Sunday, March 17, 2013

In Canine Memoriam

Hi All,
The last 6 weeks have been sad here at Poodle Place.  Baron lost his cousin, Oliver, and his good friend, Madison.  Both dogs lived much longer than expected due to the love and care provided by their families (remember, one does not really own a dog, one lives with them as family members).
Oliver was a rambunctious lakeland terrier who lived life in his feisty way until the very end.  His cute square face held a spark of liveliness and mischief. Madison was a smart, loving standard poodle (not unlike you-know-who). She enjoyed playing with her sibling, Mighty, along with her human family, until her last day.  Both dogs were humanely "put down" when their quality of life was threatened.  As painful as this decision was, both families knew they were lucky to have these wonderful canine family members in their lives and were particularly fortunate to insure that their dogs did not suffer.  Their actions were both courageous and humane.Unfortunately, Madison never sent Baron her picture (perhaps she didn't want him to "get ideas"), but he does have a picture of his cousin Oliver.
With sadness,
Botswain

In Memoriam

Hi All,
Poodle Place is a microcosm of life and sometimes humor has to take a brief holiday.  Baron's beloved human Grandmother died in October.  It has taken us awhile to recover enough to write about this loss.  Grandmother was a lover of ALL animals (boa constrictors included), dogs in particular.  Most recently she had German Shepherds, but always enjoyed a visit from her canine grandson, none other than Baron.  Grandmother had Alzheimer's disease and was fortunate enough to live in her own home, which Baron loved visiting.  He would run up the stairs, go straight to Grandmother's bed and lick her face until she said "YUCK". There it was - another fan of Baron's expressing herself.
In future blog entries, I will share her sense of humor as it pertains to animals, but for now, "Grandmother, we miss you"!
Sadly,
Botswain

Saturday, March 16, 2013

Shopping with Baron

Hi All,
Baron was very busy today.  He accompanied me to a department store (or should I say "I accompanied him?").  I had observed small dogs happily shopping with their owners and wondered if this could be a case of large dog discrimination. Admittedly these small (as in tiny) dogs appeared to be well-behaved.  Some were in cute little baskets.  Baron loves accompanying me on errands, but I can't imagine what basket could ever hold 71 pounds of poodle. He especially enjoys it when people make a fuss over him. In fact, I am frequently stopped by admirers of Baron. They comment on how handsome he is; this is true, but it goes to his head. On occasion he actually receives a few compliments on his behavior; obviously these individuals do not really know Baron.  Soooo, Baron and I bravely (I was the brave one) shopped at a department store today.  He was received warmly by the 4 people who saw him before we were quickly ushered into a dressing room.
All for now,
Botswain
PS
The department store is still intact.


Monday, March 4, 2013

More fun at Poodle Park

Hi All,
I know you are sitting at the edge of your chairs waiting to hear more about Baron's 2 HOURS at Poodle Park with yours truly at his side.  Baron decided his new BFF is Ringo, a party poodle.  Ringo is a  party poodle, not because he likes to party, but because of his coloring.  For the unindoctrinated, a party poodle is a pedigree poodle with a "coat of many colors" - at least more than one.  You may be wondering why this gentleman is holding Ringo, who is not exactly petite.
  As you recall, Baron has a nonverbal learning disability and does not read social cues. It doesn't dampen his enthusiasm for playing with his friends, however.   Ringo is demonstrating that he is not a party animal - at least not where Baron is concerned.  Not to worry - Baron doesn't hold it against him.
All for now,  Botswain

Saturday, March 2, 2013

Poodle Park

Hi All,
I have very exciting news!  Baron was invited to a forest preserve dog park, where standard poodles convene on weekends! As you may recall, Baron receives very few social invitations so this was a VERY big deal!  Unfortunately, the 2 lovely dogs (and their owner) who invited Baron have not appeared at Poodle Park; perhaps they are too busy, or embarrassed.
 
Baron spent time playing with his new friends, who come in all sizes and colors.  He had a blast.  Unfortunately, his nonverbal learning disability remains a challenge for him (and everyone else). After playing at the park for 2 hours, he was extremely tired; in fact he was too exhausted to come when called. The handsome black dog with his ears straight out is none other than Baron at play!  Isn't he adorable?  Would you like him for a week?  Just kidding...
I will fill you in on his further exploits after my nap.
Botswain