Mistaken Identity

Hi All,
Once again, Baron has mistaken my belongings for his - specifically my ivory figurines for his own personal (who else would want them?) bones.  I will spare you the details, other than to say I am extremely displeased.  Baron has been reprimanded.  He no longer has the run of the house and will have to spend more time in the kitchen - let's face it, it is a lovely room, someone should enjoy it!
Grumpily yours,
Botswain

At it Again

Hi All,
We returned home last night to discover that Baron has, once again, tried his paw at cooking.  Using the lazy Susan, he managed to remove seasoning, soup mix etc from the cabinet.  The floor was a total mess.  He tried to mix everything on the floor rather than using a mixing bowl as he had previously been instructed to do.  Will this dog ever listen?
Botswain

Tuba Serenade

Hi All,
I am living a canine version of "To Catch a Thief"!   Here's the latest.  I entered the bedroom where master was gently snoring  (if you consider the tuba a gentle noise).  Baron was relaxing next to him (on my side of the bed), and immediately looked away, avoiding eye contact.  Translation: he had done something really bad! I noticed that Baron once again tried to blow his nose, hence the Kleenex box was on the floor, along with several pieces of Kleenex.  This didn't bother me, as I recognized Baron's effort to take care of himself - who wants a runny nose?  What else had he done?

Then I saw it - an object between Baron's paws.  Upon closer examination, I discovered it was Master's watch. This was quite a shock! I wasn't aware Baron had learned how to tell time. Dear readers, undoubtedly you understand the conflict: the watch looks great on Baron, but it is not his.  I was forced to do the right thing and return the watch to the bedside table. Master, meanwhile, continued to serenade me, Baron, and perhaps our neighbors with "tuba" music. 
Fortunately the watch is still in good shape, as long as Master doesn't object to spending extra time fastening it.  This episode is our little secret.
And the tuba played on.....
Botswain

Halloween

Hi All,
Thankfully Halloween is but a fading memory (although I still have some Snickers if anyone is interested).  I received several inquiries re: Baron's Halloween costume.  Sorry dear reader, but Baron's Halloween costume was not finished in time for Trick or Treat (not that it stopped him).   Baron wanted to dress up as an "Obedient Dog" but was unable to get his costume ready in time.  We here at Poodle Place are hopeful that it will be ready by next Halloween.  Don't hold your breath.
Botswain

Meanwhile in the kitchen...

Hi All,
Master and I returned home this evening to discover that our home had been invaded!  A bandit actually raided our kitchen.  He (call this a clever assumption) opened a "lazy Susan cabinet" and helped himself to: flour, uncooked pasta, cans of vegetables (which thankfully he was unable to open - he has yet to master the use of a can opener).  I am sure you are wondering who the crook could possibly be - or perhaps you aren't wondering at all.  Yep, Baron strikes again! 
At this point I need Betty Crocker as our dog trainer aka cooking instructor.
All for now, I'm still cleaning.
Botswain

Rally On

Hi All,
Due to matters beyond Baron's control, he missed a couple of Rally classes, thus retaining his "worst in class" rating.  This is the rare moment when Baron can't be blamed for his difficulty.    Unfortunately, it is the result of handler error.  The good news, is that the instructor has given up on us (mostly me) and lets us try our best to follow the course.  Baron loves it.  He doesn't know that his handler (OK - that would be me) has difficulty determining right from left.  He thinks he is doing a great job; a thought process I reinforce.

I have to admit it was a little nauseating when the woman with the papillion demonstrated her dog's "free dance."  I have never heard of free dance, but judging by the dog's ability to twirl on command and do several figure eights between her handler's legs (also on command), it seems to be something that is not in Baron's (or his handler's) future.
Our last class is Tuesday, an evening I am eagerly anticipating.
All for now,
Botswain

Rally Around Me

Hi All,
Dear readers, as you may recall, our brave but coordination-challenged heroine (that would be me) is taking a Rally class with her handsome, enthusiastic, graceful pooch (that would be Baron). 
This class is quite a challenge - for me, not Baron.  Baron loves it.  I am having difficulty navigating the course. Baron knocked over 2 cones, went in the wrong direction and stepped on a broad jump; none of which was his fault.  The instructor is trying very hard to be patient (with me, not Baron).  I have instructed Baron to observe attentively when the other dogs take their turns, so he will know what to do.  Unfortunately, there are written instructions at each obstacle, and Baron, smart as he is, is still unable to read.  He therefore depends on me to both read and implement the instructions.  Herein lies the problem.

Try as I might, I turn left instead of right, heel Baron into a cone instead of around it, do a 360 turn instead of a 240, etc. etc. etc.  It is very amusing for the class to observe; think of it as comic relief.  When Baron and I execute a somewhat reasonable approximation of the course, the class actually applauds. The instructor, who is an equestrian, has expressed her gratitude that I am working with a poodle, not a Clydesdale.

All for now, Baron wants me to practice for our next class.
Botswain