Sunday, November 29, 2009

Thankful

Hi All,
We have lots to be thankful for - mostly that we survived Thanksgiving! This entails quite a bit:
1) No one got ptomaine poisoning, and they seemed to actually like the food I prepared - well, I didn't prepare all of it; I facilitated all of it. I refer to myself as a "meal facilitator". I delegated responsibility; in fact, Baron made the jello mold - with just a little help. Julie and Julia need not worry about competition coming from Poodle Place.
2)Baron's behavior was remarkable - especially for him. His greeting of the guests was fine - only a little barking. He did jump on my daughter, but she had dressed carefully in battle fatigues, anticipating the poodle onslaught.
3)Baron did swipe a couple of cocktail franks. This was almost a crisis as Baron is allergic to wheat (in the cute little buns). Fortunately I was able to delicately open his mouth and remove the offending objects - to the horror of my guests (they got over it).
4)Baron was quiet during dinner. This was not because he was respectful of the Thanksgiving meal, but because his trainer (who is no dummy) gave him a special present. We saved it for Thanksgiving dinner; it is a HUGE pig knuckle bone, I think. Anyway, it was love at first sight, and while we ate, he gnawed on his bone. Also, one of our guests gave Baron a toy - he was so excited!
All for now, but we are proud of our poodle boy.
Botswain

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Thanksgiving - coming soon

Hi All,

Things are really hectic here, with Thanksgiving on the way. I am not a cook, other than duck and potato specialties for Baron. Unfortunately, having volunteered to host Thanksgiving has proved to be a challenge. I have not delegated other than to the immediate family. In fact, as we speak, Baron is making the jello mold! You might recall that he has expressed an interest in cooking.
I feel sorry for my guests, who had better not come hungry, let's hope a KFC is open.
Oops, I have to go - Baron needs my help with the jello mold!
Botswain

Monday, November 23, 2009

Thanksgiving Invitation

Hi All,
I just wanted to share my Thanksgiving Invitation:

Thanksgiving is here, believe it or not.
There will be lots of food, none of it hot.

That noise you hear is not in your head,
It comes from Tom Turkey, he just isn't dead.
I went to the grocery, determined to buy it
Now Tom is here, on a vegetarian diet!

You might want to act upon this hunch
Prepare for Thanksgiving - eat a big lunch!
Botswain
PS
I wanted to say that the turkey is on a duck and potato diet, like you-know-who, but I don't think a turkey would eat that. He might be offended.

Halloween Revisited

Hi All,
This year I am having Thanksgiving at my home - something which strikes fear in the hearts of all who know Baron (and know of my culinary skills). When you add Baron's obedience skills (or lack thereof) into the mix - it is terrifying! In fact, it is more like Halloween, revisited.

I am preparing for Turkey Day by having weekly training sessions with Denise, who is working on Baron's "door" behavior - i.e. greeting guests. She has yet to make it inside the house. He hasn't calmed down enough for me to actually open the door. In fact, I am thinking of setting up picnic tables for Thanksgiving - I hope it isn't too cold.

There you have it! I'll keep you all posted on developments as they occur.
Botswain

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Difficult discussion

Hi All,
I have to have a very difficult conversation with Baron, and I could use some help. How do I explain to Baron that he is adopted? It is true that he has my dark curly hair (his is less frizzy) and my husband's nose, but he is still adopted. Baron is convinced that he is a little boy. I think he expects us to save for his college tuition. He has no clue that most of our assets have already been spent on dog obedience, and we all know what a good investment that has been!

I'd appreciate suggestions.
Botswain

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Barber Shop Quartet

Hi All,
Good news from Poodle Place! Baron had his first ever compliment from a groomer! Yep, it is true, my little black baricuda has finally managed to charm a groomer. Well, maybe "charm" is too strong a word, but at least she was able to groom him without wearing padded gloves and rollerblades (to chase him). She said he is still fidgety, but was (for him) fairly quiet (meaning he did not sit in his crate and howl for 2 hours).

Baron did have an unfortunate run-in with a Westie. Apparently this particular Westie dislikes black dogs (such as Baron) and went after him. Baron handled the pint-sized parasite with his usual aplomb - he tried to engage him in a gentle game of "Ring around the Groomer." Both dogs were sent to their crates. Apparently, while confined, they managed to engage the Scottie and Golden Retriever in belting out a new version of "You ain't nothin but a hound dog".
All for now,
Botswain
PS
Listen for Baron's Barbershop Quartet - coming to a fire hydrant near you.