Standard Poodles of Forest Lakes

Rocky looks so handsome...such a distinguished gentleman in the photo. Such a clown irl.

📌 UPA Education Series: The 3-3-3 Rule for Dogs

As breeders, exhibitors, and dog owners, we know that bringing a new dog home, whether a puppy or an adult, is a period of transition. Many early behaviors are not training issues, but part of the adjustment process.

The 3-3-3 Rule is a helpful guideline:

🔹 3 Days – Decompression
Your dog may feel overwhelmed or unsure. Keep the environment calm, predictable, and low-pressure.

🔹 3 Weeks – Learning Your Routine
Your dog begins to settle in and understand daily life. This is a great time to introduce structure, routines, and gentle training.

🔹 3 Months – Feeling at Home
Your dog is building trust, developing habits, and becoming more confident. Consistency is key to long-term success.

💡 This is a general pattern, not a fixed schedule and every dog adjusts at their own pace.

At UPA, we value education that supports the success of both dogs and their owners. Understanding the adjustment period helps set realistic expectations and builds stronger relationships.

Have you experienced the 3-3-3 rule with your dogs? We’d love to hear your experiences ⬇️🐩

Veterinary reception is not “just answering phones.”

It is emotional triage.
It is operational control.
It is being kind when people are rude.
It is being precise when everything is moving at once.
And somehow still smiling through all of it.

That is not “just reception.”
That is skill.
That is labor.
That is intelligence.
That is leadership.

The Vet CSR exists because this role deserves to be seen clearly.

There’s something we use in vet med called a quality of life scale.

It’s not about giving up. It’s about making sure they’re still living, not just existing. You need to use your best judgment and guide the clients to the right choice. This is how they come to be at peace with their decision: you walk them through it.

Ask these 5 things about your pet or your client's pet:

1. Are they eating and drinking normally?
(or only because you’re pushing it)
2. Can they get up, walk, and move without struggling?
3. Are they still interested in things they used to love?
(toys, food, people, going outside)
****4. Are they having more good days than bad days?*****
5. Do they seem comfortable… or are they in pain more often than not?

If you’re answering “no” to most of these…
it might be time to have a conversation with your vet.

Not because you’re giving up.
Because you’re advocating for them.

And that’s the hardest, most loving part of being their person.

This is one of the hardest decisions anyone ever has to make. You can help:

You know what to do CSR’s right click-> save-> go over this scale with clients on the fence.

🖤

Wow—these beautiful ladies are truly making a statement this weekend! Tessa and Mikinzi came out strong, earning first in their class, going on to take Best of Breed, and finishing with an impressive Group 4 placement. That is no small accomplishment and speaks to the quality, presentation, and teamwork behind them.

Congratulations on a fantastic showing—such a well-deserved result. It’s exciting to watch this kind of momentum build, and I can’t wait to see what comes next!

Tessa is Forest Lakes Tales of an Endless Heart co-owned with, and groomed and handled by, Mikinzi Sieg.

Dam: Am CH U-MBIS MRBIS SGCH Katmary’s Rainbow (of Forest Lakes) CGC TKN RACEA DASH DCAT TD

Sire: MBIS MRBIS GCHS Lakeridge Secret Persuasion

Breeders: Michele Harvey, Debra Ferguson-Jones and Cathy Petrie

Win photo for Baby B has arrived!

A quick side by side of Romeo and his niece, Keishi. Love them both so much!

Keishi

I wanted to share an exceptional opportunity for those seeking a high-quality male show prospect with proven pedigree strength and superb lineage. This litter represents consistency in type, temperament, and competitive success across both UKC and AKC venues. These are full siblings to my Breton.

Baby boy is getting back into the rhythm after 4 months off! First time in the classes; he is a joy to have at the end of my lead.

1st
Winners
Best of Winners
Opposite s*x
BOBOH

Thank you to esteemed poodle breeder and judge Patricia Proctor for selecting Breton. His breeders, Stepheni Lazar and Louanne Whent, and I are extremely proud!

U-RBPIS FBP MAZINBLUE Sugar is Extra at Forest Lakes

Sire: CH Fbp Son Of A Poo! "Martin"

Dam: CanGRCH U-CH Stone Run Lakeridge Love Never Dies "Christine"

Keishi made the first cut, and her co-owner Chelsa Brandsen and I could not be more proud.

In a lineup of exceptional dogs, this recognition is meaningful—especially knowing the additional challenges that dogs of color can face in the ring. Achievements like this reflect not only quality and presentation, but perseverance and belief in the dog.

We are grateful for the opportunity to be in such company and excited for what lies ahead.

Keishi is Forest Lakes Tahitian Pearl 🦪

Dam: Canen Gossamer Starlight of Forest Lakes BCAT DASH CGCA TKI ACT1J VCX

Sire: Am GRCH U-CH Kissme’s Sterling Spoon N Time to Shine