Doodle Doings

My name is Helene and I started Westwood Labradoodles, Goldendoodles, and North American  Retrievers (aka WLDGD) in 2003.  Although I have been breeding Doodles for about 6 years, I began breeding Labradors many, many years ago.  I whelped my first litter when I was 16.

One of the goals I had when starting my Doodle breeding program was to donate allergy-friendly puppies to be trained as service dogs. There is a huge need for this, as the vast majority of breeds that commonly are used for service (Retrievers and Shepherds) are very allergenic. A Poodles is very occasionally found to have an appropriate personality, but in general they are just too independent! When the parents are chosen well, and the puppies are raised well, Doodles can have the right combination of personality traits and low-allergy coat to fill this need. So far I have donated seven dogs so be trained for service; some information about that is here:

http://westwoodlabradoodles.com/WestwoodLabradoodlesServiceDogs.html

One of the highest compliments is that three of the organizations have asked for second donations. It is expensive and time-consuming to train service dogs, and I know I am doing a good job if the organizations feel confident that the puppies they get from me will make the grade. Providing family companions and service dogs makes me feel I am making a positive contribution to the lives of those around me.

I am also a student of the martial arts, and strive to apply the tenets and values of martial arts to my life every day.

Here are the Five Tenets of Tae Kwon-Do, and how I try to apply them to life at Westwood Labradoodles.

Courtesy – I will treat every person who contacts me with courtesy, and strive to answer questions and provide information to the best of my ability.

Integrity – I will treat everyone fairly, and strive to do what is right, no matter how difficult it may be.

Perseverance - I will persist despite challenges, until the best outcome possible for everyone is obtained.

Self-control - I will develop self-discipline in order to bring out the best in myself and others.

Indomitable will – Every event, even those that seem negative, will be seen as an opportunity.

A-SAH!