Lloyd, I grew up with poodles. Retrieving fanatics and the smartest dogs I've ever had anything to do with. I have allergies, can't be near my brother's Lab or my dad's old Weimaraner. And most other dogs with fur. But for some reason I'm not at all bothered by my Llewellin setters.

I'm also about the same age as you and have a nine year old boy. The boy and dog go well together. Would be worth the hassle of the meds.

Really hope your poodle works out.

The world cries out for such: he is needed & needed badly- the man who can carry a message to Garcia