Hi All

It has been a very long time since I filled you in on the escapades of tbe inhabitants of Poodle Place.  Dylan insists I begin with him.  He earned his Canine Good Citizen award! This was quite an accomplishment and I am proud of him.  There is one tiny glitch:  he came home and ate a corner of a rug to celebrate.  This redefines “good citizen”.

There is a much more to share, so stay tuned!

Botswain

Our Dylan

Hi All,


I must admit I am way behind on my blogging.  This photo  of Dylan was taken when he was a puppy and now he is 1 year old (hold the party)!  More recent pictures of Dylan will appear in future entries.  We named him Dylan after Bob Dylan.  As a nobel laureate in literature, he qualifies to have a dog named after him.

Dylan is a delight! Well, mostly a delight.  As a poodle (think Baron and Byron) in our household there would have to be a few glitches.  At any rate I wanted to introduce him to you before I chronicle his escapades.

More later - a lot more.

As always,
Botswain

Heart Felt

Hi All,
I must admit that it has taken awhile to mourn the loss of Baron.  If you have read this blog you know how unique he was (see "Home on the Range" for details).  Our pets become an important part of our lives.  They bring such joy and love, and, in Baron's case, many challenges (i.e. to my intellect and patience).

I am having trouble closing this chapter of my life and of this blog, so I won't.  Baron, as Byron before him, will remain a part of it - in my heart, soul and laughter.

Future posts will focus on our newest member of Poodle Place and his oh so patient big brother, so stay tuned!

With sadness and a smile,
Botswain

For Baron, Farewell Dear Friend

                                For Baron, Farewell Dear Friend
                                            2007-2016

                Oh Baron, our wonderful mischievous big-hearted boy
                You have pranced through our lives spreading chaos and joy.
                Being with you was often a challenge, yet gleeful and fun
                Even if we frequently felt undone.

                You opened the cabinet, jelly jar and the canned soup
                 It was "only" a pop top but you found the loop.
                 The stove, cuisinart, computer too
                 Nothing was too big a challenge for you.

                You did not notice size whether large or small
                 Because your heart had room for us all.
                 The most joyful being to have graced our hearth
                 With wings and a smile you left this earth.

                  So go now, go without delay
                  Leap into the clouds - run and play.
                  Your unselfish love and courage, dear friend
                  Shall live in my soul till we meet again.

Newest Member of the Pack

Hi All
It has been quite awhile since I brought you up to date on activities at Poodle Place.  Here is a picture of the newest member of the Poodle Place Pack.  Isabella is the queen of Baron and Blake's hearts, not to mention ours.

More later, I will leave you with the image of our pink poodle.
Botswain

Blake potentially sets a family record!

Hi All,
I know it has been awhile since I last wrote.
 Here is the latest.  I am taking an intermediate obedience class with Blake - our only obedience class (although he does receive private tutoring). During the 1st class it was obvious that Blake was the oldest in the class and one of the least obedient dogs. Nonetheless, the "professor", Connie,  told me he should be a therapy dog. Who knew? Probably because, while the other dogs were behaving obediently, Blake was greeting the humans (Connie included), tale wagging.  He has mastered apple polishing.
As class has progressed, Blake has done well. The only thing holding him back is me.
Connie just told me that Blake is doing great and will probably graduate to the advanced class.  To be honest, Blake is the only canine family member to get past the beginning class.  When Baron rook the beginning class, I encouraged our entire family to attend the "graduation", because Baron was not graduating and I did not want him to notice - bad for his ego.  We will see what happens.
All for now
Botswain

A New Plate

Hi All,
I have not written lately because I have had mechanical difficulties - which I mean literally.
Here is the update:  I had a "traumatic" fall which caused a broken clavicle.  For those unfamiliar with the clavicle it is also known as the collar bone.  I kid you not, someone thought I broke my back - untrue, thank heavens.  You can all vote or make a quiet speculation as to how this occurred. Here are your 3 choices:
1) I was thrown from a bridge table.  If you have ever played duplicate bridge with me, you will know this is not as unlikely as it might initially appear.
2) I was thrown from a horse.  This, too, is quite feasible.  If you have ever watched me ride, you might feel compassion for both the horse and my trainer.
3) I fell out of a tree birdwatching.  This option has led to much speculation amongst those who know me and my love of nature.  I have fielded questions such as: how high up were you? How did you get in the tree?  Was the bird interesting enough to be worth the risk?

As a result of my injury I now sport a brand new plate and 6 adorable screws!
All for now
Botswain

 

 

 

 

 

Is anything ever simple?

Hi All,
I know it has been awhile since my last post, but sometimes life trumps blogging.  This is one of those times.  There is a lot happening at Poodle Place. You won't believe it! Is anything every simple?
On that note, both of the "boys" went to the holistic vet and chiropractor today.  Ok, so you think I am as nutty as my dogs? Perhaps.
To make a long and unpleasant story short, both the chiropractor and vet feel Baron needs additional assistance.  Are you ready for this, dear readers?  They recommended swimming!!!  While our heroine (ME - in case you forgot) truly loves to swim, I never thought of including Baron in my daily swim routine. Imagine the joy of swimming in one lane while Baron is dog paddling in the next!  Would the other swimmers object?  Baron is thrilled at the prospect of encroaching on my "me" time, and insists that poodles are welcome everywhere.
 When we returned home from the vet's, Baron ran to my swim bag and tried to eat my snorkel. Perhaps I never mentioned my swim routine?  I will detail it another time. 
After much discussion of the options, which involve yours truly (ME) standing up to my knees in cold lake water or colder stone quarry water, the vet recommended a special pool for dogs (no chlorine).  Lucky me, I get to drive approximately 2 hours round trip twice a month to take Baron for a swim. Monthly is ok, weekly is better. Why am I not excited???
Unfortunately, my friend Patti recently sold her house (and pool); I am sure if she knew Baron would need to swim, she would have reconsidered.  Anyone else want to make an offer to help Baron?  Before you jump in (pun intended), remember that Baron has NEVER gone swimming hence you may have to provide a life guard and possibly floaties or a life vest.
More later
Botswain

Update

Hi All
It has been awhile since you heard the antics of Baron, Blake and their humans (that would be us).
A lot has happened but here is a brief synopsis:

1) Baron's human sister got married!!!  Sister was introduced to her now husband by Kaylie, husband's adopted dog, who is fearful of humans, except apparently, Sister.  Siser had just moved into a new building when now-Husband was taking Kaylie for a walk.  Kaylie, having excellent taste, ran right to Sister and literally hugged her.  The rest is history!!!

2) Baron's sainted owner (that would be me) had cataract surgery which has to be redone - I kid you not.  Life is complicated these days.

3) Baron who had a slight problem with his toe nail (think "hangnail") - or so we thought - had "minor" surgery today.  After weeks and weeks of a cracked nail annoying the royalty (yep, Baron), it developed an ulcer and the nail bed had to be removed.  Normally this is a simple procedure, requiring a few hours at the vet's to recover from the anesthetic.  Unfortunately, as you may recall, Baron is not normal.  When we went to pick him up, he exuberantly bounded into the waiting area, jumped on various family members and immediately began bleeding from the aforementioned paw.  Yes, dear readers, Baron is spending the evening bonding with the staff at the veterinary clinic.  sigh

All I can muster
Botswain

PS
Baron's beloved vet said, and I quote, "I hate to say this but Baron is a troublemaker!"  I am sure you disagree!

Hurray for the holistic vet!

Hi All,
I had a very relaxing visit with the holistic vet (yep - it was partly about me).  My back was spasming, and she generously let me use her laser pad - it really helped.  Unfortunately, Baron's chiropractor, in the same office, no longer works on humans (except the holistic vet).  I kid you not, he is a human chiropractor but, to quote the vet, "really loves animals."  I tried to bark a little to get his attention, but it did not work.
In case you are worried about the health of Baron and Blake, all is almost well.  Blake had an ear infection a couple of weeks ago which did not clear up.  I am now giving him "Children's ear powder" (Chinese herbs) in his food and new ear drops.  He has a check up in 2 weeks.  At least I have nothing else going on right now.  Master still has health issues necessitating my finely tuned (NOT) medical management skills.  Daughter is getting married necessitating my finely tuned (NOT) skills as a wedding planner; do not worry, I have sought professional guidance in that arena.
I have been out of touch, dear readers, but sometimes life trumps blogging.
All for now,
Botswain

Therapy Dog

Hi All
Whew!  Too much going on to fully document.  To quickly summarize:  Master spent a portion of our winter vacation in the hospital.  No, dear readers, this had nothing to do with Baron or Blake (or yours truly, for that matter).  While in the hospital we encountered numerous therapy dogs.  You will never believe this, but therapy dogs do not demonstrate their enthusiasm by jumping on their owners or hospital patients.  It was quite remarkable. The therapy dog pictured below merely lay down in Master's room and relaxed.  We couldn't figure out what was wrong with this dog.  He behaved very abnormally.  No running up and down the halls banging into carts, no humping other therapy dogs, no getting in bed with the patients etc. etc. etc.  Perhaps he was ill?  We hope to have the opportunity to let Baron and Blake indoctrinate him to proper canine behavior (from their perspective).  The worst part of this experience?  Master actually liked the hospital food!!!  What does this say about my cooking?  Don't answer that.
All for now,
Botswain

Good News/Bad News

Hi All,
I have been taking the "boys" to a golf course to exercise them safely (or so I thought).  Always up to a challenge, they proved me wrong, but this time Baron was not the culprit.
It was 35 degrees out and they ran off cheerfully to chase geese.  They quickly left my field of vision.  Did they come when called?  Do I even have to ask???  We speaking of Baron!  He still comes when called if he is in the mood, and he wasn't!  Blake, on the other hand, does come when called.  He did not appear either.  I used my extra loud orange whistle, which usually (note use of word "usually) works.  I had a minor panic attack.  Could they have gotten hurt?  Could they have drowned in the pond?  Could they have run to the parking lot or a back yard? 
Here is the good news... while myself and daughter love to swim; apparently we are not the only family members who take to the water.  When the canine ingrates finally appeared Blake was soaking wet!  He was perfectly fine, just wet.  Baron was dry and regal.  Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately) Baron is afraid of the water, but not Blake.  Cold weather, cold water - he is a survivor. 
Guess I will have company swimming this summer.
All for now,
Botswain

Boot Camp

Hi All,
You won't believe this, but the "boys" are at boot camp!  We decided it is time the humans (that would be Master and myself) run our household which was going to the dogs (quite literally).  All it took was one small knee replacement (Master's) to motivate us. Baron and Blake wanted to assist in Master's recovery; we prudently decided they could help the most by going elsewhere.  We have not seen them for over 2 weeks!  We are lonely, but relaxed.  I will keep you posted on the re-entry process.
Calmly yours,
Botswain

Breaking News

Hi All,
Master is having knee replacement - as we speak.  His orthopedist prescribed painkillers - for me!  I am to take them whenever Master is a pain.  Baron and Blake know something is going on, and their usual exemplary behavior has deteriorated.
More later.
Boatswain

Hiatus

Hi All,
After a several month hiatus, we attended a Poodle Party at the dog park where I originally met Blake.  Everyone was happy to see Blake (Baron - a little less so).  Blake's foster family was especially excited to see him.  They even offered to babysit when we go on vacation!  I am sure the generous offer includes Baron.
All for now,
Botswain

Rude Awakening!

Hi All,
When we adopted Blake, Laura, his foster mother, told us he doesn't sleep on the bed like her other dogs, but prefers to sleep on the cold bathroom floor.  She said all he wants to do is please her.  That may have been true - for HER! Well folks, things have changed!
I am not much of a photographer, but you might notice Blake resting quite comfortably on MY pillows which are conveniently located on MY bed (ahem - mine and Master's).  Do you see a cold bathroom floor in this picture?  I didn't think so - neither did Blake.  As for pleasing me?  That is no longer his top priority.
All for now, I have to carefully make the bed so as not to disturb Blake.
Botswain

Creativity

Hi All,
You may find this hard to believe (extremely hard), but Baron often goes with me not just on errands, but to appointments.  Yesterday we went to my physical therapist, one of Baron's favorite destinations.  He really likes Deb, and doesn't hold it against her that she has a shedding Pomeranian (the dog can't help it).  A new client was in the waiting room, so Baron and I waited outside the door.  A large man entered the hallway, saw Baron and me (mostly Baron) and was noticeably anxious, as was Baron.  I calmly (and cleverly) said, "Good boy, Baron.  Good therapy dog."  The man visibly relaxed, and so did our "therapy" dog.  Fortunately this gentleman did not know that if Baron was actually a therapy dog (for which he has limited potential - see previous blog entries), I wouldn't have to commend him as such.  This was a creative solution to a potential problem.
Creatively yours,
Botswain

I'M BACK!!!

Hi All,
I have been out of commission for the past 2 months - between vacation and life with 2 poodles, I didn't have time to update you on the activities of "Batman and Robin" - also known as Baron and Blake. 
The good news is that the "boys" are thriving even if I am one exhausted servant - and I do feel like a servant these days.  Blake, who we thought had a calming influence on Baron, has turned into an instigator.  To quote a human family member returning home for the 1st time since Blake joined us, "I tried to give Baron the attention he deserves, but the Cinnamon Stick (that would be Blake) kept getting in the way."  Blake loves attention, particularly if it takes attention away from our oldest canine child, Baron.  He also loves prodding Baron into playing with him.  As Baron is twice his size, this is rather foolhardy. 
All for now, but trust me - ours is an active household.  Anyone want a 4-legged curly haired house guest or 2?
Botswain

Bath Time

Hi All,
Dear Readers, Blake smells! I know you find this hard to believe - he is a poodle after all.   Due to the surgical removal of one of his toys (see previous blog entries for details), he could not be groomed.  Unlike Baron, who, believe it or not, prefers to walk around mud puddles, Blake jumps into them!  Blake's faithful servant (that would be me) had no choice but to bravely bathe him, despite Master's entreaties not to.  It was a beautiful day - 85 degrees and sunny.  When Master returned home from work, he wondered why Blake was dripping wet. I simply told him there was a freak shower and Blake was caught in it.   Alls well that ends well.    Botswain

oops

Hi All
I neglected to explain in my last post, that while the adorable teddy bear featured, did not need to be surgically removed; yes, Blake regurgitated it whole (is this fun or what?), the smaller squeaky toy (size of a $1 bill), did require surgical removal.  This "rescue" dog may look like a "lamb" but he is a survivor.  Actually, you have to admire that about the little guy.
All for now - I am still recovering from Blake's surgery.
Botswain