch. We both watch.

The rabbit turns to look at us, but I guess he or she can't see us nor be sure what is there.

Finn senses a challenge from that rabbit and becomes vigilant. He can't take it anymore and begins to scratch on the screen and the window.

The rabbit notices. He bolts part way across my yard as we watch and stands by a prickly pear.

YOU MAY NOT BUY DOG FOOD OR TREATS MADE IN CHINA, BUT WHAT ABOUT THE DOG TOYS YOU BUY?

I can give you several reasons you should think twice about buying that dog toy made in China.  Dog toys made in China have been found to have high levels of lead (not to mention other toxic materials and poor construction).  

Years ago, (2008) there were massive recalls of children’s toys made in China, due to high lead levels and other chemical toxicity.    Before that (2007), dog food made in China was recalled due to contaminants. 

Healthy Org (http://www.healthystuff.org/) tested dog toys in 2011 and found antimony, arsenic, cadmium, chromium and mercury toxins in toys designed to be chewed, tugged and carried in the mouth by our pets.

Here is the sad news…the truth…our USA dog toy industry isn’t regulated – not like how we regulate children’s toys. 

According to the American Pet Products Association, see: http://americanpetproducts.org/law/lawlibrary_article.asp?topic=62  there is no specific regulatory requirements for pet toys other than general safety requirements for consumer products which would be overseen by the Consumer Products Safety Commission.

Always check the label to see where a toy was made.  It might be in very tiny print.  Sometimes they are distributed by a US company, but actually manufactured in China. 

It is a shame that there is no recall of pet toys, despite the finding of excessive lead, cadmium and other toxic materials in Chinese made products.  Children’s toys have been recalled due to being poorly constructed with small parts that children can bite off, swallow and choke on – not so for pet toys.

Rawhide pet chews are treated with the cancer causing agent, formaldehyde.  Cheaply made toys can break into bits and pieces land up in your dog’s stomach. This can cause obstruction, serious problems, discomfort and even death.

What’s a pet owner to do? 

Read and educate yourself.  Check out: the American Pet Products website at: http://americanpetproducts.org/law/lawlibrary_article.asp?topic=62 .  

Check out the Consumer Protection website at http://www.cpsc.gov/.   I dare you to find any regulatory rules regarding pet toys.  

Check out: USPIRG.org   Disturbing here is that the focus is on huge numbers of CHILDREN’S TOYS FROM OVERSEAS THAT WERE RECALLED (2012 article). 

Check out this local news article at: http://new102.cbslocal.com/2013/03/13/jacis-cleveland-canine-and-kitty-corner-pet-product-toxicity/ that talks about what is in our pet toys.

I’ve asked staff at Petco, Petsmart and other major retailers what toys they have that are not made in China.  Invariably, they look at me like I asked them if they had toys from Mars. 

Pet products are one of the biggest and fastest growing industries in the USA. Over the last few years, and with the recession, layoffs and people’s concerns about their future, many Americans changed their lifestyle habits, nesting, vacationing at home and trying to exercise restraint in purchasing habits. 

However, the dog product industry has been booming.  It makes sense, thinking about it; if you are home with your family and pet, you are going to focus on them and their needs.

It is a big money industry.

Well, you can shop elsewhere.  You can take your money to a manufacturer that produces safe dog products.  You are allowed to ask, “where are your products made?”  “What safeguards do you have in place?”  “Why don’t you have American made products?”  “What do you test for as a distributor?”  You can expect an answer; don’t be afraid, this again, is a big money industry and you contribute to the bottom line.

You can shop on-line, you can find out what dog toys are made in the USA or you can make your own dog toys.

Isn’t your dog worth it?  Mine is.  Bark, woof and get up your moxy for your pet.

I am attaching a Post separately that highlights companies that make their dog toys here in the USA or that have dog toys available that are manufactured and distributed here.  Remember, as a dog owner, you have power to change things.

 

 

 

ANOTHER VISIT WITH JOEY, FINN’S BROTHER

 



Finn, left front with siblings in playpen, Joey is in the black bed.

 

Joey, Finn’s brother, visited today.  (I’m sure you’ve heard me mention Joey before, but just in case…)

His parents (Joey’s) had some appointments that took them into “town” and called to see if Joey could stay with us while they took care of ‘bidness’.

Finn loves Joey so much and the two of them have such a great time together that, if I can, I always welcome Joey here.  They generally spend the first two-three hours, I kid you not, running, chasing each other, wrestling and playing (Finn and Joey, not Joey’s parents)   They’re only a year old so they got that puppy energy thing going.

I always mean to do things I don’t get usually get done during the time Joey is visiting us.  Finn tends to follow me around, likes lots of attention, is active and insistent on my involvement with him and his activities. 

Being an eternal and perhaps unrealistic optimistic, I imagine myself writing my first novel while they’re busy with each other.

However, I find I go into a kind of stupor when they’re together.  I watch and laugh.  It’s hard to stop watching, they are so funny together. 

Today, I observed yet another interesting thing about my dog.  I’ve been teaching Finnegan how to use a doggie door.  I bought the Endura pet flap sliding patio door, with low E and dual pane glass after researching for about two weeks.  Why is nothing simple anymore?

Anyway, I’ve been training him for days to use it.  Sometimes he gets it, sometimes not.  Yesterday, when I went in the yard to hose areas down, without him, he remembered how to use the dog door.  Later, when I was in the family room and he was on the part of the patio I have gated, he had a quasi-heart attack when he saw me open the refrigerator, remove something and put it on the counter. 

He hates missing any opportunity that he might be able to get people food and knowing what a slob (I mean how clumsy I am) I can be, he always checks to see if I’ve dropped crumbs.

He flew in through the puppy door with no problem. 

Last night, when daddy was home, he pretended ignorance of how to use this same entrance.

Today, when Joey was over; Finn decided he must have the bully stick from the patio.  He strolled through the door like it was nothing, much to Joey’s shock.  He stayed outside until he saw me give Joey something and then came flying back through the dog door.

Just as I suspected, if it suits him, he remembers how to use it.  Otherwise, he prefers I open the people door and then he will go out with me. 

It’s the same thing every morning.

I let him out with me to do his bidness and play with his toys on his grass patch. 

We do runs around the yard;  he likes me to chase him and whatever toy he’s decided to put in his mouth for me to attempt to capture.

After this is over, he sits on grass and chews a bully stick or plays with one of his toys or inspects one thing or another and becomes completely absorbed.

I sit in a lounger and try to do the daily Cryptoquip, crossword, or read the paper…maybe three feet from him.  Within five minutes, when he notices I am not looking at him, he runs to me, tries to jump in my lap, and/or swats the paper or complains (puppy whining) until I put what I am doing down. 

He is so much smarter than I’ve given him credit for and he has me more trained than I have him.  But, slowly, and surely, I am catching on.

Havanese little one……..you are quite some breed.

Finnegan's Happy St. Patrick's Day

Eating Out at Custer's

 

In My Greenies

Yesterday was St. Patrick's Day, known as St. Padraig's in some areas of the world.

   Finnegan had his Irish steel oats this fine morning and we all lollygagged around.  Finally, the husband and I were starving and had a bored puppy, so of course we went out to eat and then headed to the dog park.  Since he has clearly a Gaelic name, which means little white haired one, we knew it was a day we really had to celebrate big.

   We tried Custer's this time, the place on Thornydale, south of Ina and didn't bother to ask if he could eat with us.  They have a huge patio, shaded with sail cloths and there was only one other couple outside.  The picture on the right, above, is Finn smiling with full teeth - ever hopeful that whatever we are eating will make its way to him.  What a dreamer!  Alright, I give him little tiny bit of plain burger.  The wait staff came out to give us our order and didn't blink an eye, so I guess it was fine.  I love Custer's butter burgers.  They are a Midwest chain that came to Tucson/Marana the last year or two and they have some good food.  The manager and the staff seemed to have been plucked from that area of the country too...they're all really nice and wholesome looking, happy and healthy appearing.

   After, we went to the Doggie Park on Silverbell for some craick, not what you think, it is the Gaelic word for a bit of the fun, and I'm sure now I've got the spelling wrong, but it sounds like c-r-a-c-k.

    It was our second time there, (me and Finn that is) and first time for Gary (my husband).  We thought it would be hot, but it was so very breezy yesterday that it was quite pleasant.

   We immediately met two nice ladies and three dogs.  Finn was fascinated by the tiny Maltese, Oliver, and really wanted to run and chase and play with him, but I guess Oliver was a little overwhelmed by Finn.  However, Oliver's pal and housemate, a bigger dog of cocker spaniel and something else was quite happy to romp and romp they did.  The third dog, a cattle herder type was nice, but about 12 and romped a bit and then pooped out.
  
  Later, Lucky, a corgi welsh mix, kind of big, came in with his owner and him and Finn really hit it off.  Although Lucky is about 6, he was very active and the two of them chased endlessly.  Sometime later, a tiny little Chihuahua and something mix, who was 8, arrived and though he limped and obviously was having hip problems he tried his best to run with the big boys.

  I ran and played with the little and big boys and girls myself, so as to encourage more running and play so as to tire my little one out.

   After about an hour, another parent arrived with two pugs, Rose and someone else, a boy.  Well, Rose was maybe 6 pounds and barely reached Finn's shoulders but she is an Alpha dog and managed to terrify him.  The boy was okay.  But Rose and Finn went around and round with each other and her father told me Rose likes to be chased and therein lies the problem, so does Finn.  So neither could convince the other to follow and run, so they kind of warily circled each other.

   We left and while Gary stayed with Finn in the car, I ran into the supermarket and got the fixings for good old corned beef, cabbage and stuff.  I tried a new recipe at home and the corned beef was seriously horrible and rubbery...should have made it like I normally do.  However, the potatoes, carrots and veggies were great.

   And so we were all passed out by about 8:30 that night.........I know, my life is way too exciting.

 

Finnegan's Restaraunt Ratings

     After we brought Finnegan home, we looked for places in Tucson and other areas of Arizona where we could take him to eat out with us.  I hated ever leaving him home alone, especially as a puppy.  For the first month or two, I was either with him or I took him with me.  Finally, we realized we had to have a life too.

     Both my husband and me enjoy eating out on weekends...and we hoped to share that experience with him.

   The following is a list of restaraunts, mostly in Tucson...some in other parts of Arizona, like Glendale, Chandler and Mesa, that we found we could take him to and enjoy.  The places are rated 1-5 1/2 paws, per Finnegan, of course.

  I have found many other restaraunts and fast food establishments that will allow dogs, mostly on the patio, but are not including right now the ones we haven't visited yet.

  And since we've been out so often now to eat with him tagging along, I'm afraid this will have to be a two or three parter.

     Caffe Torino Ristorante Italiano    10325 N. La Canada Drive 51 85737      (520) 297-3777   http://www.caffetorinoorovalley.com/about/  Finn gives this place 5 Paws up as the patio is extra large and comfy and they did bring him something to drink.  We liked it for the food and the fine, friendly service.

 

     Piazza Gavi
      5415 North Kolb 85750 (520) 577-1099 (off Skyline)

One of my favorite Italian restaurants in Tucson.  Great ambiance.  Food to die for.  The dog friendly area is a small patio off to the front and side of the restaurant with about 4 tables, and lampheaters as well as a fireplace.  Charming.  5 Paws Up.

Ghini's -1803 E Prince Rd  Tucson (Just west of Campbell in the shopping plaza)  We've brought Finnegan with us here to eat.  On weekend mornings and early afternoons, their outside patio is full of dogs.  Sometimes it is so busy and crowded, it's hard to find a spot.  Kind of nouveau French and basic cuisine. They bring the dog water plus a cup full of baked little dog snack bones.  5 Paws up.

Wildflower’s  This is in Casa Adobes Plaza, Oracle and Ina, and the patio faces the parking lot and street.  Great food and ambiance.  It is a huge outdoor patio where the puppy can accompany.  Finn ate here with us once. 4 PAW UP

 

     Rubio’s Baja Grill –ORO VALLEY

     10509 North Oracle Road Oro Valley, AZ 85737   520-297-9551  

Mon-Sat 10-9   Sun 11-9 We were there on Saturday, or was it Sunday?.   Dogs may dine with you on the patio.  They serve healthy tex-mex/California food specializing in fish tacos, Mahi Mahi, and have healthy as well as piggy options…burritos, carne asada, et al.   Order at the counter, they will call your name, open soda and fixings (salsa) bar.  4 Paws Up

 

 

     Haus Murphy   http://www.hausmurphys.com/

     Downtown Glendale, Arizona 5739 W. Glendale Avenue Phone Number 623-939-2480  5 PAWS UP   OPEN:    Monday thru Thursday   4:00 PM to 9:00 PM Friday and Saturday lunch 11:00 A.M. until 3:15 P.M.  Dinner 4:00 P.M. until 9:00 P.M. Sunday Dinner all Day 12:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. 

 

Huge place with indoor and outdoor patio dining areas.  Dogs can eat on the patio.  Finnegan really enjoyed, they brought him a huge Java cup with water.  I heard the owner sometimes comes out and gives the dogs a sausage, but we were there around Oktoberfest this year and it was mobbed, so probably too busy.  Incredible old style German atmosphere, live entertainment and the best schnitzels, sauerbraten….you name it!  The second time we went, it was quieter, the food just as good and the staff wonderful as usual.  5 1/2 PAWS up.

 

Maynard's Market & Kitchen  400 N. Toole Ave. 85701 520-545-0577
http://www.maynardsmarkettucson.com/  Maynard's Market has a Dog Friendly Patio and Great Burgers, but otherwise basic food.  3 1/2 PAWS UP

 

   Harvest Restaraunt 10355 North La Canada Drive | Tucson, Arizona 85737 | (520) 731-1100. 

One of my favorite restaraunts in the Northwest area.  The inside is beautiful and perfect for a special night with low and romantic lighting.  The patio is large and attractive and they were very welcoming of our dog.  They change their menu seasonally and run the gamut from the best burgers you will ever have to elegant sophisticated entrees.  A definite 5 1/2 Paws Up.

 

     Joes' Farm Grill   http://joesfarmgrill.com/

    Open everday and located in Gilbert, Arizona at 3000 East Ray Road
(480) 563-4745.  Come early for lunch, they are busy all year round and very popular.   They use fresh fruits and vegetables grown right there on their own farm and they use healthful and organic ingredients yet have common foods like burgers, fries, pizzas, salads...and special items such as ahi tuna grilled, grilled wild salmon, ribs and on and on.  The food is fresh tasting, bursting with flavor and very reasonably priced.  There are outdoor patios and picnic grounds, rolling hills and grass for children and the outside is all dog friendly.  Check out the bathrooms, yes the bathrooms, for a funny, and quirky sci-fi treat.  5 1/2 Paws Up.

 

 

MEETING FINNEGAN

 

On May 5^th, 2012, we drove with great excitement to a community about an hour and a half north of where we live.  It was Cinco De Mayo, but the trip had nothing to do with celebrating that traditional Mexican Holiday.

That Saturday, we were en-route to meet Finnegan, the dog we saw pictures of on the Internet, but had never met.  He was named Love Bug by the breeder and I know why now.

When we met him in person, I knew he was my dog immediately.  He knew too.  I had already fallen in love with his picture and when meeting him, I adored his personality.  He was an active, loving puppy and embraced attention.  When he had enough, he would go spend time under the couch or other object and watch the goings on with one eye. 

Finnegan was one of four puppies born on February 13, 2012.  His brother, now called Beau, is a show dog.  His other brother, Joey, lives with his parents about a half hour from us.  His sister, Molly, was destined to be a show dog – but although perfect and beautiful she was too overwhelmed with show life and shy.  She is a little, beautiful darling and Finn loves her.

So, my husband and I made a commitment to him that very day…although we were terrified as we felt we didn’t have everything at home a dog should have.  We told the breeder and offered to come back, the next day, a Sunday to pick him up. 

She gracefully offered to keep him another week until the following Saturday, May 12, 2012, when we could pick him up.  I spent the week shopping, preparing for him and puppy proofing the house and literally couldn’t wait till I could take him home.

When we showed up that Saturday he greeted us like old friends…like people he liked and trusted.  He had no problem getting in the car with us.  I had the breeder give him a good bye kiss. 

In the next two days, it was apparent he was very happy with us and considered us his home.  How lucky we were and are.  He chose us and we chose him and sometimes that it how it works and probably should work.

Joey and Finn started visiting when the dogs were, I don’t know, maybe 9 months old.  He recognized his brother immediately and that day, at our home, we watched the two of them play and romp estatically with each other for three hours straight.  They had not forgotten their family.

Since then, we visit with his brother regularly and his brother has spent many hours with me and Finn at my house.  His parents live in a more isolated area and so they come to the “big town” to run errands and I am on the way.  No matter when they call…I gladly welcome Joey over and love to him dropped off with us.

But I digress.  My point in all this is that if you are looking for the right puppy for you, be patient.  Be open and explore options.  Be ready when you think that you may have found the one. 

Make sure your dog is from a reputable breeder or if a rescue, you know something about their background and heritage.  We lucked out and found, in our opinion, the greatest breeder…in Arizona…anywhere. 

She raises her puppies in a pen, with the mother and other doggie Aunts and exposure to relatives.  They aren’t crated.  She so clearly loves all her dogs; all are special to her.

They learn to pee/poo with a Porto Potty.  They are very well and much loved and fed only the best.  We were sent home with a bazillion pictures marking his birth through the day we adopted him, recommendations for pet supplies, food and et al, including vaccinations, training and breed information.

To this day, when my boy sees his “first mom” the breeder, he rushes to shower her with kisses and hugs.  That says something. 

I am one lucky puppy mom.

 

The Search for Finnegan - my Havanese Puppy

Finnegan at 3 months old

 

We’d been looking for a pet since 2011.   Our beautiful cats, Alpha and Beta, died within a year of each other in 2007 and 2008.   For a while I couldn’t bear the thought of having a new pet(s).

The pain I felt during my cat’s illnesses and their deaths took a while to resolve to a muted sadness.  Like all losses, this evolved into acceptance and the ability to smile at the happy memories of the great times we had with them.

 Over the “cat years” I developed severe allergies and asthma, which my Doctor attributed to felines in the home. 

So the search was on for a dog.  I needed a dog that was hypoallergenic.  Of course no Dog is truly hypoallergenic – typically one becomes allergic to either the dog’s dander or the saliva.  However, there are some dogs that are less likely to cause allergic reactions in sensitive people.

We both agreed we preferred a small dog.  I needed a dog that didn’t shed or shed minimally.

We researched breeds and settled on toy poodles.  We looked for a rescue and then for a breeder. 

We looked at rescue societies and attended Adoption Events at Petsmart and Petco.  I searched the local ASPCA and Pima County Shelter websites and Petfinder and filled out applications and asked for alerts.  Through these efforts we found it was rare to find a rescue poodle that was purely poodle.  I was worried that whatever other dog line the poodle was mixed with would turn out to be an allergic trigger to me.

We went to see a local breeder’s dogs but were turned off by the condition of the house and yard and the number of dogs they had.  They were nice people, but it didn’t feel right.

We discovered the Havanese breed and decided this was the best dog type for us.  They are sturdy with strong legs and don’t have some of the delicacy issues small poodles do.  Poodles have a tendency to hurt their legs and backs when they jump up and down from things like beds and chairs. 

Like poodles, Havanese are intelligent, learn quickly and are loyal to their human pack.  I’d noticed that my niece’s poodle occasionally shed little tufts of its fur-hair and I wasn’t keen on that.  I’d gotten all the cat hair out of every nook and cranny of my house, and didn’t want to have to worry about wearing black pants coated with bits of fur for the next 15 or so years.

We learned Havanese are non-shedding and have hair similar to poodles but different in that it grows longer, is silky, straighter and easier to manage.  I could not find any rescue Havanese in the State of Arizona.  I did apply to the rescue society, but had so many problems with transmitting their application and the follow-up, I gave up.

We found a local Havanese breeder.  During the visit, we were pushed to commit to one of the eight or so puppies in the puppy pen – the result of two litters I believe.  We met the “parents” and assorted doggie relatives.  They all had that friendly Havanese personality.  But these little dogs were definitely shedding, a lot.  We told them we’d think about it, but realized the next day that something was off for us.  I don’t know if it was the high pressure tactics of the owners, the shedding adults, the condition of the pen where the babies were or the lack of verifiable papers…but we decided to keep looking.

We found another breeder and did an application and made a visit.  The dogs were cute although the owner was a little overbearing.  She was nice enough, but seemed to need to lecture.  At this point I was trying desperately to make a good impression and wasn’t my usual self.  I tried to sound really intelligent and not as goofy as I really am.  We were selected to get one of her new puppies. 

The breeder lady came with the doggie mom to visit and said everything was fine.  Inexplicably, she started reneging on our verbal contract and became stiff – seemingly annoyed – when we asked for a written contract a couple of weeks later.  I’d read you should have one.  My heart was broken because we didn’t get one of her puppies.  She couldn’t decide if she wanted to keep one or two females from the litter and preferred to sell us a male.  Back then, I had my heart set on a female, but that was changing and I was flexible.  Sometimes things work out for a reason, or don’t work out and I’m grateful we didn’t get one of her dogs now.

The search continued.  I read voraciously about the breed, how to choose the right puppy and how to choose a breeder.  Out of the blue, soon after we considered visiting a breeder in California who had a litter due in several weeks, we came across a picture on another breeder’s website of a puppy that was available.

I took one look at him and fell in love.  When I showed my husband later that night, he was just as enamored.  We filled out yet another application and talked with the breeder, making an appointment to meet this little white dog at her home the following weekend.

We found out that he was one of four puppies.  Two males had already left with their new “parents” when they were 10 weeks old and she was keeping the lone female.  Two separate families had committed to Finnegan, but then one had a medical situation and the other landed up needing to commit money to extensive home repairs.  So, he was still there, waiting for his forever home, He was turning 12 weeks but had nowhere to go.  Ping went the heartstrings. 

I’ll let you know what it was like finally meeting him May 5^th, 2012.