About
This Bio tells the story of who I am and why I became a breeder.
In reading this page and getting to know more about me you will find a responsible breeder, dedicated to producing the BEST healthy and happy Standard Poodle Pups!
About Me
I grew up in a small California desert town that few would ever have heard of, were it not for its many contributions to aerospace. The good old Antelope Valley, where there were lots of farms, alfalfa ranches, almond orchards and of course, JETS! More about that later…
Growing Up With Poodles
Poodles have always been part of my life. My sisters and I grew up with them. My (and I’m sure everyone’s) favorite was a black standard poodle named Babette. I called her “Babby”. You could say we were born together, as we both came to the world in the same summer. We had other poodles, all great dogs, but none were like Babby. They were miniature poodles, Babby was a standard and there is a difference.
There was nothing Babby couldn’t do. She was incredibly intelligent and game for the next adventure. She swam, hiked, hunted, even rode the horses with me! We literally grew up together. Standard poodles would forever be imprinted on my heart. Through thick and thin, my best friend and guardian was with me. About the time I was set to go to college, my sweet Babby passed away at the ripe old age of 17. I knew then that some day I would return to poodles.
Here’s what happened in between the then and the now...
Event That Changed My Life
My first job after high school was a waitress part-time while I worked my way through college. Working as a waitress in a restaurant doesn’t sound very exciting, but it would prove to be pivotal in changing the course of my life.
A couple of regular lunchtime customers worked for an aerospace company, Rockwell International (now Boeing) on the B-1 Bomber. They told me about a program at Rockwell that trained high school graduates for certification as a Thermo Protection Systems Mechanic for the Space Shuttle Program. I had to pass the entrance exam and a couple of interviews. This, along with the recommendation from my friends at the B-1 Bomber got me into the program.
Talk about being in the right place at the right time. I decided to put college on hold and give it a try. After all, it was the Space Shuttle!
Work History
- Thermo Protection Systems (TPS) Mechanic at Rockwell International (now Boeing) for the Space Shuttle Program, final assembly. TPS Mechanics bonded the Tiles and Blankets onto the Shuttle exterior. This is where I learned to read blueprints and follow set work protocols and specifications to a tee. Space Shuttles Enterprise, Columbia, Challenger and Discovery.
- Quality Assurance (QA) Liaison to Mechanical Engineering at Rockwell International (now Boeing). This is where I learned about drafting/drawing and writing discrepancy reports (on anomalies found in the tile, blanket and/or bonding process) for engineering disposition. Followed through with Manufacturing to assure repair/replace work was completed per corrective work order. Space Shuttles Discovery and Atlantis.
- Quality Assurance (QA) Inspector at Rohr International, an aerospace subcontractor/manufacturer for just about every aerospace company out there, including the military contracts. I inspected individual parts, assemblies and sub assemblies, of aerospace parts and assemblies for quality workmanship and compliance. Liaison to engineering, industry, FAA, and NASA, depending on the job, specifications and the contract.
…Then the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) came along...
Education: After being laid off from a career that spanned over a decade, I decided to return to college since the future of manufacturing didn’t look too bright. Summer, 2008, I gradated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management. I graduated Cum Laude, All while getting married, starting a family and raising 4 children. Anything worth doing is worth doing well!
- Financial Advisor. After college, I went to work as a Financial Advisor Trainee at Wells Fargo Advisors. In 3 months, I passed the Series 7 - General Securities Representative Exam, as well as the Series 66 - Uniform Combined State Law Examination and became a Financial Advisor. I also held a life insurance license (required to sell annuities). I later went to work for Merrill Lynch and with several years of hard work, was able to retire early. Thankful!
Throughout the years spanning both my careers and college, all while raising a family, there were few hours left in the day for anything else.
- Yet I never forgot about the stamp on my heart called “Poodle” -
So here we are in the present day. My children are now in college and high school. After many long years of working and raising a family, I am ready for the next chapter in my life. After all these years, I’ve come back to poodles!
So how does my life and work experience qualify me as a breeder?
- Growing up: 17 years with poodles. I love the breed. I know about how to care for them. I know their unique qualities and I am familiar with many poodle specific health issues. My current poodle, Marvels I’ve had for 3 years. Scarlet, age 2 joined the family in September. I co-own her with Tes Ingebritson.
- Quality Assurance: Instilled in me the importance of building from a solid foundation, following the rules, industry specifications, careful deliberation, analysis, testing, corrective measures, maintaining a clean and ordered work environment are instilled in my work ethic. I am dedicated to quality and the highest standards in everything I do. It lead to my success in college and my next career.
- College: BS Business Management, Cum Laude. I can set a goal and achieve it with excellence. I have a strong work ethic and I’m dedicated. There’s no other way for me. I know how to run a business ethically and efficiently.
- Financial Advisor: A financial advisor is what’s known as a fiduciary. A fiduciary is legally obliged to act in your best interest. A fiduciary, by law must treat their clients’ assets as if those assets were their own. I take this very seriously. I treat each puppy (your asset) as if he or she were my own. Testing the parents to confirm that they will produce healthy offspring with a stable temperament. Training and preparing the pups with proven methods to be the most ideal representatives of the breed. This is what I would want in a puppy. I don’t make careless decisions about investments. As a breeder I understand, respect and follow the laws governing me. I take my responsibility to you and the pups as a fiduciary would.
Janis Prothro
Marvels Standard Poodles
Thank you for reading this admittedly long Bio!
In writing this letter of introduction and “resume,” I hope you know that the trust you place in me as the breeder of your pup is well founded. I care about each and every one of my poodles - that they will be successful and loved by you. Should you decide you’d like to move forward, please fill out the Contact Form to get started. I look forward to talking with you!