Published: February 01. 2010 2:00AM

By Stephanie Morgan
CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Cupid is flying high in the skies this month. Though he sometimes makes mistakes when he aims his arrow, one thing he always gets right is puppy love. Our precious dogs love us unconditionally. They feel our pain, know just when we need a big, sloppy kiss, and all they ask in return is a quick walk and, even better, a game of fetch. True happiness and true love come from our sincerest and dearest friends, our dogs.

Good girl

Jack and Roxanne Cromartie are proud owners of Bill, an 8-year-old cocker spaniel who is named after Jack’s mother. His mom was quite a tomboy, and was called Bill for fun. Bill, the pooch, was adopted by Roxanne and given to Jack as an anniversary present. She is a perfect companion for the couple, who spend as much time as possible enjoying life.

Jack retired 10 years ago from the Community Foundation of Greenville and Roxanne is a part -time vice president for leadership and major gifts for the United Way of Greenville. Bill fits beautifully into a life that allows for travel and socializing with neighbors, church friends and family. “She is a low-maintenance pet with only one unusual requirement: fresh running water for her to drink, and from all places, the tub faucet,” says Roxanne, chuckling. Apparently, when Jack isn’t swinging his tennis racquet, he is teaching Bill that even dogs should have good taste and expectations for proper living.

The cocker spaniel breed dates back to the 14th century, according to the American Kennel Club. Cockers, as they are often called, are very popular pets. They are fun-loving, midsized dogs that enjoy daily exercise and require very little maintenance. A monthly trip to the groomer, an occasional brushing at home and lots of love will keep a cocker happy.

Sit. Stay.

Sue Conklin, known as The Puppy Nanny, has appeared on various television shows discussing her profession of dog training. Having trained more than 2,000, Conklin knows that the pooches we love need to know what is appropriate and inappropriate behavior. She offers consultations, four-hour training classes, house training 101 and behavior consultations. She also offers boarding options and obedience classes. Conklin is proud of her students, which have become search-and-rescue pets, pet therapy dogs, television stars and, most of all, beloved family pets. Conklin’s tip for dog owners is to focus more on teaching behavior we want using rewards than to focus on stopping behavior we don’t want. Use positive reinforcement whenever possible for dogs. Praise, food, games or toys are always successful stimulants for teaching dogs new tricks.

Top Dogs

The Greenville Kennel Club was founded in 1939. The current president, Blake Roulette, and the board of the kennel club are tying up loose ends for one of the largest dog shows in the Southeast, which will be held the weekend of Feb. 19 at the Carolina First Center. There is no better place in our area to be entertained by cuddly dogs sporting their best. Admission is free and fun is sure to be had by all.

Chien Amour

Melodie and Brian White have a house full of lovable, huggable babies. The two began adopting bichon frises after losing two dogs that had been with their family for nearly 20 years. Today, they find themselves with five of these precious puffs of white. Chloe came first. She’s 8. Then came Kenzie, who is 5, and Bob, who is 7. Next came Maggie, 3, and last, or last for the moment, is Abbie; she is a rescue and a tiny 2.

As an instructional coach at Taylors Elementary, Melodie supports the teachers by helping plan and implement curriculum. She is an expert in state standards, and provides professional development for the staff to keep everyone abreast of current teaching strategies. Believe it or not, her five fluffy pets are a huge asset to her program and to the students at the school. “The students know and love our babies,” says Melodie. “We use them to deliver instruction for various themes across all grade levels. Recently, we dressed each of the girls as different characters from books to help students with reading.”

Bichon frises are small and very merry little pups. They love activity and are naturally gentle and fun-loving. They do not shed, but do require extensive grooming to keep that fabulous puffy look.

As the love songs fill the air this month, look no further than your pooch for a little TLC. Dogs are our best friends and most trusted confidants. Squeeze your pooch and count your blessings for all the fun she adds to your life. Although she is unable to say it, she certainly is thankful for you.