Autumn and Bitsy Poodle Barrington, IL

Because we are all volunteers, Illinois Doberman Rescue Plus only considers approved applicants to meet our orphans in our foster homes. Please read our eligibility requirements and apply on our website: www.ildoberescue.com/adopt.  After application is submitted, additional inquiries can email PlusDogs@ILDobeRescue.com

Sometimes you adopt a dog because you need a dog; sometimes you adopt a dog because that dog needs you, but have you considered adopting two dogs because they need you and each other? If you haven’t, read our story about this pair of pups to see if we can change your mind!

Autumn and Bitsy are a bonded pair of mature, special-needs, toy poodles, who came to us with a larger group of special-needs dogs when their owner became ill. Most of the dogs from this household were either senior dogs, physically-handicapped or in need of medical care; Autumn and Bitsy were no exception, but they are social and friendly.

Autumn is the more outgoing and the more mobile of the pair. She is a peachy-colored little firecracker who tells you when it’s time to eat or when her pee-pad needs to be changed. Little Autumn had to have most of her teeth pulled, but she eats soft food and treats handily and has quite the appetite. Autumn has a history of seizures, but they are controlled with daily medication. Otherwise, Autumn is an alert, mobile, feisty little watchdog who readily engages with people and the outside world.

Bitsy is an adorable, sweet, bright-eyed little grey poodle, and is our real special needs girl. Although Bitsy still has most of her teeth and is in generally good health, the poor girl was born with a deformation of her back legs. While Bitsy’s rear legs don’t work so well (she limps along and walks with a hunch), she still manages to get around and we sometimes find her exploring the house as she gains more confidence, and extra confidence is what these girls could use.

The reason these two are a bonded pair is that they are each other’s loyal support system. You can tell that Autumn is Bitsy’s security blanket; whenever we take Autumn to another room or give her meds, Bitsy gets notably nervous. Likewise, whenever we take Bitsy away, Autumn becomes very concerned as to her sister’s well-being and whereabouts. These two are funny, just like sisters who are always looking out for each other and making sure no harm is coming to the other. They even curl up in the same little dog bed together and stay there for hours. They are a little shy of people at first, but they have become much more outgoing and approachable since they have been in a foster home. We think a little more personalized attention for each of them would do wonders for their confidence and reduce their worry when separated. However, they have been together for so long and are so bonded that we won’t adopt them out separately.

While adopting a pair of poodles is more responsibility than bringing any single dog into your home, these two are pretty low-maintenance pups. They sleep most of the day, don’t venture too far from their bed, are very docile, get along perfectly with other dogs, use a potty-pad, don't mind regular grooming, and will quickly fall asleep on your lap. We can’t change the past for these dogs, but we can ensure that they live happily ever after. Would you like to give these special girls a storybook ending?


The biographical information provided is correct to the best of our knowledge while the animal is in our care or includes what may have been provided by a previous owner. We strive to be honest and accurate, but animals can change their personalities and behavior when they settle into a new home. IDR+ makes no guarantees based on the information we observe and provide.