References

I just wanted to thank you so much for raising such a great little puppy for our family! We lost our little dog of 16 1/2 years in March and were wondering if we could ever find a dog that would be as special as her. I'm glad to report that we have! We looked at a lot of Breeders in the US and Canada but none ever felt "right" for us. I knew once we started talking, that you really do care about your dogs/puppies and take great care in raising them. That was confirmed when we drove to your house to see "Lucy". Your clean and loving environment provided for the dogs is very refreshing and reassuring that we were going to be bringing a good puppy home with us. Since having her home now, she has slept right through the nights without any issues and understands the concept of going potty outside. She also loves the outdoors, thanks to your great amount of land and ability to run around with all the other dogs. I would highly recommend your puppies to anyone looking in Canada, they are well worth the
short drive across the border! Thanks again!

Sincerely,

Carole, Bob and Murray, Surrey, B.C.

Thank you so much Jackie, for all your help and patience while we were picking out a puppy.  We appreciate so much you sending us his picture every week until we picked him up.  We were so in love with him before we ever met him.

 Jackie has been absolutely wonderful to work with.  She was recommended to us by another breeder that did not have any puppies at the time.  When we first called, Jackie talked to us at length, answering questions we hadn’t even thought to ask.  We did our due diligence, and checked out the Camano Island Cockapoo Website.  The website is excellent and is a great source of information also.  We found out more about cockapoos and their care.  It was really beneficial because it enforced the fact that a cockapoo would fit into our lives.

 We had to leave Roscoe with Jackie an extra week because of family obligations, and that was very difficult to do.  We wanted Roscoe home with us!  When we picked him up, Jackie had been keeping him up and playing so he would sleep on the way home.  We had a 5 hour trip but thanks to her thoughtfulness, the trip home was uneventful.  We were very worried about where he would be able to relieve himself (he hadn’t had all his shots yet), but Jackie had been potty training him and he made it all the way without an accident.  He was used to his crate as we had dropped it off on a previous trip and Jackie had gotten him accustomed to it.  The trip home was stress-free.

 We are very happy with Roscoe.  Jackie socialized him in different environments, around different people and situations.  Because of this, Roscoe is easy going, very loving and adapts well to all situations.  He blended immediately into our family.

 We would certainly recommend Jackie to anyone who is thinking of buying a cockapoo.  She keeps all the dogs in clean, loving home.  We would be more than happy to talk with anybody who is thinking of buying a puppy from Jackie.  She is the best!

Linda, Moses Lake

The decision to add a puppy to our family was not one we took lightly and we spent lots of time researching and planning for this addition. After seeing Jackie’s website, pictures of her dogs and puppies, and the glowing references she has gotten, the decision was an easy one.
From the start the process went smoothly and we felt informed at every step along the way. She was always ready to answer any question I had, no matter how trivial and was very knowledgeable in the area of dog and puppy care which was very helpful as this was our families first dog. From the day Enzo was born Jackie was in contact with me and we were able to go see the pups at 1 week and select our new family member. The weekly pictures and updates that Jackie sent made the wait until they were ready to come home with us bearable for my 2 children. Each time we visited the pups I was impressed by the clean and lovely living conditions
and that all these dogs are really a part of her family.
I would recommend Jackie and Camano Island Cockapoos to anyone looking for a healthy and happy addition to the family. Enzo is doing really well with training and makes friends every where we go. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Caitlin, Seattle

Hi Jackie,

Oh the time is whizzing by...and we never sent you our review. Gosh, my biggest apologies.
We are quite the zoo over here: 3 kids, 2 cats and 2 puppies. Just as you said, getting two will make everything easier except potty training. Sasha & Ginger are the best of sisters, never once whining from their first night home.  They regularly get rambunctious together -- even the kids have to stay out of this kind of sister play -- and they just as often put themselves to bed in their crate for naps.  Potty-training goes up and down. Right now I'm taking charge again so we're on an upswing.  Anyway, my advice to anyone with kids is to get two puppies.  They are simply wonderful together, never lonely, eager to play with our kids but not fully dependent on them for entertainment.  They rough and tumble with each other and not with the kids' faces, toes, etc.  If you remember, I was so in love with Sasha from week #1, but I'm so happy that Ginger looked at me with those green eyes at the last minute and we took her also.  They are both such absolutely adorable little fluff balls. I never thought it would happen to me, but I've become smitten with small dogs.  They require so little!  We can't decide which one is smarter, or more playful, or more lovey...it just depends on the moment. So, thank you so much for breeding such loving, smart and attractive dogs. We are thrilled with our two.

:) NanC Weiland

It is with great pleasure that I recommend Jackie Rusk and Camano Island Cockapoos.  Before our family decided on a breeder, we investigated many in California, Oregon, and Washington.  We choose to go with Jackie because of her clear, concise, and informative web site and blog as well as the pleasant easy way she welcomed all of our questions.  Before we even picked up our two (that’s right two!) puppies at Jackie’s home when they were seven weeks, we had so much information that we felt like we knew her and her dogs personally.  She updates her web site and blog with wonderful pictures (she’s a great photographer) regularly, so we were able to watch our dogs change as we anxiously awaited the time when we could bring them to our home.  

When we arrived in Washington, Jackie welcomed us with open arms into her home which is well organized for breeding and has lots of open space for her dogs to run.  Our pups, Chloe and Cassie, handled their first car ride and air flight to California very well, and Jackie gave us tips which made the journey especially easy.  Chloe and Cassie have very calm personalities.   Each dog has its own personality, but both are gentle and easy to train.  

We are so happy that we choose to get our new family members from Camano Island Cockapoos!  

 Janet, Danville, CA

Murphee:

Dear Jackie

 We are having such a wonderful time with Murphee.  He has been a fabulous addition to our family.  Everywhere we go people ask us what kind of a dog we have, what a beautiful colour he is, people love his gorgeous little face and his teddy bear like appearance.  Even big burly men stop us!    I have great pleasure in telling them that he is a Camano Island Cockapoo.   Murphee is a dog that makes others want to add a pup to their family.   I don’t believe we had this much attention when we had our beautiful children.   

For your prospective families, I highly recommend adding a Camano Island Cockapoo to your  family.    For our first dog Murphee has been great.  He was very easy to house train, crate train.  He has also been easy to train the basic commands.  He had been well socialized prior to our collecting him from Jackie.  Jackie has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to her dogs and pups.  She is there for you as you go through the process of selecting and readying yourself for your new addition.  Jackie made herself available for us whenever we wanted to come and visit the pups, and answering our many questions no matter how repetitive they were.  Thank you Jackie for giving us this wonderful new addition to our family.  Murphee is the best.

Trish, Delta BC

We have had our dog, Luke, since last May when he was 8 weeks old.  It has been a wonderful experience, really due to Jackie.  Luke came home full of energy, love, crate trained, ready to learn and be part of our family.  He had clearly been in a loving environment and been exposed to many people and dogs.   He is the hit of our neighborhood and school, loved by other kids and dogs.  We take him everywhere and are constantly being stopped to ask what kind of dog, where did we get him, can they pet him.  Luke just loves all the attention from everyone.  He is the perfect dog for a family with kids or to be around lots of kids.  We are in puppy school right now and he learns everything really fast.  His good breeding shows.  Jackie has been a great help with ongoing questions for 1st time dog owners.  I would highly recommend Camano Cockapoos to anyone.  

Kim  - Issaquah, WA

Thank you so much for ALL your help!  The dog is wonderful and the hit of Bellevue, everyone seems to want to pet her and find out more about her.  The entire process was a pleasure as was meeting and working with you.  We were also impressed with your home and the way that you had raised her.  The environment was very clean - a change from others we had seen- and she was extremely well socialized.  We have and will continue to recommend you, your dogs and the process to our friends.  

Joe, Bellevue

Henry

It is hard to believe that Henry has already been home with me for a month. Time fly’s and life with Henry has been nothing but an enjoyment. He is an absolutely wonderful dog who loves to play, is obsessed with any toy that squeaks and loves any other dog (or human) he comes across. My experience with Jackie has been nothing but positive. Her experience, kindness and devotion to her pets and puppies makes her dogs fantastic parts of families. I searched for many months for a breeder before deciding to purchase a dog from Jackie and knew from the moment I met her and her dogs that she not only cared about her business but the dogs she takes care of.

Throughout the entire time my Henry was with her she sent me many pictures and updates about how he was doing and always answered my numerous questions. Picking up Henry was a breeze. She had a file full of information about not just puppies in general but specific cockapoo information, health records and more pictures! The transition to home was very easy. He has been great with other dogs and pets from day one, used to many noises and is a pleasure to everyone who meets him (even his Vet is in love with him!).

Overall, I would highly recommend Jackie as a breeder and if anyone would like to speak with me or meet my Henry I am happy to talk with you.

Leanna, Portland Oregon.

The process of picking out and bringing home our puppy was a wonderful experience. Jackie is very organized and a great communicator. We are thrilled with out new puppy!

Jake is doing wonderful!

Kari, Bellevue, WA

I highly recommend Jackie Rusk and Camano Island Cockapoos.  Our Sammy has been in our home since he was 8 weeks old.  He is a sheer delight and brings immeasurable joy to our family.  He is now almost 14 weeks old, and is the star of his puppy class.  Since he had other dogs and puppies to play with at Jackie’s, he plays wonderfully with other dogs.  He is a quick learner, minds (although of course, is a puppy), and slept through the night almost from the first day he arrived at our house.  His potty training began while with Jackie, and now he is almost completely trained.   The best part is that he is a really wonderful dog.  He is affectionate, playful and full of love.  We know that he was well cared of while with Jackie.  Jackie is very careful with choosing which dogs to breed, and is equally careful in ensuring that her puppies go to a home where they will be well cared for.  Jackie provided us with lots of information, and is available should issues arise.  I am so impressed with Jackie, that I have already recommended Jackie and Camano Island Cockapoos to others.

Janet, Mercer Island, WA

Layla

July 2008

Dear Perspective Puppy Owner,

            Congratulations! You have decided to add a wonderful little puppy to your family. If you are like me, you are spending the time to find a breeder that you can trust to take care of your puppy for its first 7 weeks of life. Well, your search has brought you to Jackie at Camano Island Cockapoos and you will not be disappointed.

            From day one Jackie has been nothing but helpful and it is very apparent that she loves her puppies with all her heart. Once I chose Jackie as my breeder she kept me updated weekly about my puppy, Layla. She e-mailed me the day she was born with the cutest picture and she sent a picture of her every week until she came home. I had a lot of questions for her and she responded to my e-mails quickly and kindly. She welcomes you to come to her house to play with your puppy as many times as you would like. When I came to play with Layla I could tell she was very well cared for and loved tremendously. The puppies are kept in the living room with the family and their space was well cared for and clean.

            Bringing Layla home was as easy as can be. She was use to all sorts of noises from the hair blow dryer to the vacuum and crate training her was a breeze. She was use to being in a crate so putting her to bed in it and leaving her for short periods of time was easy. She even put herself in her crate to take naps when she wanted to. Right off the bat she knew what “go potty” meant and Jackie suggested using a bell on the door. Layla was potty trained in 3 weeks!!

            Three days after I brought her home we visited the vet for an exam. The vet said, “Wow, this puppy was very well cared for!”. She was completely impressed as was I. She has been healthy since and growing fast. When you bring home your puppy you will get a complete file folder filled with helpful information on potty training, crate training and all of the health history of your puppy for you to share with your vet. This information helped a lot during the first vet visit.

            Bringing home a puppy is like bringing home a baby. It takes a lot of time and patience, but Jackie makes this transition go smoothly. When you bring home your puppy you get a few toys and a blanket that smells like their mom and litter mates. She is there during the weeks after your new arrival to answer any of your questions. I could not have been happier with my experience with Jackie and I can assure you that by choosing Jackie you are choosing a healthy and happy puppy. Jackie has my contact information so if you have any other questions please feel free to contact me.

Sincerely,

Erin Perea, WA

Twisty

April 21, 2008

 I am writing to recommend Jackie Rusk as a quality breeder of cockapoos.  She was full of information that helped us decide that this was the correct breed for our family.  From the moment we decided to purchase one of her puppies, she kept us informed of the development of our puppy.   We enjoyed weekly updated photos of our puppy until it was time to bring her home. 

 Jackie was a wealth of information on caring for puppies, crate training, feeding and grooming.  We were sent home with a folder full of helpful information on internet sites that help with training and rules for the children.  We were given a schedule of when her next vaccine was due, as well as her birth weight and going home weight.  We received toys and a blanket that Gracie and the litter mates had played with, so the transition was a bit easier.  We brought home a puppy and within a week had an integral member of our family.  The entire neighborhood has fallen in love with her bubbly personality. 

 Jackie is detail oriented, conscientious and a loving breeder and I recommend her very highly.

 Sincerely,

 Michele, Jack, Simone, Carson and Twisty, WA

Hi Jackie, 
First, let me tell you that Hudson is doing great. He has already learned to sit. He is a smart one and loves his new pack. We really love him too. Everywhere we go people have to stop and say how beautiful he is. he still has green eyes. We are wondering if they are going to turn brown. He is very handsome.
 
Reference: I would be more than happy to speak with prospective owners.
 
Everyone one in our family loves dogs. The one problem my husband's allergies to dogs had gotten very severe after our golden retriever died and we were dogless for 4 years. We actually got another golden but had to give it back after my husband had to sleep outside just to breath.
 
I called Jackie out of the blue one day and asked her if she was willing to let me husband and I come over the her house and spend about an hours time to see how my husband would react to the touted hypoallergenic cockapoos. She happily agreed.
 
Upon our arrival Jackie was very friendly and helpful. Her dogs (7 adults and 4 puppies) were very friendly as well. After about 45 minutes of the puppies nibbling my husband and the grown dogs vying for his affection as well, my husband could breath and only had a few small welts on his hands from the sharp teeth of the pups. Success.
 
Jackie answered all questions we had and was very knowledgeable of the breed. Her home was very clean and it was obvious that these dogs were being raised in a very loving home.
 
On our way home,  we decided that my husband could tolerate these dogs and that we could in fact get one. The kids, 5 and 7, were going to be thrilled. We also decided that we would get our new dog from Jackie as she was honest, caring, and very concerned about her dogs.
 
We have now had Hudson for 2 weeks. He is 10 weeks old and adorable. The hand raising that Jackie gave to him has made him a very people friendly dog. He does not mind being handled by our 5 year old - who seems to not be able to keep her hands off of hi. The handling and love that he received at Jackie's has really made him into a terrific dog.
 
I would highly recommend getting a dog from Jackie. They are very well cared for and loved! I have already referred one friend to her.
 
Thanks Jackie,
 
Sue, WA

We purchased a Cockapoo from Jackie this past December. Sadie has 
been an absolute doll and a great addition to the family. Jackie 
couldn't be more helpful. We have had several questions and she is 
always happy to help.
We highly recommend Jackie as a matter a fact some good friends of 
ours just got a dog from her.  We couldn't be happier with our 
decision. You won't be sorry.

Sincerely,

Dave and Shannon Camano Island, WA

Jackie,

We do not have much experience buying puppies from breeders, but our experience with Jackie was very different from
the first breeder that we dealt with many years ago.  That first breeder was much less communicative and treated the
dogs less like animals and more like assets.  The dog that we brought home from that breeder was nervous and had
worms and diarrhea for the first two weeks.  It was very stressful for both our family and the puppy.
 In contrast, years later, Jackie and Hiro were a breath of fresh air.  Jackie kept us up to date about Hiro's
progress while she was raising him and regularly sent pictures.  When we picked him up, she had prepared a whole
pamphlet of papers about raising puppies, made sure we would be feeding him the right food, and gave us useful
advice about having children in the house and controlling his biting.
 At home, Hiro was a very happy and healthy dog from the beginning.  He did not have any separation anxiety and slept
through the night on the very first day.  We found him to be easy to housebreak.  He is patient and gets along very
well with our children, especially our two year old (with whom he is often wrestling!).  Hiro very quickly became a
loved member of our family.
 We have been debating whether we want to have another puppy in our home.  If we decide that it will be a Cockapoo,
then we will not hesitate to go back to Jackie.
 
Thanks,
 Dan and Theary,  WA

Hi!

Jackie Rusk mentioned that you were looking for some references so wanted to let you know I am happy to respond.  She is one fabulous ethical breeder.  I never hesitate to refer people to Jackie because of her honesty, excellent care she gives her dogs and the excellent service we received.

I first met her about 6 years ago when I had to have one of our elderly cockapoos put down.  My husband and I were heartbroken and I had happened upon her website.  While she didn't have any puppies at the time, I found her to be the most compassionate, caring person.  I kept in contact with her and when the time was right for us to get another fur baby, I contacted her.  She takes excellent care of her dogs.  Her adult dogs are healthy, well-mannered and a delight to meet.  We now have one of her puppies (Maggie) who is going on 2 years old.  Maggie is a happy and healthy dog who delights us every day and I couldn't ask for a better fur friend for our other cockapoo.  am truly excited for you and know that if you decide upon one of her puppies you will be truly delighted.  Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have further questions.  "
Trisha, Seattle, WA

Jackson

Congratulations on the potential addition to your family!   We recently ‘adopted’ our Jackson and had a great experience dealing with Jackie.   She was always open to our visits prior to taking Jackson home and provides a terrific atmosphere for the puppies to grow. 

 We took Jackson to our vet within 3 days of his arrival and were told that he was in excellent health.  Jackie provided us with a great deal of information to take home and was available as a resource if we had any questions (which we did during the 1^st week!).  

 I would not hesitate to recommend Jackie as an excellent home breeder of Cockapoos.  Her dogs are well loved and her dogs’ puppies are extremely well cared for.  

 Feel free to contact me by phone or return e-mail if you have any other questions or require more information.

 Enjoy your new puppy!

 Lee-Anne,  BC

Hi Jackie,
 
I would love to speak on your behalf for puppies. I could not be happier, Bella is such a delight and she and Lacey are inseparable. She is so cute and so light in hair color. I still need to figure out how to send pictures. I had her fixed last month and she recovered very quickly. She loves to go to work with me and loves her "grandma" my bookkeeper. Hard to believe she is 8 months old already. She isn't very big, maybe 8 pounds, I thought she would be bigger, not like Lacey at 25+lbs (she really likes the puppy food full of fat!) doesn't Lexie weigh a little more? and she has the straightest hair, no poodle curl at all. The groomer says she is hard to do because it is so straight, makes it look chopped. But she is my baby and is quite spoiled. So you had some more puppies, I haven't looked at your site in awhile, I'll have to visit.
Judy, WA

We LOVE our cockapoo, Skipper.   He has a great personality.  He LOVES children.  He has been completely healthy.  We have absolutely NO complaints at all.   This is the best dog we have ever had.
Cindy, WA & AZ