On the Cover A Once-in-a-Lifetime Toy Poodle (BY GCH RFS IT IS ROCKET SCIENCE X CH RODELLS IT’S ALL ABOUT STYLE) THE STORY OF TRUMAN: It’s hard to know where to begin when telling the story of Truman. From the moment he was whelped, he stood out—his deep, inky black pigmentation and dark stomach instantly caught my eye. These are traits every Toy breeder dreams of, and I was smitten from the start. Truman was always my pick of the litter, the one I believed was destined for something special. He simply had “it.” Watching him grow into himself was a joy. From an early age, Truman seemed to naturally understand the world of dog shows. He took to the ring with an ease and grace that belied his age—an old soul in a young body. With the expert guidance and love of his handler and best friend, Julie Wilkins, Truman finished beautifully. He matured with dignity, picking up both his manners and a growing fan base along the way. I was often touched by the kind words people shared about his presence and performance—he truly had an effortless elegance that resonated with so many. As his career progressed, Truman became a multiple Group winner and claimed a Specialty Best in Show—an incredible achievement in itself. But then came Poodle Club of America 2025. When we entered, we were already thrilled with the judging lineup. We hoped he’d make a strong impression, but never dared to dream just how far he would go. In one of the most exhilarating and emotional moments of my time in this breed, Truman was named Toy Poodle Variety Winner by Judge Gina Weiser. We were overwhelmed with pride and gratitude. Then, as reality settled in, we realized the inter-variety judge would be Mr. Jack MacGillivray—the very same judge who had previously awarded Truman Best of Breed at the Poodle Club of Massachusetts. Standing in the ring at PCA, the largest and most prestigious Poodle show in the world, we held our breath. The atmosphere was electric. When Judge MacGillivray made his final announcement— “Best in Show, Poodle Club of America 2025, goes to the Toy Poodle”—time seemed to stop. Was I dreaming? Never in my wildest hopes did I imagine producing a dog of this caliber. A heartfelt thank you to Julie Wilkins for your partnership, to Mrs. Gina Weiser and Mr. Jack MacGillivray for your faith in Truman, and to every fan who cheered him on. Your support changed not just his life—but ours at Rodell. With gratitude, Rod Connors & Gary Shelley 15
Poodle Variety Magazine January-March 2025 Self-Service: Page 17
