Some of you got a sneak peak at the new addition to our family when you saw Rudy the Labradoodle starring in his very own music video with me.
Remember all that “I must have a labradoodle” talk?
Well I made it happen.
After some research, I realized many serious breeders have a Guardian Program. Basically you are given one of the dogs they want to breed in return for your cooperation in the breeding program. This means you will continue to raise their dog to their standards and allow them to breed the dog while providing a home for it. When the dog has finished it’s course in the breeding program you get to keep it forever.
And this is how Rudy came to be a member of our family. He’s a multi-generational Australian labradoodle and let me tell you…this dog is amazing. This breed was first developed in Australia in an attempt to create a low shedding guide dog for people with allergies. Wikipedia describes them as, “very intelligent and quite trainable, often seeking commands and finding pleasure in learning. Labradoodles can be taught to obey verbal or sign language commands, or both.” and that they are “generally friendly, energetic and good with families and children”.
And honestly? That is Rudy in a nutshell.
I jumped at the chance to take him in because he had completed courses in obedience training and has lived with a caregiver who took him to work with her as a teacher everyday. After some changes in career she chose to return Rudy to his than Oregon breeder before he was sold to Sound Labradoodles last summer.
Knowing that he’d had exposure to large groups and that he’d already spent some time in training, I thought he might an amazing little friend. In fact we’re hoping to continue his training so that he will one day have completed all the necessary work to become a certified therapy dog. He’s that amazing.
A little bit about Rudy:
- Rudy wants to be a lap dog and gently squeezes his way onto your lap if you sit next to him…or if you invite him to. Whichever.
- Rudy thinks Laina’s stuffed dogs should belong to him.
- Rudy loves cheese and when you attempt to wrestle away a BLOCK OF CHEESE that somehow found it’s way to his mouth (ahem Kainoa) he doesn’t growl or attempt to bite your face off but instead just looks super disappointed that he didn’t get to devour the entire block of cheese without you noticing.
- Rudy is a gentleman and when you thank him for bringing you a plastic Easter egg from your daughter’s basket he will make TEN. more. trips to her bedroom and one by one drops ten more Easter eggs at your feet so you can continue thanking him and stacking them in a pile on your office desk.
- Rudy has two lovely girlfriends in Seattle and his relationship with them may or may not be documented in future vlog plans…from conception to birth (you can thank me later).
- Rudy has the cutest way of resting the full weight of his head in your hand if you massage his ears.
- Rudy will sit and lay down and go to his kennel and heel….but really he just wants you to give him a block of cheese.
- If Rudy manages to weasel out of the house without a leash (ahem Kainoa) he will become 100% engaged in a hunt for another girlfriend and will barely hear your coaxing, but might be enticed to come home for a block of cheese.
- Rudy feels like a teddy bear. Honestly.
- Rudy loves kids and chooses to sleep amongst the noise and chance being stepped on rather than escape to the safe confines of his kennel or a back bedroom.
- Rudy adores the Mouse Family and could spend hours excitedly watching them shuffle about inside their cages…though his excitement worries me at times.
- Rudy is my new best friend.
I would marry Rudy…but I’m spoken for…and I do believe leaving Pat for our pet dog would be frowned upon these days.
But back in the 20′s…when relationships with your dogs were acceptable and encouraged…I totally would have chosen Rudy over Pat.
There’s just something to be said for the calm that a dog like Rudy brings when things feel crazy. Of course those benefits are not without a price. Rudy comes from an impeccable line of high standard Australian labradoodles and therefore came with a hefty price tag…as does his puppies.
If I had that kind of money I would totally buy one. And I’d buy all the orphans in Africa one too. Because that’s what they need. Puppies.
And ps I know breeding programs are not for everyone and I certainly got an earful the last time I posted about wanting a labradoodle. We’re just a family looking for a dog that won’t bite our faces off. I 100% support rescue programs and have fostered and volunteered with local groups for two years now. The Greyhounds especially hold a special place in my heart and when my kids are older I suspect I may choose to go that route again. For now, I’ll opt for a lovely non shedding, cuddly, kid friendly therapy dog who retrieves plastic Easter Eggs and plops them directly at my feet.
{ 65 comments… read them below or add one }
He’s gorgeous! I love him, too, just from this post. I have a toy poodle because she’s all of the things you described and she’s small to fit our small house. I understand the need to get a dog that’s bred for certain traits so you know what you’re getting. It’s important if you have allergies or children. I’m all for rescuing dogs, too, and have in the past. It’s all about getting what you need from your pet and making sure they have a happy life, too. Congrats!
Awwww he is so adorable, I want one!! (And I have allergies so perfect!) Thanks so much for sharing your photos of him with us. Plus I watched the music video…hilarious!
Rudy made my heart melt. What an adorable dog!
Congratulations on your new best friend! What a cute dog! That sure sounds like a good program! I hope everything works out well for you with this one.
Don’t let people give you grief about a breeding program. These aren’t puppy mills, they are legit breeders so people with extraordinary amounts of dispensable cash can buy one. In my book, you SCORED! You will love him forever and ever. My friend put hers through therapy school, and she now snuggles with older folks at a nursing home. (the dog, not the friend).
Rudy is beyond cute….and those eyes….how could you refuse him a block of cheese? :)
I love Rudy, i swear he is smiling in some of those pics, so cute!
He is such a beautiful dog! I’ve heard that having a stud can be hard if they ever get away from you….they can smell a dog in heat a mile away (literally). My parents just got a Golden that isn’t fixed yet and he’s taken off just once on them probably because he smelled a female.
I would looooooove to have one of these dogs or just another dog in general but our house is too small for a big dog! Best of luck with your new family member! That program sounds wonderful :)
I am in love with him too! He’s so adorable and wonderful and perfect! I really hope he turns out to be the right pup for your family…it seems like you hit the jackpot!
He is so adorable. His face looks a lot like the dog I had growing up.
I think you might change my mind on the next kind of dog I want, I was going with a Corgi but Rudy has stolen my heart.
I want a Rudy. I need a Rudy!!!! He’s PERFECT!!!!
I want him!!!!!!!!!!! He is just too cute and sweet. Ugh, now I want a Labradoodle. *sigh*
awwww he’s precious! having a dog is very calming, like you said. they are the best of friends!
He has the most loving eyes!!! And they totally feel like teddy bears too!!! Congrats on finally adding the perfect new family member and best friend!!! XOXO
I want my own Rudy. He sounds amazing. However I got a dog as stupid as she is. Ok really she is smart though when she wants to be. Let people harp on you. I think the guardian program sounds amazing. Breeding is going to happen no matter what. Instead of the dogs being locked on kennels and not getting attention they deserve they get to live in a family home and still do their “job”.
I love him! Total teddy bear. Congratulations!!!
He looks a lot like SuziCate’s Wylie. Wylie is a sweetheart to0. He just doesn’t know he’s a big dog. He thinks he’s a toy poodle I think. :-)
I want to snuggle him!!! What a sweet baby!!! And don’t let anybody give you crap – you did what was best for your family and that’s what matters. You’re a good person and you’ve done a lot of great work for dogs. Plus, breeding programs are responsible, well-managed, and important for ensuring the continuation of many different breeds of dogs. The problem isn’t responsible breeders – it’s puppy mills, irresponsible owners, and abuse/neglect. Enjoy your muppet dog and if anyone gives you crap let them know you have a bona fide crazy animal rights person on your side. ;)
P.S. Rudy reminds me of my parents’ Standard Poodle – Charlie.
http://lifewithliane.blogspot.com/2010/04/charlie-dog.html
Ohmygosh, I love him.
Here, boy,here….
Aww :)
Rudy is GORGEOUSLY handsome. I want to hug him and give him cheese and let him bring me little Easter eggs!!
So glad this is working out for y’all. Looks like you’ve found a perfect companion!
Congratulations on the newest member of your family! Do you have a PO box address we should send Rudy’s cheese block donations to? I’ll start a collection.
Kristi, Live and Love…Out Loud
@TweetingMama
Awww, Rudy even melted my heart which has turned to black thanks to our two dogs who would be Rudy’s alter ego. I can’t stand my husbands dogs, but I like the idea of one day having a family dog who doesn’t make our lives miserable!
They have to come up with a new name for those dogs – “Labradoodle” sounds like a chief rival to “Etch-a-Sketch.”
Cute dog – seems like all the mixes between poodles and other dogs turn out to be very smart and friendly.
Yay for getting your Labradoodle. He sounds like a great dog.
OMG you saved him from the lab!! He’s gorgeous…congrats Kat :)
How gorgeous is he?! I love his colors, Kat!
ADORABLE! I want one now, and I live in a tiny apartment. But he is so sweet! Congratualtions on the addition to your family.
he is ADORABLE i want a labradoodle SO bad! love him :)
So jealous. Now to start the machinations to get one for myself. I mean my daughter, yeah, yeah. Teach her some responsibility, give HER a companion, yeah, yeah.
He looks like a big, cuddly teddy bear.
I LOVE RUDY! I don’t think I would even be scared of him! he looks like a big teddy bear. He’s gorgeous, and sounds So sweet. And that’s saying something as I am SUPER scared of dogs.
OK, I’ll admit, I am one of those who gave you an earful last time…I just wanted to you be sure of what you were getting into! BUT, this sounds like a friggin’ perfect situation. You have a very busy life, and he is already used to a very busy life, and he needed a home, and you give him one that makes him very, very happy. I’m so excited for you that you found him! Congrats!!
I’m not an animal person, like at all, but he is very sweet!
Who cares what anyone else thinks about your dog situations? The other dogs were assholes. Rudy is adorable and I’m glad he’s meshing w/your family’s lifestyle/personalities. I wish I could cuddle him and hug him and squeeze him and love him until his guts came flying out, he’s sooooo cute!!!
And also… you’re like a dog pimp now. LMAO!
Rudy sounds like just the sweetest thing and he is adorable! I’m so happy for you guys.
I am in LOVE.
Wow, I can’t believe you actually got a dog.
Although we’re pretty sure we’re a non-dog family, this post made me (almost) want one. Especially a cuddly looking Labradoodle.
What a sweetheart! I want to smoosh that sweet kissy face.
Yeah! He sounds like an amazing dog. And hey he is smart, I would eat a whole block of cheese too if someone let me :)
OMG he’s friggin gorgeous and sounds so fun!! Congrats chica!
Congrats!! That is so awesome and he’s adorable!! Glad you found a dog who is a good fit for your family :-D I’m in the process of getting my dog certified as a Therapy dog, hoping to do Reading with Rover (Seattle-area program where kids read to dogs to increase literacy, dogs aren’t judgemental) or work in a nearby hospital with him. I’m reading the Delta Society book right now!
First of all…let me say that your camera is amazing. Such vibrance and clarity. My husband says thanks for making me want one. Soooo uh, what kind is it? And about Rudy. Seems perfect. Where can I get a Rudy too? :)
amazing pictures and CONGRATULATIONS! Rudy seems like the perfect pooch for your home and he is quite the “stud.” i know he will enjoy becoming a part of your family. have fun and take care.
I LOVE Labradoodles and Goldendoodles. Rudy is ADORABLE!
While I must admit that I prefer dogs with “close” coats, not the furry kind like Rudy, he is adorable and seems like a very sweet dog. I am so happy for you guys that you found a dog who works for your family. Congratulations!
We have a German Shorthair Pointer and he has pretty much the same personality that you described with Rudy except that he no longer has a “thing for the ladies” since we took care of that a while ago. Tomorrow is his birthday and he’ll be two, he is also my best friend and running partner.
Dogs Rule!
he is utterly adorable … I could eat him for dessert!!!!
The.cutest.boy.ever.
After my pugs, of course.
Oh my gosh, Mama Kat. You should be the Labradoodle Poster Girl! You almost have me wanting one! He is beautiful. But how does Laina feel about having all her stuffed dogs adopted???
I think that you did a good job with your research and found a dog that is right for you and your family. And I think that you found a perfect way to get one for free (or did I get that part wrong?).
I’m one who prefers to adopt rescue dogs, but he is SUPER cute. :) Congrats to your family.
I love him already!
Cute dog, but EWWWW dog kisses on the lips. DISGUSTING.
I have not ever thought of wanting a Labradoodle…UNTIL NOW. Because of all of the reasons you love Rudy, I totally want one. NOW! Also, I had no idea you could participate in a breeding program and get to keep the dog for free (who are we kidding? Dogs are never free! :-) What a wonderful win-win for both parties! I am going to look into that option!
He’s really a doll. I can’t wait to see him in future posts!
Oh he’s such a sweetie!
Can’t wait to see more and more of him! He’s A-Dorable!
He looks like a lot of fun. We just got a puppy so I am fully engrossed in training now. I don’t mind, but sometimes I think that a slightly older dog would be nice.
Awww he’s so freaking cute!! :)
I want one now.
But I think Adam would kill me if I asked for another dog, but he’s so adoarable… But we already have a teacup chihuahua and a rescued mini schnazuer haha.
What a beautiful accessory, he matches the highlights in your hair. Sure hope he doesn’t misbehave, though… the poor little guy doesn’t know yet what you do with the dogs who displease you.
YAY! What a happy ending!!
Aw, he’s adorable. My roommate’s dog is part lab (lab/basset mix); he too thinks that he is a lapdog and will do anything for cheese.
OMG! Just seeing this post, and Rudy is SOOOOO cute! I want a Labradoodle!
We actually swapped dogs with my boyfriend’s mother so she could give our little calm Lhasa a bath and hair cut. In return, we got her rather hyper, nipping Cockapoo. Um, she warned me what a terror this dog was, and I was a little nervous. But, I took the darling out for a walk around the block (she doesn’t get out much and hasn’t been taught to walk on a leash) and she calmed down. She stared out our front window and ran between me and my boyfriend. She did bite my nose ONCE, but she sat right down when I scolded her. However, I was very glad to send her home after three hours and welcome my pup, who is sound asleep on the couch, back home.
What would we do without them?!
I want, I want, I want, I want HIM!! So cute!
Hey there Mama Kat!
So happy to see that you did indeed get your Rudy!!! Yea! Soooo glad it all worked out! Aren’t they the best?! And yes, they do feel just like a big teddy! We’ve even had people tell us our Rudy looks like a muppet and he should be able to talk to you at any minute! Ha! Enjoy your new friend! Congratulations!
I’m in love and its all your fault for encouraging me…