Aug 2004-The Journey

On my journey to showing my dogs I was told of a handler that was the "greatest". Last Aug 2004 Krista and I attended the Alan Waterman seminar in NJ. I had spoken with Alan about showing Jenna. He was very charming and said of course he would show her for me. He took her with him after the seminar on Aug 24, 2004. This is what Jenna looked like when she was in the motel the night before she left with Alan. I was having a difficult time with coat care as it is all new to me still 2 years later. Alan said he would take care of her coat and get it back in shape as I had thinned it out considerably when my husband had neck surgery. No problem he said. I sent a check for $300 (#11312 8-24-04) with him that day. In advance keep in mind... I am instructed by Alan I am only to call and check on my dog on Tuesday. That wasn't a problem. He thought she would be ready to show by Oct.

In October he did show her and said her hair just wasn't "THERE" yet but that by January she should be quite ready to show.

I sent another check for $300 (#11365)on 9-14-04, also another check on 9-20-04 (#11414) for $800. There was a 4th check sent on 11-12-04 (#11538)for $500. This is a total of $1900. I figured at best this would carry her bill into February.

Beginning to Wonder...

In February I started asking Alan to mail me a bill please. And I had repeatedly asked for pictures of my dog since October. Nothing......when I would speak with Alan on the phone he would say he would get some pictures and send them and send a bill.....I never got either. Same thing in April and May.

We had a trip planned on the 5th of June that would take us close to Alan's. I called a week in Advance and told him we would be coming by to see Jenna. I had also mailed another Check for $750 to him.

Arriving at Alan's

My husband and I were South of Buffalo and gave Alan a call on Monday June 6th. I told him we could be at his house between 5-6 P.M. Alan said that wasn't possible as he would be leaving around 4:30.(Now I deal with puppy client's all the time. If I know a week in advance that a client is driving 1000 miles you can bet your sweet bippy I will clear my calendar for the two days they MAY arrive). I was disappointed but could say nothing. I then asked Alan if we could be there possibly early in the morning? His reply was that I would have to call first that he had much to do and would be in and out most of the morning (BIG alarm for me now, I am wondering, I gave him plenty of notice what is going on......???

My husband immediately became suspicious & alarmed. He said we aren't calling in the morning we are just going over that at 9:00 A.M. We got up the morning of June 7. I didn't sleep good all night thinking about Jenna. We arrived at Alan's around 9 A.M. as planned. Alan came to the door and said, "You will have to come back in an hour." I said, " I am sorry Alan but we really do have to head back South and I would like to see Jenna." He replied in a quite short tone, "You were supposed to have called first." (My husband was convinced if we did so that Alan would be gone by the time we arrived.) I said, " I did try to call Alan." Alan said, "No you didn't.".....I said you are right I didn't but I want to see my dog NOW and not in an hour. Reluctantly he led me around to the "kennel area". I can not tell you the despair I felt when I went through that door. The odor was appalling. There was no evidence of air conditioning or heat and it was presently 84 degrees outside not much different inside. There were rows of kennels to the left. Alan began to walk down the isle and I was astonished at the size of the kennels. 3 feet X 3 feet. There was a doggie door (which surprised me with show coats in poodles) between this 3X3 area and another area which I could not see into. The noise was deafening from barking dogs. Alan stopped at about the 5th run down and started calling Jenna. I walked up expecting to see my dog jumping for her caregiver and instead she had her head stuck through the doggie door barking like something possessed. I called her name and still she would not come out.....I was ready to fall to pieces.......as I saw she was matted solid. Her topknot had obviously not been broken down or re-banded in MANY months. There were sprigs that had grown out of the topknot and had not been put back in that were matted as well....Her hocks were yellow and brown with feces and urine stains and matted solid......I just stood in a state of shock and looked at my dog that I had handed over to this person.........I was mortified.

I looked at Alan and told him I was taking her home. His only reply (never an apology or I'm sorry she isn't brushed out-NOTHING) was "She can't go unless you pay your bill." I said, "I don't have a problem with that except I HAVEN'T gotten a bill." We walk across this breezeway and he steps through a door and hands me two pieces of paper. One was a bill he "CLAIMED" he had emailed me and when I called on May 10th asking him for the 3rd time about my bill he had said he had emailed it and would do so again. I never got either email and I know I get an average of 20 a day so the reason I didn't get one is because one was never sent. I asked him to SNAIL MAIL me a bill at that time. Never received a thing. I looked at that bill briefly it was for a balance of $410. I had mailed a check for $750 the week before when I realized I wasn't going to get a bill. I deducted that from the figure he had $1330(this after I had already sent $1900). I wrote a check for the difference of $580.

I walked out to my truck to get the checkbook my and husband could tell as I came there was something terribly wrong. He asked did he need to get out. I told him no. He said, "what is wrong?" I said I would be right back and for him to just stay put. My husband LOVES Jenna as much as me I think and had he gotten out......I feel sure I would have spent the rest of the day trying to bail him out of JAIL. I went back to the kennel and Alan had Jenna out of the kennel though I don't know how he managed that feat. Once she saw me she went nuts...He showed where he had begun to brush out the right side of her and said it wasn't going to be hard. I just blinked...... handed him the check and picked up my dog. He asked did I need a lead and I said no I would carry her. She REEKED of urine and feces. I had the worst feeling in my stomach and it took all I had within me not to cry. As I was walking to the door Alan said, "They are fine and happy". I never looked back and I just said, "You must have fallen and bumped your head". I placed my dog gently in the back seat of our truck and got in the front seat next to my husband. I could do nothing but shake my head. I thought my husband would have a stroke. He wanted to get out but I told him just get me away from THIS place. We took Jenna to a vet in Pittsford, N.Y. immediately. The people there could not believe what they were seeing. They could not get a stool sample but she was clear on heartworms which is a good thing. I probably should have called the ASPCA right then but we had 1000 miles to drive. I was going to PCA in Maryland in less than 4 days. She was not the same dog I handed off to Alan. She was skittish and nervous and jittery.

Now I have the record from the vet and put it with the other papers and picked up the two bills from Alan. I saw that he only showed me paying $1400 instead of $1900. Which would make the whole bill from that point on incorrect. I immediately called him and told him that I would go home and find the other $500 and offer him proof. That I would stop payment on the $750 and $580 check and settle with him at PCA. He seemed fine with that.

The LONG drive HOME

After leaving the vet we stopped at a rest area to let Jenna potty. I made my husband go as far to the back as we could as I was so embarrassed over the way my dog looked. When I let her out she pottied and ran for a solid 15 minutes in sweeping circles......she was FREE!!!!!!!! I am sure she had not been out of that pen in months IF EVER!!!!!!

Our next stop was somewhere ......anywhere to get a bottle of FeBreeze just so my Jenna could ride INSIDE the truck with us and not in the camper part without making us gag or throw up......Can you just imagine......??????

Next step: The Phone Calls

I called one of my friends who shows in Dayton......I told him.....he was livid. He said WHY did you pay him? I said because I wouldn't have my dog now I said. I told him that when I got home I would verify I had paid $1900 for I started to wonder myself if I had sent it. I kept thinking or rather remembering a check for $500. But you never know. He said he wouldn't pay a DIME!

I called several of my close friends and some of my puppy buyers who knew where I was going. They were all so supportive...I then called a friend who shows and is an attorney as well as married to an attorney. I thought she would freak out. I want those pictures she said....someone I know just sent two dogs up there. She told me I was right to stop payments on the checks that nothing had been done to warrant a charge. Throwing dog food in a run is not boarding she said when it comes to poodles. Coat Care is included and a must. I am of course crying with every phone call at this point. The guilt I feel is unfathomable. I trusted someone to care for my dog and how she must have felt those nights sleeping on those ropey matts. Felted to the skin....Jenna I am so sorry I had no idea......

This is the side Alan said he brushed on......Wow wonder what her butt looked like and smelled like before he shaved that hair off...?????? Glad he had the mercy to shave that and her face.....forget the legs and feet!!!!!

 

The Emails... (there is a time zone difference)

Imagine my surprise to find an email from Alan in my email box. Now I got that one!!!!! No surprise but for months I email asking for a bill and pictures and he never answers... I always have to call... could save me a dime or two but Nah why would we do that????

I had entered Jenna in the Junior Showmanship class for Krista but as you can see she would not be making that class.

She was happy and obviously felt much better.

July 2005

Jenna has always been on a March/October heat cycle. When I called Alan at some point in October he did say she was in heat. He never mentioned it in March 2005. I just assumed she had been in heat. I was quite surprised when she came in heat the beginning of July. I called several of my close friends (people who have been in poodles for years) and they said that she had not come in heat during her normal time because of STRESS. After careful discussion with my vet and my friends and mentors it was decided that I could and would breed Jenna. Alan’s supporters and Alan himself have tried to make this look like a crime. Jenna was 3 years old when she was bred. All testing was in place, which is more than I can say for SOME people. She was in good tone and good weight. She had gained her weight back in the 4-½ weeks I had her back home. I do not have to EXPLAIN what I do but since Alan and his supporters continue to use this as a way to make me look bad I felt it should be addressed. It is my understanding Alan himself has bred or bred to dogs back to back as many as 5 times.

In September of 2005 Jenna had a litter of beautiful puppies bred to my dog Mick. One of those puppies I sold to a friend in Florida for show. I wanted to KEEP that puppy but my friend had waited a long time (2 years she has wanted a Jenna puppy) and I let her have the show puppy. We do co-own her, but she is Anne’s dog.

I am growing Jenna’s coat back out for conformation showing. It will take a year or longer. She was cut down with a 7-F blade, which is a short blade. It was very hard even with this blade with all of the mats.

September 2005

Jenna’s babies arrived and we had such a nice litter. Creams and blacks and I was very pleased with the homes that these puppies went to. This litter exceeded my expectations and I got a couple of the kids in agility homes. My puppy I chose for showing at 7 months kind of fell apart so to speak she wasn’t reaching in the front like I felt she should and after getting a second opinion from my friend Terri Meyers with a heavy heart I put her in a pet home. She is a beautiful blue girl and went to my friend Mary Lou to make poodle Number 2 in Mary Lou’s house.

Below are the puppies outside with Krista…..love that puppy breath.

Winter 2005

I get word from several different sources that Alan and his supporters are telling an entirely different story than the one that is printed here. This is of no surprise to me at all. Everything is being said from I am a puppy mill to when you don’t pay the bill you don’t get the baths. I have to say though none of this is shocking it does disturb me. So basically what they (Alan and his fans) are saying is that if a dog belongs to a puppy mill it’s ok to mistreat it? Not that Jenna belongs to a miller. I have news for all those nasty people…I wish that if I were a puppy mill all dogs in all the puppy mills around the world could lead the life my dogs lead. And again had I gotten a bill I certainly would have paid it. I had no intention of sending more money when the money that I had already sent had not been accounted for in a monthly fashion. Not to mention that the bills I DID receive were not even accurate.

Speaking of the money I sent, Alan also disputes that I sent the check for $750. Well here is the check he maintains he never got. No he didn’t get it. It for some reason unknown to me was returned to me. As you can see by the postmark it was sent when I said it was sent. Why he wishes to say that I did not send it is beyond me. The address is the correct address why it was not delivered is an unknown. Maybe someone upstairs was watching out for me of that I have no doubt. When I called the Post Office here to ask for an explanation they said it probably went to the wrong Post Office in NY and then rather then send it to the correct Post Office it was just returned to me….

So let’s talk about the so-called bill I received when I was at Alan’s. The bill that hung around so long he actually made notes on it and rather than print a new bill for me he just gave me the one that had all his notes marked out with a marker.

I never received this bill in an email nor through regular mail. I do however see that not only is Alan a person who doesn’t bill in a timely fashion he can not add either. The bill he says is $1810.00 should actually be $1820.00. Worse than this error is he is showing me as paying $1400. Here are more errors on Alan’s behalf. Below are the checks I sent and they are also shown cancelled on the back with Alan’s signature. There are a total of 4 checks for the total amount of $1900.

This is the second check sent to Alan

This is the third check sent to Alan.

This is the 4th check sent to Alan

This is the second bill Alan gave me, which is not going to be correct because he failed to post one of the checks for $500.00 to the bill…. Maybe an accountant should be doing the books? I made the notes on this bill while I was at the truck getting my checkbook. So I really didn’t owe him the $580. Actually I don’t owe anything. I feel as though I did not receive the services for the money that WAS paid. Sticking a dog in a run and giving it food and water is not what I paid for. I paid for my dog to be SHOWN. She was entered and NOT shown. Of course with her coat in the state it was in there was no way she could have been shown. After speaking with MANY people who have been in Poodles for DECADES I have been told that Jenna did not get in that condition because of a bill that wasn’t paid for 3 months. There is speculation that she was either not groomed at all during her stay with Alan or had not been groomed in at least 6 months. That the condition she was in when I picked her up did not occur in 3 months as Alan maintains through various statements he has made.

In November 2005 at my local Kennel Club’s show Terri Meyers (professional handler of Poodles for MANY years) came to show at our show along with my friend Holly Corbett, both are from Minnesota. During there stay here they got to see Jenna’s babies and were welcome guests in my home. Both of these ladies had the pelted jacket of Jenna’s in their hands. The jacket and Jenna’s topknot were all in one piece. The statement made at this time by both parties was there was no way Jenna had been brushed or bathed in MANY months. She was most certainly not in “Specials” coat as Alan has told many people. I was fortunate to be able to watch both Holly and Terri at the show and learned much on proper coat care and CORRECT brushing. Many thanks to both of these wonderful people for their support and help.



Jenna’s coat was coming back in finally. Terri said it would be MONTHS before she could be shown. The older a dog is the longer it can take to win and finish. This meant Jenna would be past the age of 4 years before she would be in condition to compete again. When Jenna came in heat in late January I spoke with Terri both about doing a back to back breeding. I wanted to breed Jenna once to Mick and once to Maji. I did not know if I would breed her again AFTER she was shown. It could take a year or longer and I really do not like breeding my dogs after the age of 6 years. After careful discussion with my friends and others that had been in poodles for YEARS I decided to do a back to back breeding. Now Alan and his “fans” would like to use this against me. Saying that I am a bad person because I did this. I know of many long time breeders that for various reasons have done back to back breedings. It is not a practice I would pursue on a regular basis. My main concern was time was running out. There are many Reproductive Veterinarians who actually recommend back to back breedings and yet Alan and his people want to use this as another way to try and discredit me. Jenna was in good weight and had she not been I would never have even considered it. I will say that it was one of the hardest things I have ever done, growing a continental show coat with nursing puppies is no easy task and there are many VETERAN exhibitors who would not attempt what I did.

Here is Jenna in May 2006, 3 weeks after her puppies were born. Pictures of her babies from this litter follow.

This is what Jenna looked like in June 2006 at PCA. She was entered in the Junior Handler division for Krista to compete with. I was quite proud of them both. Jenna did very well and Krista won her class with her favorite dog… it doesn’t get any better than that. Her front bracelets weren’t exactly right (Krista had helped me one day and went down too far on her front legs) but that was ok. That is how you learn and I appreciated Krista wanting to help. I just shouldn’t have left the room! (Smile)

August 2006

I went to Muncie Indiana to the show there to meet with Terri Meyers to see when she thought Jenna would be ready to show. I also carried 3 puppies. I kept 2 from Jenna and one from Angie’s litters for Terri to evaluate. We kept a boy and let a boy go to a home and we kept a girl from Angie. While I was at this show I received a phone call from a friend who was most upset. It seemed Alan had gone on a public forum on the Internet and made all kinds of statements regarding Jenna and myself. This particular list has a reputation of being one of the nastiest lists on the web. I have long ago refused to participate in any of their soap opera type conversations. The things that some of those people said in 2005 were beyond my comprehension. Everything from making fun of my husband’s nickname to trying to say I had doctored the photos and documents. Prior to that they have attacked me at various times over issues like my ability to raise 4 liters of puppies at once (never mind that I had HELP and the litters were strung out so that by the time the oldest litter was ready to go to their homes the youngest litter was 4 weeks old), to what I was putting in the show ring. I have to say that none of these people have ever been to my home nor do they know anything about me. It’s very sad that people have nothing better to do with their time than to criticize others for things they themselves had done and far worse. I have never intentionally bred to any dog that was known for producing a particular health issue and yet these same people who point fingers at me have done EXACTLY that. What I DO know is that though some of those people reside in their little world, their opinions are not the opinions of the moral majority. They can type what they wish from their quiet and cozy homes but I would have to say I would loved to have been a fly on the wall if one of THEIR dogs was presented to them in the state that my Jenna was presented to me.

I have received so many letters and phone calls from people around the world supporting Jenna and myself. I knew that when I decided to post her story that I would get flack from some for doing it. I am not a troublemaker nor am I a bully as that word has been used OFTEN. I just don’t want people who are new to the show world to just think because 1 or 2 or even 10 people say a handler is fantastic that makes it so. I also want to say that of all the handlers I know I have never seen a single dog in the state Jenna was in while in their care.

So rather than go to that list and address Alan’s letter I have chosen to do it here. I expect his letter was an attempt at damage control for his grooming seminars that keep getting cancelled. I will say I could care less about his seminars, where or when they are held nor the Clubs that book them and I do not make “noise” about them. However it seemed someone had made an announcement to this particular list about a seminar and there were several people who had something to say about it and it was not FOR Alan’s side. Then it turned into a big he-said she-said free for all in which I did not participate. I find it odd though that Alan posted the letter on Jenna’s birthday of all days and while I was out of town where I could not defend myself. I have replied to his statements in red. My spellchecker when crazy with his letter and I had to disable it entirely. The letter in its entirety can be viewed below.

Ø       ---------------------- Forwarded Message: ---------------------
> From: Alaman10@aol.com
> To: psg@poodle.org
> Subject: PSG: Re: just to clear somethings up ( kinda long)
> Date: Sat, 19 Aug 2006 14:41:41 +0000
>
> First off I have to say that I'm truly sorry PSG has been put thru all of
> this. I've just gotten home from many a weekend of shows, and thru the
> phone
> calls and the emails I've gotten, I feel the need to clear somethings up.
>
> . Our kennel has never been closed down. Annette’s reply: I have never said your kennel had been closed down…. Although many agree that it should be.  We are open 7 days a week. The
> kennel and house were built in the 50's as a great dane kennel, it then
> went on
> to be a cocker kennel, and then a std poodle kennel (Harriann), and then
> we
> bought it almost 30 years ago. Annette’s reply: If you bought it 30 years ago it’s high time you remodel. It reeks of urine/feces. The inside stalls are 5' x 4'. 3 sides
> are
> finished off with a smooth paneling, with the front beingcovered with 2"
> x 4"
> welded wire including the door. Annette’s reply: The inside stalls are NOT 5’ X 4’. They may be 4 X4 feet but not 5 feet. There is a one foot off set at the back of each run which takes away a foot, except where the doggie door is located. Which is still TOO small for a STANDARD POODLE anyway you look at it. It would be ok for its original purpose-housing Cockers. The Smooth paneling you refer to is a marlite board type material. It is the kind of the material that needs to be replaced more than every 30 years, as it will absorb odors and liquids, which it will then retains the odor of those liquids. I have not seen the particular pattern on your wallboard in 30 years or longer. All stalls and doors go clear to the
> ceiling. The floor is tiled linoleum. Annette’s reply: There is no such thing as “tiled linoleum”. It’s either tile or its linoleum that LOOKS like tile. Once linoleum has been peed on enough there is no way to get the odor out. Replacing it is what is needed. Water buckets are hanging in ever
> stall, Annette’s reply: I am sorry Alan but if the water buckets were hanging in the stalls as you say where was it the day I was there? Must have been in the outdoor part of the run.
> dogs are feed once or twice a day depending on their needs. The runs
> are,
> outside not under cover are 25' and the covered runs are 20' (covered
> everyday
> with white paper). Annette’s reply: 20 feet by what Alan? 4 feet wide? Barely enough for a dog the size of a Standard poodle to turn around in? I am sorry but I have never heard of white paper being put down for runs. And if the paper was changed daily then my dog should not have had any urine or feces matted to her hocks. Standard poodles especially adults that have been kept in a house do not sit in their own excrement unless there is no where else for them to sit. And of the many people I have NOW spoken with NONE of them use doggie doors for POODLES in show coat. All runs are 6' chain link and concrete, as well as
> all runs
> are covered by 2' x 4" wire ( for the climbers).
>
> No one here has ever been charged and/or convicted of animal neglect or
> cruelty. Annette’s reply: No one said you had been. There are many people who are charged and convicted of crimes they did not commit as well as people that should be charged and convicted that never are.
>
> I am not manic depressive. If anything, just the opposite.
>
> All our dogshow vehicles (vans and motorhome) are bought with dogs in
> mind. All with front and rear heat and air. All dogs travel in crates
> with
> water buckets hanging inside their crates. Annette’s reply: What does any of this have to do with the condition my dog was in when I came to see her at your facility?
>
> A certain group has been trying and have succeeded in getting my grooming
> seminars canceled. The last one scheduled was canceled due to the
> threats of
> harm and death. Annette’s reply: A certain group you say? Well what group would that be Alan? The hundreds/thousands of people who don’t happen to think that a person shouldn’t even be in dogs if they are going to take care of them as Jenna was? I have not tried to get your seminars cancelled. Couldn’t care less one way or the other. However I have no control over what other people do and as they say the moral majority usually does have an opinion and how they express that opinion has nothing to do with me. Death threats? Really Alan I would have to see those in writing to actually believe this. I was told that the seminars were cancelled due to lack of people signing up. Maybe they don’t want to support someone who allows a dog to mat and reek of feces and urine. I can only speculate.
>
> I've been a poodle handler for a long time. Annette’s reply: Yes you have Alan and from the letters I have received since the posting of Jenna’s page it seems she is not the FIRST dog this has happened to while in your care. I have received phone calls and letters from others this has happened to. And the letters will be posted exactly as they were sent. I''ve shaved down clients
> poodles when I've not been paid, but then I know it takes at least 10
> months to
> grow out a show coat. Annette’s reply: What about the clients’ dogs you have shaved down that had PAID their bills. I have been a professional pet groomer for 30 years. I have NEVER shaved even the most matted Chow down with a 15 blade. You have shaved down client dogs with a 15# and a 40# blade Alan. What could the reason for that be? That the dog was so matted or perhaps that you wanted it to take a long time to grow the coat back out? Or maybe that person would just give up and quit? I have the patience and skill to brush out almost
> anything. Annette’s reply: I am sure that you have had a lot of practice brushing out mats. And it's all done without hurting the dog. If while brushing
> out
> the
> dog, it hurts, it's being done wrong. ( taught in the grooming seminar).
> That said, we as handlers have all had a poodle or two that being gone
> for
> a curcuit of shows have come home to a mess. Annette’s reply: If you do not have the money nor the employees to take care of the dogs left in your care then you should not take on so many dogs. What kind of circuit lasts for months? I would like to know. You said previously that my dog was in this condition because the bill was not paid now you are saying it’s because you were gone to shows? Which LIE is it Alan? This client's white std.
> poodle bitch being one of them. She was in a stall in the kennel that
> opened
> up to a covered run. The owner had called and asked to come to the
> kennel,
> the kennel is always open. Annette’s reply: Actually it seems your kennel is NOT always open as you knew I was coming and put me off the day we arrived to the next day. Then when I arrived you were very rude and told me to come back in an hour. For what? So you could leave and not be there on my return? This poodle was half brushed out. Annette’s reply: Jenna was not HALF brushed out Alan….. She hadn’t even had her pattern cut in for months. This bitch has BLACK pigment and never clipper burns and yet she had them all over her. See documents from 2 different veterinarians. The owner
> arrived. The first thing she said to me was " did you get the check I
> sent you
> just before I left to come see you?  Annette’s reply: No actually if I recall the FIRST thing I said was, That’s not my dog. Ok, again Alan which is it? The bill wasn’t paid or you were gone on circuit? Just more talking in circles by someone who was CAUGHT not doing his job. I have already shown the check WAS sent when I said it was.  My comment to the client was
> "your
> poodle is matted and I'd be more that happy to brush her out if you'd pay
> your
> bill in full".  Annette’s reply: Why in the world would I pay you for something you should already have done? Why would I LEAVE my dog in a place that would allow her to get in this kind of shape to begin with? She could have been brushed out and in the ring the next
> day. Annette’s reply: When pigs fly….. I had 5 professional handlers put their hands on Jenna at PCA and none of them said she should be brushed out. That if you brushed her out there would not be any hair left….she was a SOLID mat ALAN!
> As of yet. The check she sent has yet to arrive. Annette’s reply: Nope you will never get it……it came back to me and it’s posted here on this page.
>
> I'm really glad she took the pictures. If you really look at the poodle
> you can see the dark skin and the muscle tone. Annette’s reply: You have fallen again and bumped your head I think Alan….muscle tone? How can a dog have muscle tone when she can’t get any exercise? Yes Jenna has EXCELLENT pigment that has to do with her breeder not you! There was really nothing
> wrong
> with this poodle that a brush out and a bath wouldn't take care of. She
> was
> in good enough health to go home and have back to back litters. Annette’s reply: And what does that have to with the condition she was in when she was in YOUR care Alan? Not one damn thing. She is my dog after-all and it was 4 ½ weeks after I got her home, plenty of time to get the weight back on her that she lacked when I picked her up. The veterinarian documentation plainly STATES underweight…..duh!!!!! You and your supporters have all bred BACK TO BACK litters, it is not a practice that I would do on a regular basis but yet you AGAIN try to use this to discredit me.  The problem with you using this particular situation is it’s simply a smokescreen. If you can cast a shadow on my character then that makes what you did ok. I am sorry to say it doesn’t work that way. 
>
> What I really don't understand is, this poodle was picked up the second
> week in May and was still matted the second week in June at PCA. Now in
> oil
> too
> and being paraded around in all that heat. Annette’s reply: Again Alan you plainly need a refresher course in Mathematics. I did not pick Jenna up the middle of May. She was picked up on JUNE 7^th 2005. PCA began JUNE 12, 2005. See the dates on the vet bills. So how do you figure the dog was matted for 4 weeks as you imply? It was exactly 7 days. Another lie told by YOU. I waited to shave her down to see what other handlers had to say about trying to save her coat. She was Not in Oil, I have no idea what you are talking about. As far as parading her around in the heat.  The only time she was in the “heat” was walking from my vehicle to the building.  Everyone knows it’s like the Arctic inside the building where PCA is held. We all buy sweatshirts for Pete’s sake. But let’s talk about that “heat” issue… I picked her up at your house and it was 88 degrees and there was NO Air conditioning running when I went into the building Jenna was housed in. Your building in which Jenna was housed had no windows that I could see and the door was closed. When you opened the door the odor and the heat hit me. It was cooler outdoors than in your building. Yes you were really worried about the heat then weren’t you?
>
> I have no hard feelings toward anybody. My mind just doesn't work that
> way.
> I'm a person that if you need help, I'll be there. I carry extra of
> almost
> everything one would need at a dogshow and am more that willing to share.
> I
> have the ability to teach what I've learned over the years. Annette’s reply: So what does this mean Alan? That because you do these things it’s ok to treat a dog in the manner that Jenna was treated? Even this
> client
> came to a grooming seminar and gave it rave reviews. Annette’s reply: When you don’t know anything Alan and I didn’t at that time and you have nothing to compare a seminar to, then yes you would say good things. I have since learned many things about grooming and I will say your seminar doesn’t cover near enough.
>
> I wish everyone the best of luck at the shows...and if you see me at a
> show
> please come say "hi".
>
> again....I'm truly sorry, all you have been through this.
>
> alan r. waterman
> _alaman10@aol.com_ (mailto:alaman10@aol.com)

My question is why would you go on a list you have only posted on when someone says something negative. If you were such a skilled groomer there would be things you could share throughout the year. Aha but then you don’t get paid for that type of posting do you? The last time Alan posted to this list is when a puppy buyer complained about the puppy having Vitiligo, which is an inherent condition. Alan came on then and like a dummy I defended him… I was blinded by all the glitz and glory… When reality sets in the picture isn’t quite so pretty.

I have nothing to apologize for to this list and have no intention of doing so. I will be removed of that I am sure since I posted a letter from that list publicly. Now ask me if I give a crap? Alan has supporters on this list that I am sure advised he go on list and write this letter… So what?

What’s even better than this entire charade is that Alan actually emailed me privately about my Apricot bitch currently being shown the same day he sent the letter to the list. When he couldn’t get a rise out of me about that he then congratulated me and encouraged me not to give up…said her saw her at PCA and she was nice. Like I would? Alan also saw me at PCA with Jenna and went running to his dear friend Terry Farley and said, “That Annette Shepard is here with that dog”! Well Alan I hate to be the bearer of bad news but I can show my dogs where ever I choose and if you are uncomfortable with that Gee I hate it. I was standing not 10 feet from Terry’s set up when you said that…I got a good laugh out of it, Thanks! So those letters and my reply will be posted on this page as well. So will the letters of others this happened to, some of the names have been removed per their request but the date stamp will show when they were sent to me. This is not an isolated case but something that has continued for the last 15 years. I even received a phone call from a professional handler and breeder of Ibizian hounds from California that had sent an Ibizian bitch to Alan for his client Jo Ann Steele. The dog was returned to her in such a terrible state the police were called to the LAX airport to arrest her by Airline authorities. She had to show them she was not the shipper before they would let her take the dog to the vet. This dog was 30 some odd pounds in weight and should have weighed 50-55 pounds. She was 30% dehydrated.
What was the excuse for her return? She was “crazy” and couldn’t be shown. Ok even if the bitch was not show-able why would you wait until she was so debilitated to return her? Just so people don’t think I am MAKING this up there are a couple letters I think referring to this exact DOG.

Here are 31 of the MANY letters I have received from others that have used Alan in the past and had bad experiences. So are ALL these folks making this up? I JUST don’t think so. I have replaced email addresses and names with XXX as requested by some people. Please note that NO Professional Handlers have taken Alan’s side, only his brainwashed groupies……..I am still approached at shows by Handlers who find out who I am and they apologize for the profession…..Many thanks to all of those outstanding individuals who put the dogs first and not the MONEY.

-------Original Message-------
From: XXXXX XXXXX Date: 06/10/05 08:36:18 AM To: ashepard@hiwaay.net Subject: Jenna
Oh, Annette. I am so sorry. That poor girl. She is home safely with you now
and that is the most important thing. I want to applaud your courage for
coming out like this.
I have to tell you I am not surprised. He had my apricot bitch some time ago
and I almost cried on the way home with her. He only had her for about 2
months so it was not long enough to do as much damage as poor Jenna had. Her
condition was not as bad as your poor girl but it was bad enough.
"XXXXX" came home with raging ear infections, matted to the skin on the
chest and bracelets, severe clipper burn on the face and neck, and she
smelled so bad we had to drive in August with all of the windows down. I was
furious and let the breeder know about this but they are friends and the
breeder dismissed my complaints. I have been told I over-reacted. I was not
smart enough to take pictures like you did. I did not go public because I
did not want to make enemies as he has lots of friends. I have passed on
getting bitches because the breeder wanted them to go to him for handling.
Some people still think highly of him.
God bless you for your courage and I hope it will make a difference.
XXXXXX

This single letter proves that Jenna did not get matted in 3 months because her bill WASN’T paid. This owner says her dog was matted not nearly to the degree Jenna was and was there for 2 months. Is the picture getting clearer?

This is a letter I received from the same person later that day

From: XXXX XXXXX Date: 06/10/05 10:23:17 AM To: ashepard@hiwaay.net Subject: Re: Jenna
Among people who care about their dogs here in the NE his reputation is
already known.
I made the mistake of believing he would take care of her because the
breeder and he are friends. Hah! I am told he takes advantage of the newbys
like you and me because they have no power.
All I know is that he will not ever get another dog of mine.
I truly wish you the best of luck. And how is Jenna doing?
XXXXX

More LETTERS…..

----- Original Message -----
From: Newmont@ xxxxx
To: Annette@StandardPoodlesRUs.com
Sent: Tuesday, June 21, 2005 12:50 AM
Subject: you have support


Margie Sullivan returned to California from PCA and immediately sent me a
link to your website and the Trust/Distrust page. She said the issue was
the big buzz at PCA. Years ago I purchased what I was told was a show
quality toy puppy and shipped her to Margie. Several months later I was
still guilt ridden wondering what on earth I had done. I was flying to San
Francisco to a computer convention, so took some extra days from work and
flew first to Fresno where I called Margie and said I wanted to see my dog.
Margie no longer shows for me, but it has nothing to do with the condition
my dog was in. She looked wonderful! The next day they invited me to a
litter evaluation "party" complete with wine and fine food. All the dogs in
show coat where allowed to stay in the runs surrounding the yard and lap up
lots of attention. They made a point to have each one freshly bathed and
shaved (and they almost always are showing dogs and bitches and specials in
all three varieties). When my "toy" tried to become a standard, they flew
her to Denver with them when they went to the show and I drove down from
Montana and picked her up. They charged me the plane ticket and her board -
that was it.

Anyway - I am thankful that I didn't find my Sienna in a situation like you
encountered. I forwarded the link on to Curtiss Smith, my current handler
and co-breeder/owner. He called and said that Michelle would be thrilled.
Michelle is Michelle Brown, an all-breed handler in California who is just
trying to get a foothold in the cut-throat California scene. Alan W. had
contacted her for an Ibizan hound (she breeds some quite nice ones) - said
he had a client that wanted one. She sent him a dog and was horror stricken
when it came back. Compared to a poodle, you would think that a hound would
be pretty easy to keep up. I don't have the particulars, but Curtiss said
that the dog was a mess physically and emotionally.

I didn't read any of the posts on the list - find that most of them are
usually from people with a lot to say and little knowledge to back up their
words. As a matter of fact, I have no idea why I even stay on the list --
guess I want to see to what levels people will stoop.

Just thought you might like to know that others have had experiences that
support everything you said (like your pictures and documents didn't
validate you beyond all doubt).

MXXXXXXXX
XXXXX toy poodles



-------Original Message-------
From: Fraya XXXX Date: 06/18/05 05:31:36 PM To: Annette@standardpoodlesrus.com Subject: I tried to tell people 15 years ago
Dear Annette,
I am sorry for what happened to you, but pleased that the story has finally come out on the net. Alan took my bitch as a puppy saying he'd finish her as a puppy. He didn't tell me he has a dog doing a lot of winning and judges rarely give WD and WB to the same handler. So she turned a year on Sept 13th without a point and needed to come home and grow coat. Her breeder Carol Candy ne Hayward was at the show and offered to bring her back to me. Alan said he'd take her home and cut her out and then return her.
I kept calling Alan and asking him to meet me at a show and return Habeb because I lived quite a distance and was having problems with one of my children. He'd tell me he would meet me. I'd drive to the show only to be told "He didn't have room to bring her." But he'd bring other dogs he wasn't even showing. This went on till February of the next year. I threatened legal action. Carol picked her up for me.
I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw my bitch. She had been ten-bladed all over! Her ears, topknot, tail, everything gone. 19 months old and less hair than a newborn. But that wasn't the worst thing. She was completely out of shape, no muscle, no tone and she was terrified of everyone and everything. She acted like she'd never seen any of us before. It was months till she came back to herself.
PS I re-grew her hair and my friend, Karin Berlin showed her. We took her to Syracuse in the spring just to get her used to the ring again. She took two 5 point majors away from the big handlers, including Alan ,who all complained that "she wasn't ready" meaning she didn't have enough hair. When Frank Sabella gave her BOS to TrelarkenTurn Back Time (shown by Alan) he told Karin and Alan that if Habeb had been in better coat, "She would have been BOV and the dog would have gone BOS to her." She, Ch. Litlilann's Essence Ariel, did finish her championship thanks to Karin. I couldn't send her away again. But I always got the feeling that except for those who saw her, no one believed that such a well-known handler would abuse a dog and cheat her owners. I heard the same story from others later but it was before the net so Alan kept getting away with it.
Fraya Katz
Ariel Standard Poodles

Pictures of Fraya’s dog after she got her back from Alan. This is Fraya’s dog when Alan first got her. Note the date on the picture Kennel Club board is 1992.

This is Fraya’s dog AFTER Alan.

More letters……

----- Original Message -----
From: Joel F
To: Annette@StandardPoodlesRUs.com
Sent: Wednesday, June 22, 2005 12:36 AM
Subject: Re: Thank you for your story
Miss Annette,
I am Joel F, I live in North Carolina, I show Pembroke Welsh Corgis and Frenchies, have been doing it for about 12 years.
I am so sorry, I am mortified, I am speechless. I am sorry that your dog endured such torture.
I am sorry that you endured heartache. Annette you can't blame yourself, had you known this guy was a piece of shit you would have never sent Jenna to him. I am sorry that things happened the way they did, but at least you are putting the truth out there and waking alot of people up to the fact that we should check handlers out head to toe. As the saying goes, "Don't judge a book by it's cover", this is one lesson you will not learn twice. My heart goes out to you and Jenna, please don't let one bad apple ruin the entire bushel.
Sending positive vibes your way and blessings from above, at least the truth is prevailing.
Sincerely,
Joel F


-------Original Message-------
From: Bonnie XXXX Date: 06/10/05 05:39:24 PM To: Annette@StandardPoodlesRUs.com Subject: Jenna
Dear Annette, I do not know if you have left for PCA yet, but a
friend just sent me Jenna's story. I was horrified as I continued to
see her and read the sorry crap excuses he sent you.
I saw this handler being mean to a dog in Ft.Walton one time, and also
another male handler was being mean to some of their dogs too. If you
have not got the temperament to love the dogs you show, you do not need
to be showing them. JMO.
I some times wonder why they handle if they don't like the dogs. For
the accolades maybe ???
Best wishes for Jenna, she was so pretty when you let Alan have her
and she can be again.
My handler lives next door, so I can keep a real close eye on her.
Warmly, Bonnie


-------Original Message-------
From: Brenda XXXX Date: 06/10/05 08:25:01 AM To: ashepard@hiwaay.net Subject: Very sorry about your Jenna
Dear Annette,
I would be devastated if this had happened to me. I think I would quit the show business. You are a very brave lady to be "taking on" the handler. I am in Canada and have a handler for my toys because due to health problems I am unable to show my own anymore. It is also hard for me to groom. I could go at anytime to his place and be welcome.
Please believe me when I say that I'm sure you have the support of many breeders who have to entrust their precious babies to handlers. I have long heard the name Alan Waterman, but do not know him personally. I'm sure you will have most of the handlers rally around him because it is a close knit business. I would be surprised if they didn't. Maybe some will think long and hard on how they are treating clients’ dogs. You keep doing what you’re doing and don't let it stop you from breeding and showing your kids. Your braveness is going to help all of us in the long run.
Praying for you and your fur kids,
Brenda

XXXXXXXXnpoodles.com


-------Original Message-------
From: Brigitte XXXX Date: 06/28/05 04:20:12 PM To: Annette@StandardPoodlesRUs.com Subject: Alan Waterman
Dear Annette,
For years I bred standard poodles under the Falkirk prefix and also handled poodles, all three varieties and other breeds. At one time I also belonged to PHA ( I resigned because some of the people the organization accepted, were unacceptable to me).
I am so very sorry for the neglect Jenna has suffered and your pain also. I want you to know that not all handlers act this way. There is no excuse for what happened and I apologize for what happened to you.
I have been cheated by clients more than once (even with dogs that went BIS) my name never was as popular as Alan Waterman, but the dogs I handled loved me even years later, and I never sent a dog home were it did not look better than when it arrived. They went home groomed and ready to go to the show the next day.
Sadly enough at least 50% of owners do not care how the dogs are kept, the only thing that counts is winning by hook or crook. Nobody will say so but it is a fact.
All I can say be careful, just because someone tells you a person is wonderful check it out first. Make unannounced visits, check their kennels and watch them at the shows.
Not every handler is right for everybody.
Now keep a stiff upper lip and keep brushing Jenna......remember hair grows back!
Best wishes
Brigitte Copeland


-------Original Message-------
From: C. A. McGXXXXX Date: 06/09/05 08:13:48 PM To: ashepard@hiwaay.net Subject: OMG. How horrible
It is horrible, but THANK YOU for taking the time and energy to document this and put it up on your website so quickly.
It makes me SICK to think that he is considered a "respectable" "professional" handler. I don't know if the AKC would consider this to be abusive, but I certainly would.
One would *THINK*, that with a week's notice, that he *might* try to clean her up a little. It is not like you just showed up on his doorstep with NO notice.
PLEASE tell me that you are going to ANNOUNCE (loudly) this link on your website. People need to know. They need to know that "reputable" handlers can allow this to happen.
How disheartening it must be for you. Are you going to just shave her down and start over? Are you going to try to get through that mess? Personally, I don't think it would be worth putting her skin through it. If she were mine, I think I would shave her down and start over. I do think that I would grow her out and get her finished, just so there is a very satisfying end to this poor girl's saga. Sort of a naa-naa, in your face Alan - type of thing. Jenna looks to be a pretty bitch, and from the older pictures, appears to be quite finishable.
Please be aware, that there ARE good handlers out there. Yes, there are others in Alan's category, but there are also very nice people who handle, and who LOVE the dogs & put the dogs FIRST.
Cathy McGinnis


-------Original Message-------
From: Cameron LXXXXX Date: 06/15/05 03:38:05 PM To: Annette@StandardPoodlesRUS.com Subject: the situation
Dear Annette,
We have never met, but believe me when I tell you that we have something in common. Bad experiences with Alan Waterman.
I met him through a woman whom I thought was a nice person.....and a decent breeder. Wrong on both points. She has several dogs Alan has bred. The first time I met him (at a show), I thought he was nice. I was thinking about buying a puppy from him. When I finally went to his so called "kennel", I WAS HORRIFIED. There were dogs in crates all over his house, smell, stuff piled everywhere.....not at all professional. The kennel stunk to high heaven, in bad need of repair, and the pens are so tiny. I never did buy this puppy from him..........she was "gorgeous" he said.......I thought she was "okay".......very exaggerated incorrect front motion. She was shown several times, and never did well. I am sure he will say terrible things about me, but you know what??????????????????? I don't care.
How dare he do what he did to your lovely Jenna. What excuses does he have for the filthy conditions in that kennel? And my big question is how does he keep a boarding license with the kennel smelling as it does? Does animal control not inspect him?
I am totally on your and your husband’s side in this matter. I can not believe all the talk of people being mean to you with the evidence you have. But we all know how Poo people can be to people that they are supposed to be friends with. I have news for those kind of people.....why are these people in this business? Would they want their dogs treated the way Jenna was treated? I am sure that some would not care, but WE ARE ALL IN THIS BIZ FOR THE LOVE OF THE DOGS. And that is the important thing......the welfare and wellbeing of these animals that we love so much. There are those people who care more about the wins, and what handler they have than the wellbeing of the animals themselves.
PSG is supposed to be about the love of the Poodle breed, friendship and SUPPORT. I delete 99% of the emails lately because it has become so backbiting (and yes, I do know that our show world is like this). Some women in NJ who supposedly do rescue............. bashed me on PSG without even knowing any REAL facts of what was going on with me, they took the word of a woman who is not even involved in anything doggy. So I am with you, your husband and anyone else not on your side......those pictures speak for themselves.
Handlers get so arrogant sometimes.......... I would NEVER put my dog out with any of the Poo handlers that are out there right now......except for Wendall......or if Annie was still handling or Richard Bauer. Oh well.
Your website is lovely by the way......it reflects your genuine love for your furkids.....and that is why we have these beasties.
I have a question.....are you guys filing a complaint with AKC against him? I really think you should.
Oh and by the way, do you know that Kaiser has a parti gene? I would NEVER in a million years breed to that dog knowing that...........I guess it goes to what is happening with our beloved breed nowadays.
Well I had better go. I am at our local library with two of my puppies.....not Poos, rescues...Shepard/Lab crosses.....3 months, and they are telling me that......a) they are hungry......almost dinner time..........b) they have been good puppies for 45 minutes, sat quietly.....for the most part.....but this is NOT THE PARK.....no water to splash through and no ducks to chase.....or squirrels, and our Poos are at home waiting for home, and this is BORING..............SO HURRY UP MOM. (FYI I brought toys for them to play with....now forgotten.
I will try and call you to see if I can lend anymore support to what you are going through. And one more note..........it is NOONE"S business about anything other t