Buster

Buster, my incredible buddy, old pal, and best little co-pilot ever, was truly a phenomenal presence around here for about 7 years, and his remarkable legacy lives on through the many incredible puppies he sired, a testament to his incredible impact. The list of his achievements is a very, very long and inspiring one, and if you ever get on our private Facebook group, simply type in the name Buster, and you will see the amazing accomplishments of his sons and daughters, a versatile group that has achieved greatness. With his perfect size of 27 pounds, he was considered a million-dollar poodle, capable of producing puppies that were just the right size for today's families, whether with bigger or slightly smaller girls. Almost every dog I have in the program is one of Buster's offspring, a true reflection of his exceptional personality, which was sweet, kind, gentle, and very athletic, with the only exception being his need for a life jacket when swimming. Now retired, Buster lives with one of his daughters in Wisconsin, a well-deserved rest for this incredible companion.

Jewel, you were the trailblazing mom here at Hidden Valley Doodles, and I'm so grateful for the incredible journey we shared. Your remarkable intelligence and patience inspired me every step of the way, making my job a true joy. I vividly recall the first day I brought you home, and my husband's priceless reaction - 'a poodle, what are we going to do with a poodle, we live in the woods, she'll be covered in dirt, sticks, and sticky burrs!' I assured him I'd take care of everything, and I did, always ensuring you looked your absolute best. Thankfully, my grooming skills were put to good use, as you kept me delightfully busy. You were an exemplary mom, and I thanked you daily for your devotion, marveling at how you managed to raise ten precious pups with such love and care. You're a true  Jewel, and I salute you for being an inspiration to us all.

Bailey, now retired, has discovered her ideal match with a remarkable family. As a distinctive labradoodle with a blend of German shorthair, Labrador retriever, and standard poodle, Bailey has consistently showcased exceptional temperament and health. Her remarkable empathy and kindness towards all living beings set her apart. Bailey's profound impact on those around her is particularly evident in the life of a young boy, whom she assisted in overcoming his challenges and realizing his full potential. Bailey's legacy endures through her puppies, who have inherited her extraordinary gentle soul and empathetic nature, inspiring a brighter future for all those she touches.

Winnie, lovingly nicknamed Winifred by the Guardian family, is a standard-sized Aussiedoodle from Gem and Odin, embodying the best qualities of her breed. With a nurturing spirit, she naturally connects with those around her, showcasing a unique ability to convey her thoughts and emotions through remarkably human-like expressions. Her  personality is simply iconic. As a devoted mother, Winnie demonstrated unwavering care for her babies and all babies that were here even if they were not hers. They would get one of her famous baths, because she knew she could do it better. Now celebrated as Queen Winnie, she exudes confidence and poise, leaving a lasting legacy through her puppies, who inherit her exceptional traits, such as confidence, outgoing personalities, and exceptional intelligence. Winnie's remarkable spirit is a testament to the transformative power of canine companionship.

Tucker may be gone, but his remarkable legacy lives on. He was the foundation of our program at Hidden Valley Doodles, and I was blessed to have him by my side since he was a puppy in 2008. Alongside Jewel, he paved the way for our incredible journey. Tucker's heart was overflowing with kindness, a trait that has been passed down to so many. He had a profound impact on everyone he met, and his love for the puppies was nothing short of extraordinary. His gentle nature made him an ideal companion for small children, and his ability to connect with them on their level was truly special. Tucker may have been a hunting dog by breed, but his fear of birds made him a lovable and hilarious companion. Who could forget the time he hid behind me as the turkeys approached? It was as if they knew he was terrified. Living deep in the woods, we encountered many creatures, and Tucker's panic attack when he spotted a grouse near his water dish was a moment I'll never forget. He needed me to rescue his water dish, and it was then that I realized just how much he trusted me. Tucker, I miss you more than words can express, but your memory continues to inspire me. Your silly antics, like stealing my gloves and playing with a pop bottle filled with rocks, brought me joy every day. Even the time you had an accident on the front seat of my truck, I couldn't help but laugh. Your kind soul and generous heart far outweighed your goofy moments, and I feel blessed to have shared my life with you. Rest in peace, dear Tucker, and know that you'll always be in my heart.

Scooby, or as we lovingly called her Scooby Dooby Doo, was one of our first Aussie doodles born here at Hidden Valley Doodles. Let's just say there was a  learning curve with those fun loving Aussies - that first year, she dug more holes than I care to admit, and I've got plenty of videos to prove it. It was a far cry from raising my typical labradoodles - I had to get creative to keep her mind occupied. This girl's got brains, affection, and loyalty for days, but zero herding  instinct, thank goodness. We did agility courses, ball fetching, problem-solving, and enrichment activities to keep her busy. And you know what? It worked - after she turned one, the digging calmed down, and she morphed into a couch potato extraordinaire. She's since had our typical 3 litters and is retired, living it up in Austin, Minnesota, with one of her daughters. I've kept some of her babies, including one you might know, Secret. And I'm happy to report that Secret skipped the digging phase, but inherited her mom's fun-loving, affectionate personality. Secret's a total couch enthusiast, loves belly rubs, and is all about family time - she's set to retire this year, and I couldn't be prouder.