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TAMPA (FOX 13) - A statewide organization is helping a special breed of dogs find homes.
Costanza Bryant has an unbreakable bond with her dog, Me-Lew, the first poodle to capture her heart.
She adapted Me-Lew about 13 years ago and they have been best friends ever since.
Bryant calls him her "precious boy."
Bryant is part of Florida Poodle Rescue. It provides foster homes to abandon poodles while trying to find them permanent homes. She has been fostering for eight years.
"We have to make sure that they are properly fed and groomed and that they get their check-ups at the doctor's," Bryant said. "They become your children."
The all-volunteer, grassroots organization has been around for 25 years and has rescued more than 9,000 poodles.
"We spend about $140,000 to about $160,000 a year taking care of all these dogs," Bryant added.
She says poodles are very intelligent and a special breed of pooch.
"They have a wonderful personality," Bryant explained. "They have a sense of humor. They think of themselves as people."
Her connection with Me-Lew has changed her life forever.
"It takes a lot of your time but it is very rewarding. All the hard works pays off when they go to the perfect homes," Bryant said.
The organization is always in need of more volunteers. For information, email info@floridapoodlerescue.org.