From the Editor's Desk

It’s the beginning of the New Year, traditionally a period of reflection and setting new goals.

It seems like such a short time ago that we started the Gazette: the last five years have flown by. Over this period, many new laws have been enacted that give us cause for apprehension about our ability to breed Poodles in the future. Please read Linda Witouski’s article, One Generation and Out, in this issue and vow to make 2009 the year when we all band together to stop the ridiculous laws that are popping up all over the United States.

Our January issue truly has an international flavor: we have articles from France, Canada, New Zealand, Russia, Taiwan, and Brazil. The love all of us have for our Poodles is a strong link, and we hope readers enjoy hearing about Poodles in other countries.

Here in the Northern Hemisphere, winter is upon us. In some areas, the weather seems to be particularly harsh. Please remember that even though your Poodles may have nice thick coats, if you leave them outside too long, they can suffer from frostbite and other winter related problems. Furthermore, the humidity is very low right now, and the cold is intense.

Poodles also need to eat more in the winter; therefore, beef up their meals a little so they can maintain their ideal weight over the winter.

The Gazette staff thanks you all for your continued support and wishes you and your Poodles a very Happy New Year.