I encounter my first Poodle.

I met a Poodle for the first time during the Spring of 1960. Although I may have seen Mikey, our neighbors' dog, before this encounter, I am not aware of it.

My Parents took me to visit their good friends who lived in a cool, mid-century modern house in Rockford, Illinois. The friends had two black Poodles and an impressive German Shepherd. Here we are on the patio, and the homeowner is showing me how to hold a dog leash. I remember this moment vividly:

Rockford, Illinois, May 1960. While I am introduced to the Poodle, my handsome Dad watches, on the left. My elegant Mom relaxes on the ledge; she's looking directly at the Poodle.

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Later in the day, after the midday, Sunday meal, Mom and Dad gave me a closer look at the Poodle:

Rockford, Illinois, May 1960. Poodles are great. Especially when they wear rhinestone collars.

Let's check in on that Rockford Poodle.

Rockford, Illinois, May 1960. It's been a while since I wrote about the first time I met that Poodle. This is a photo from that same day. Here, Mom and Dad ensure that I behave. My beloved Godmother sits—in the middle—with the three women on the ledge.

Another Encounter with the Rockford Poodle

Rockford, Illinois, June 1961. The mother of my Mom's friend teaches me how to interact gently with the poodle. (That's Dad's shadow.)

Sunday, with Poodle

Rockford, Illinois, September 1962. The Rockford Poodle naps on her owner's lap. (Here's another photo from the same visit.)

I shouldn't be wearing gloves when I am holding a Poodle.

Rockford, Illinois, May 1962. I spend another Sunday with the Rockford poodle. Check out my bruised knees and the ashtray on the end table.

She checks out the peonies.

Rockford, Illinois, June 1961. That's not Gigi; this dog is the Rockford Poodle.

Easter Manners: Wear a necklace.

Rockford, Illinois, Spring 1962. The Rockford Poodle allows me to hold her.

It's hard to photograph a black dog.

Rockford, Illinois, November 1960. We're celebrating Thanksgiving with the Rockford poodle and her family. 

(Our friends also believed in protective throw rugs.)

Mid-Century Living Room, with Poodles

When I was a child, we often visited my Parents' friends in Rockford. The woman—who is not pictured here—was a physician, like my Mom.

The Poodle was a very popular dog breed in the 1950s and early 1960s. Princess Grace arrived in Monaco, carrying her Poodle as she exited the yacht that brought her across the Atlantic.

These friends understood intelligent dogs: they also had a third dog who looked like this.


Rockford, Illinois, September 1962. My Parents, on the left, visit with their friend's husband and her mother. Have a Dutch Mill chocolate.

Poodle Reunion

Rockford, Illinois, June 1961. My Mom and I visit with a friend and her Poodle.

A Poodle usually grabs everyone's attention.

Rockford, Illinois, July 1961. I may think the adults are looking at me, but they're really focused on the dog.