Hello Poodle People,
I received a note from a friend who feels the only likeable aspect of Leona Helmsly's character was her love for her dogs. My friend wondered if I planned to leave Baron 18 million dollars, as Leona did her dogs. Oh that I had 18 million extra dollars to leave him. I think I will be lucky if I don't spend that amount on him while he is alive! In fact, I am requesting donations to the Poodle Place Percolating Pension Fund. I will personally oversee all donations prior to my demise and insure that it is used solely for the benefit of animal-related activities and products (fur coats not included). By the way, although they lack curly hair, horses are also included in the Poodle Pension Fund. Your money will go toward the following activities:
1) Appropriate (as deemed by me) domiciles for dogs, horses, and their caregivers - also me. This includes routine maintenance of the domicile, including housekeeping, landscaping and sprinkler system, swimming pool (poodles are water dogs) etc. Most important a heating unit for the kitchen floor will be installed along with a murphy bed in case the caregiver has to sleep in the kitchen with the aforementioned dog.
2) Food for the previously mentioned animals and their caregivers (including the entire staff - grooms, dog walkers, etc.)
3) Clothing for the animals (and the main caregiver - me).
4) Shoes (only for the horse and, well, me). Horse and caregiver need new shoes every 6-8 weeks.
5) Clothing. This can be quite pricey, as horses, dogs and caregivers (yep - me) need coats etc. (horse and caregiver fall into the etc. category) for all types of weather.
6) Leisure activities, including vacations. Transport will include horse trailer and professional dr iver (not me), as well as private jets etc. to ensure that Baron and his caregivers (me etc.) travel in the style to which they would like to become accustomed. Leisure activities include lessons for the equestrian (me) which will keep the horse in shape and happy, as well as swimming lessons, because the aforementioned dog isn't sure he likes the water.
7) All medical and dental costs for the dog (who has an autoimmune disease and pricey vet bills), horse (not inexpensive) and caregiver (don't even go there).
8) Grooming. Remember Baron is a poodle and his grooming can be quite pricey - almost as pricey as his caregiver's (me).
9) Psychological Services (to be provided at a reasonable cost by the caregiver - me) for the animals and extended staff of caregivers.
9) Accounting services to be provided by the caregiver's husband.
That about covers it - except for incidentals I may have forgotten about. The canine and equine members of my household thank you for your generosity in these troubled times.
Gratefully yours,
Botswain, Baron and Lucy
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Dog Training with ?????
Hi All,
I know the title of this entry is misleading. I did not mention the name of the trainer because he would like to remain anonymous. In fact, he might wear a bag over his head (or a mask) from now on. Let's face it, Baron is not exactly a poster boy for dog training - well, maybe the "before" as in "before and after."
At our last dog training class, Baron, while very enthusiastic, was the worst dog in the class. The only dog that even came close to being as poorly trained, was a white standard poodle who happens to be 8 years old (and still acts like a puppy - not a compliment). Baron tries really hard but is unable to curb his natural enthusiasm for everything, everyone, every animal - and particularly for dog training. Enjoying and learning are not the same thing. He loves playing with the other dogs, particularly when they are in a "stay" command, disrupting the class by vocalizing his thoughts on the subject of training (i.e. excited barking), and loves jumping enthusiastically on the dog owners (including us). To his credit, the dog trainer is able to smile sweetly (more like a grimace) and grab Baron at the same time. He then yanks Baron's leash while honking a shriek alarm (I kid you not). Baron looks chastised (for 2 minutes).
It's not that I'm counting but Baron is now working with his 4th trainer, and almost has him in shape. In fact, we were at the Farmer's Market yesterday, and someone innocently suggested I try to get a refund as Baron is, well, not obedient.
Botswain
PS
Should I take it personally that the manager of our vet's practice recommended a new dog trainer? It was during a brief visit in which Baron stood on his hind legs to look over the counter and say "hello" (she taught him that), scattered papers and treats, jumped on an unsuspecting client, and tried to play boisterously with an English cocker spaniel. Keep in mind Baron is almost 70 pounds!
I know the title of this entry is misleading. I did not mention the name of the trainer because he would like to remain anonymous. In fact, he might wear a bag over his head (or a mask) from now on. Let's face it, Baron is not exactly a poster boy for dog training - well, maybe the "before" as in "before and after."
At our last dog training class, Baron, while very enthusiastic, was the worst dog in the class. The only dog that even came close to being as poorly trained, was a white standard poodle who happens to be 8 years old (and still acts like a puppy - not a compliment). Baron tries really hard but is unable to curb his natural enthusiasm for everything, everyone, every animal - and particularly for dog training. Enjoying and learning are not the same thing. He loves playing with the other dogs, particularly when they are in a "stay" command, disrupting the class by vocalizing his thoughts on the subject of training (i.e. excited barking), and loves jumping enthusiastically on the dog owners (including us). To his credit, the dog trainer is able to smile sweetly (more like a grimace) and grab Baron at the same time. He then yanks Baron's leash while honking a shriek alarm (I kid you not). Baron looks chastised (for 2 minutes).
It's not that I'm counting but Baron is now working with his 4th trainer, and almost has him in shape. In fact, we were at the Farmer's Market yesterday, and someone innocently suggested I try to get a refund as Baron is, well, not obedient.
Botswain
PS
Should I take it personally that the manager of our vet's practice recommended a new dog trainer? It was during a brief visit in which Baron stood on his hind legs to look over the counter and say "hello" (she taught him that), scattered papers and treats, jumped on an unsuspecting client, and tried to play boisterously with an English cocker spaniel. Keep in mind Baron is almost 70 pounds!
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
The vacation is over
Hi All,
Poodle lovers, have you missed me? In case you are curious, we were on vacation, hence no posts for awhile. "We" does not refer to Baron, but his human family. Baron remained at home, and while he is a "party animal", as far as I know, no Poodle Parties were held on the premises. I am happy to report that the house is still standing. One friend asked if Baron had an opportunity to cook while I was away, and the answer is an emphatic "no"! Baron didn't have time to cook - he ordered out (duck and white potato only).
Isn't it amazing how quickly vacations become a memory? I wish our struggles with Baron would also become a distant memory. Between his training (or lack thereof) and health issues, we are all quite busy - especially our valiant heroine (that would be me). In fact, three days after returning from vacation I already had a visit with the "doggie dermatologist" and as a result I am definitely ready for another vacation. The dermatologist feels the weekly baths (with oatmeal shampoo and conditioner - in case you forgot) aren't effective so we can discontinue his weekly spa visits (whew). Heaven knows what she'll cook up (in a dehydrator) to replace them!
All for now, but stay tuned for further updates as they occur.
Botswain
Poodle lovers, have you missed me? In case you are curious, we were on vacation, hence no posts for awhile. "We" does not refer to Baron, but his human family. Baron remained at home, and while he is a "party animal", as far as I know, no Poodle Parties were held on the premises. I am happy to report that the house is still standing. One friend asked if Baron had an opportunity to cook while I was away, and the answer is an emphatic "no"! Baron didn't have time to cook - he ordered out (duck and white potato only).
Isn't it amazing how quickly vacations become a memory? I wish our struggles with Baron would also become a distant memory. Between his training (or lack thereof) and health issues, we are all quite busy - especially our valiant heroine (that would be me). In fact, three days after returning from vacation I already had a visit with the "doggie dermatologist" and as a result I am definitely ready for another vacation. The dermatologist feels the weekly baths (with oatmeal shampoo and conditioner - in case you forgot) aren't effective so we can discontinue his weekly spa visits (whew). Heaven knows what she'll cook up (in a dehydrator) to replace them!
All for now, but stay tuned for further updates as they occur.
Botswain
Friday, May 15, 2009
Dog Obedience - or a lack thereof
Hi All,
I am sure this will be quite a surprise for fans of Baron, but dog obedience is not one of Baron's strengths. I would love to tell you that he really tries hard, but has difficulty mastering it. Unfortunately, I don't think he tries. He stands there with a twinkle in his eye, barely suppressing a chortle.
He is perfectly able to come, sit, stay, down, etc. - when he wants to, if he's in the mood and if I have awesome treats. Unfortunately, now that he is limited to duck and potato and I have yet to purchase a food dehydrator, his enthusiasm has diminished. He shows definite potential at home (unless he is busy), but with other dogs around - forget it!
Baron's favorite activity (besides the dog park) is dog obedience class where he gets to see his friends or potential friends. The small detail that his classmates are apple polishers and he is not, does not dampen his enthusiasm.
At our last class, Baron was, well, the worst in the class (too bad there is not an award for that). There were only 5 dogs in the class, and one of them, Beauregard is a white standard poodle, 8 years old. I was not encouraged to note that Beauregard still jumps enthusiastically on his owner, a lovely, slight woman, dressed in a skirt, and demonstrating admirable tolerance for her "best friend." The fact that she has been working with our trainer for several years is not necessarily a compliment to him.
All for today,
Botswain
All for today,
Botswain
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Doggie Dermatologist Part 2
I know I promised part 2 of our visit to the Doggie Dermatologist, but I've been busy following Dr. F's recommendations. Whew, finally, a moment to write:
When we last met our heroine (that would be me) she was slaving away in the kitchen (not her favorite room) accompanied by her trusty sidekick Baron, and, well, a duck. The duck, having no idea he was part of Baron's new hypoallergenic diet, was happily quacking away, when he wasn't doing laps in the bath tub. Baron, delighted with his new friend, had no idea that the bath tub was a prelude to his new weekly routine.
Yes, dear poodle-lovers, our sadistic doggie dermatologist, Dr. F, has required our rambunctious, oversized (almost 70 pound) toddler standard poodle, to have at least one bath per week, preferably two. Dr. F blithely suggested hosing him down, shampooing him with his new oatmeal shampoo followed by oatmeal conditioner (to be left on for 10 minutes). By the way, the shampoo and conditioner are only available through her office, conveniently located in Chicago (where I am not). Doing the math, I quickly realized that by the time I am done with his diet, baths, ear cleansing (did I not mention that?), toy sterilization (to remove remnants of previous food) I would have to give up my career and devote myself entirely to the care of one young Baron (aka Jaws). Also, I was not optimistic about his cooperation with this new regime - particularly the baths. Poodles are water dogs, but unfortunately, bathing doesn't seem to qualify.
Fortunately for our heroine and her curly-haired sidekick (that would be Baron, not the duck), a brief review of the situation brought to mind only one solution - weekly hypoallergenic baths at the groomer's. Unfortunately, Baron's brand new $$$$ groomer, who has only had the pleasant experience of grooming him once, raised her rates for bathing our dog after considering (briefly) the possibility of weekly contact with him. I know this had absolutely nothing to do with Baron's behavior, but I made a mental note to bring her his certificate of graduation from Puppy Dog Obedience Class. It states that he successfully completed the class and passed into Beginning Dog Obedience (where, unfortunately, well, never mind).
Thank goodness I did find a groomer willing to bathe him weekly and at a discount (she doesn't know him well). As terrific as this sounds, here is the scenario: Our heroine enters the shop with the aforementioned poodle. Baron warmly greets everyone by getting on his hind legs and leaning on the counter, scattering papers, receipts, etc. His bedraggled sidekick (that would be me, our heroine) is clutching a bag which contains the following:
1) Bottles of oat meal shampoo and conditioner
2) Bag of hypoallergenic duck and potato dog treats
3)Certificate of graduation from Puppy Class (with picture - he does look cute in class).
Baron spots a big bowl of - OH NO - ordinary, non-hypoallergenic dog treats. He goes for the treats, but our heroine (boy, am I busy) is ahead of him and quickly pries the offending wheat-infused treat from his mouth (because, if you recall, even one non-duck and potato treat means starting his 2 month diet all over again).
The good news - he smells good. The bad news - we are already almost out of conditioner, and the woman who groomed him requested 2 weeks off. I called the doggie dermatologist for alternative conditioners, as frequent visits to Chicago to pick up his grooming supplies are not in the cards. She conceded that if I'm desperate, I could use any good cream conditioner. As luck would have it, I just purchased a huge bottle of Deva conditioner for curly hair. This conditioner was developed by the woman who wrote the book about curly hair. Let's face it folks, Baron has curly hair (not unlike our exhausted heroine).
All for now. I will keep you posted on the success of our new routine. I am happy to announce that so far, Baron is in excellent spirits; unfortunately I can't say the same for our devoted heroine.
Botswain
When we last met our heroine (that would be me) she was slaving away in the kitchen (not her favorite room) accompanied by her trusty sidekick Baron, and, well, a duck. The duck, having no idea he was part of Baron's new hypoallergenic diet, was happily quacking away, when he wasn't doing laps in the bath tub. Baron, delighted with his new friend, had no idea that the bath tub was a prelude to his new weekly routine.
Yes, dear poodle-lovers, our sadistic doggie dermatologist, Dr. F, has required our rambunctious, oversized (almost 70 pound) toddler standard poodle, to have at least one bath per week, preferably two. Dr. F blithely suggested hosing him down, shampooing him with his new oatmeal shampoo followed by oatmeal conditioner (to be left on for 10 minutes). By the way, the shampoo and conditioner are only available through her office, conveniently located in Chicago (where I am not). Doing the math, I quickly realized that by the time I am done with his diet, baths, ear cleansing (did I not mention that?), toy sterilization (to remove remnants of previous food) I would have to give up my career and devote myself entirely to the care of one young Baron (aka Jaws). Also, I was not optimistic about his cooperation with this new regime - particularly the baths. Poodles are water dogs, but unfortunately, bathing doesn't seem to qualify.
Fortunately for our heroine and her curly-haired sidekick (that would be Baron, not the duck), a brief review of the situation brought to mind only one solution - weekly hypoallergenic baths at the groomer's. Unfortunately, Baron's brand new $$$$ groomer, who has only had the pleasant experience of grooming him once, raised her rates for bathing our dog after considering (briefly) the possibility of weekly contact with him. I know this had absolutely nothing to do with Baron's behavior, but I made a mental note to bring her his certificate of graduation from Puppy Dog Obedience Class. It states that he successfully completed the class and passed into Beginning Dog Obedience (where, unfortunately, well, never mind).
Thank goodness I did find a groomer willing to bathe him weekly and at a discount (she doesn't know him well). As terrific as this sounds, here is the scenario: Our heroine enters the shop with the aforementioned poodle. Baron warmly greets everyone by getting on his hind legs and leaning on the counter, scattering papers, receipts, etc. His bedraggled sidekick (that would be me, our heroine) is clutching a bag which contains the following:
1) Bottles of oat meal shampoo and conditioner
2) Bag of hypoallergenic duck and potato dog treats
3)Certificate of graduation from Puppy Class (with picture - he does look cute in class).
Baron spots a big bowl of - OH NO - ordinary, non-hypoallergenic dog treats. He goes for the treats, but our heroine (boy, am I busy) is ahead of him and quickly pries the offending wheat-infused treat from his mouth (because, if you recall, even one non-duck and potato treat means starting his 2 month diet all over again).
The good news - he smells good. The bad news - we are already almost out of conditioner, and the woman who groomed him requested 2 weeks off. I called the doggie dermatologist for alternative conditioners, as frequent visits to Chicago to pick up his grooming supplies are not in the cards. She conceded that if I'm desperate, I could use any good cream conditioner. As luck would have it, I just purchased a huge bottle of Deva conditioner for curly hair. This conditioner was developed by the woman who wrote the book about curly hair. Let's face it folks, Baron has curly hair (not unlike our exhausted heroine).
All for now. I will keep you posted on the success of our new routine. I am happy to announce that so far, Baron is in excellent spirits; unfortunately I can't say the same for our devoted heroine.
Botswain
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Doggie Dermatologist Part One
Hi All,
It has taken me awhile to write this because I am still traumatized by my visit to the "doggie dermatologist" aka the allergist. Baron and I drove into Chicago (I did the driving, he navigated) to see Dr. F, the dermatologist. She seems to be a lovely person, but we had nothing in common - you'll soon see why. By the way the I, too, am lovely, just not domestically inclined.
Baron was not allowed to eat anything for 8 hours prior to the visit, which was at 2 pm. Vance fed him at 6 am and then informed me we might have to cancel the appointment. It seems that Baron opened the kitchen drawer which contains the bread bin and helped himself to a bagel. I guess we need child locks (or is it lox?) on the drawers. Dr. F told me about one standard poodle that opened the oven and helped himself to an entire pan of macaroni and cheese. He didn't get burnt - just sick.
Unfortunately, we didn't let a little bagel stop us from meeting Dr. F for the first (and I wish last) time. I expected skin tests leading to allergy shots etc. Not yet. First we start with a new diet for Baron. I anticipated this as well, and was thinking of something wheat free. I had no idea as to what was in store for our happy homemaker (actually, that is not me).
As for Baron's new diet, I had a choice of rabbit and potato or duck and potato. This was a difficult decision because Baron could either catch a rabbit in our back yard, or, since he is a water dog, go to the nearest pond (or golf course) in search of ducks! I selected the duck diet. Dr. F then informed me that he must eat only duck and potato for the next 2 months, and if he should happen to eat anything other than duck and potato, we have to start the diet over. I feel we should have this figured out by the time he is 10!
I asked about treats for Baron. Dr. F, who does not know about my culinary expertise (or lack thereof) actually suggested that I cook a duck for him!!! Does one cook duck or do they broil, grill. or perhaps bake? I am not allowed to make him Special Mommy Eggs. She suggested a particular grocery store on Waukegan and Glenview Road that always carries duck. Dr. F must have noticed the look of horror on my face, because she came up with another option. I could go to Target and for $25 purchase a food dehydrator! I don't even know what a food hydrator is let alone a dehydrator. I could then dehydrate the duck to make lovely wholesome treats for a certain Baron who is beginning to get on my nerves! The only good news is that duck and potato dog food can be ordered by our vet. I don't have to catch and grill the duck or drive to Chicago to pick it up. Nonetheless, this lovely doggie dermatologist will probably insist that Baron eat nothing but fresh duck.
I am visualizing myself in the kitchen with Baron by my side. The duck is happily quacking away, unaware that he has an uncertain future. I find myself panicking - what do ducks eat? Do I have to cook for him (or her)? I almost hope they snack on Barons. Maybe my friend, Debbie, who owns Carlos and Cafe Central won't mind catering.
Sigh - this doesn't bode well.
Botswain
PS
This is only Part One of my trauma at the doggie allergist's - stay tuned for part two.
It has taken me awhile to write this because I am still traumatized by my visit to the "doggie dermatologist" aka the allergist. Baron and I drove into Chicago (I did the driving, he navigated) to see Dr. F, the dermatologist. She seems to be a lovely person, but we had nothing in common - you'll soon see why. By the way the I, too, am lovely, just not domestically inclined.
Baron was not allowed to eat anything for 8 hours prior to the visit, which was at 2 pm. Vance fed him at 6 am and then informed me we might have to cancel the appointment. It seems that Baron opened the kitchen drawer which contains the bread bin and helped himself to a bagel. I guess we need child locks (or is it lox?) on the drawers. Dr. F told me about one standard poodle that opened the oven and helped himself to an entire pan of macaroni and cheese. He didn't get burnt - just sick.
Unfortunately, we didn't let a little bagel stop us from meeting Dr. F for the first (and I wish last) time. I expected skin tests leading to allergy shots etc. Not yet. First we start with a new diet for Baron. I anticipated this as well, and was thinking of something wheat free. I had no idea as to what was in store for our happy homemaker (actually, that is not me).
As for Baron's new diet, I had a choice of rabbit and potato or duck and potato. This was a difficult decision because Baron could either catch a rabbit in our back yard, or, since he is a water dog, go to the nearest pond (or golf course) in search of ducks! I selected the duck diet. Dr. F then informed me that he must eat only duck and potato for the next 2 months, and if he should happen to eat anything other than duck and potato, we have to start the diet over. I feel we should have this figured out by the time he is 10!
I asked about treats for Baron. Dr. F, who does not know about my culinary expertise (or lack thereof) actually suggested that I cook a duck for him!!! Does one cook duck or do they broil, grill. or perhaps bake? I am not allowed to make him Special Mommy Eggs. She suggested a particular grocery store on Waukegan and Glenview Road that always carries duck. Dr. F must have noticed the look of horror on my face, because she came up with another option. I could go to Target and for $25 purchase a food dehydrator! I don't even know what a food hydrator is let alone a dehydrator. I could then dehydrate the duck to make lovely wholesome treats for a certain Baron who is beginning to get on my nerves! The only good news is that duck and potato dog food can be ordered by our vet. I don't have to catch and grill the duck or drive to Chicago to pick it up. Nonetheless, this lovely doggie dermatologist will probably insist that Baron eat nothing but fresh duck.
I am visualizing myself in the kitchen with Baron by my side. The duck is happily quacking away, unaware that he has an uncertain future. I find myself panicking - what do ducks eat? Do I have to cook for him (or her)? I almost hope they snack on Barons. Maybe my friend, Debbie, who owns Carlos and Cafe Central won't mind catering.
Sigh - this doesn't bode well.
Botswain
PS
This is only Part One of my trauma at the doggie allergist's - stay tuned for part two.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Home on the Range - Human Style
Hi,
I just located this winter e-mail, and, while it says much more about me than my canine buddy (that would be Baron), it definitely belongs in the Poodle Place collection. You will really appreciate this entry after you hear about our visit with our brand new "doggie dermatologist".
Maybe I should have entitled this "Home on the Range - Randee Style". Let's face it dear, talented cooks - I am not one of you!
Yesterday I was having four women over to play bridge. I know, you're thinking that math is obviously not a specialty either, but we had 5 people and rotated in and out. Anyway, enough about bridge.
The entire day became rather hectic.
1) I had to mail back my cell phone (under warranty but a huge rip off situation - I hate machinery of all types, I'll tell you my computer woes later).
2) Beauty Parlor appt at 10:15. Not finished until noon (major overhaul)
3)Wanted to take Baron to newly discovered dog park which is a life saver because he can run and jump on other canines and not me.
4) Guests arrive promptly at 1:30 for bridge.
I arrived at the mail box place bright and early only to discover they don't open until 10 am. Baron and I headed to the dog park for a fun 45 minutes of running into the wind. Made it to beauty parlor on time. Mailed malfunctioning cell phone (thank heavens), and headed back to the dog park so Baron could again run around the park and not my house. My plan was that a tired dog would make a good impression. Unfortunately despite hours of $$$$$$$ dog obedience, there are a few unfortunate glitches in Baron's repertoire. While he comes very nicely at home, when he is busy with his canine friends and/or new acquaintances, he is not in the mood to listen to my pleas. It was freezing cold (something you Californians wouldn't be into) and my hand was practically frostbitten from cleaning up the hooligan's mess. Baron ran around with the puli (very cute), the vizula and an assortment of others. I called in my nicest voice. He ran straight toward me, gazed lovingly at me, and then continued on his way. This unfortunate glitch in dog obedience continued for several long frozen minutes, until my fellow dog owners took pity on me and tried to help. With the help of three people (and, I might add, no canines), we finally caught the runaway poodle. By this time I was absolutely frozen (did I mention the wind chill?) and, I must admit, rather grumpy. I was thinking of the joys of bichon ownership.
I know, you are still wondering where the range (as in cooking, not the deer and antelope part) comes in. I guess if we think of the dog park as a range, it is a double entendre. I arrived home at 1pm with only a half hour until my guests were to arrive. It occurred to me (a little late) that I didn't have the bridge stuff out (cards etc), the table set for bridge, the food out (you have to feed bridge players, though I have no idea why), and I had forgotten to eat lunch and I absolutely never miss a meal. I began to hurriedly make coffee, tea, put out food (beautifully placed on the plate Friday afternoon - not be me - I am domestically challenged), eat lunch, set the table etc. etc. etc. It is the part about the tea that brings us to our heroine's (that would be me) demise. I decided to put more water in the tea pot and by mistake the bottom of the already-warmed-up pot touched my partially frost-bitten (from the afore mentioned foray into the dog park) hand.
So dear cooks here is my big question: What do you put on a burn?
Anyway, the good news is that in my panic to get everything ready, I forgot about the burn and was able to have everything in place and pretend to be relaxed when my guests arrived. I remembered the burn this morning when I was in the shower and saw a brown mark on my hand. Word of warning: do not try to rub away a burn, it doesn't work.
Well, that's it. I guess I don't need my faithful sidekick (that would be Baron) to do myself in. Oh yes, Baron greeted my guests warmly - he barked growled, etc. Fortunately, "etc." does not include biting and snapping as his predecessor did. After 10 minutes he was comfortable with our guests. In fact he was so comfortable that he tried to get into the lap of the only non-dog-lover of the group. He did go from person to person trying to engage someone - anyone - in play. I had his leash on, and was reminded by an experienced dog-owner guest (you should see her poodle)that I should be doing an on-leash sit with Baron. I am happy to announce that it worked! I sat beautifully!!! After one hour he settled down, decided that bridge is not his game, and took a nap.
Enough about my day, I'm off to the dog park again - I hope I remember to bring Baron.
Botswain
February 22, 2009
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I just located this winter e-mail, and, while it says much more about me than my canine buddy (that would be Baron), it definitely belongs in the Poodle Place collection. You will really appreciate this entry after you hear about our visit with our brand new "doggie dermatologist".
Maybe I should have entitled this "Home on the Range - Randee Style". Let's face it dear, talented cooks - I am not one of you!
Yesterday I was having four women over to play bridge. I know, you're thinking that math is obviously not a specialty either, but we had 5 people and rotated in and out. Anyway, enough about bridge.
The entire day became rather hectic.
1) I had to mail back my cell phone (under warranty but a huge rip off situation - I hate machinery of all types, I'll tell you my computer woes later).
2) Beauty Parlor appt at 10:15. Not finished until noon (major overhaul)
3)Wanted to take Baron to newly discovered dog park which is a life saver because he can run and jump on other canines and not me.
4) Guests arrive promptly at 1:30 for bridge.
I arrived at the mail box place bright and early only to discover they don't open until 10 am. Baron and I headed to the dog park for a fun 45 minutes of running into the wind. Made it to beauty parlor on time. Mailed malfunctioning cell phone (thank heavens), and headed back to the dog park so Baron could again run around the park and not my house. My plan was that a tired dog would make a good impression. Unfortunately despite hours of $$$$$$$ dog obedience, there are a few unfortunate glitches in Baron's repertoire. While he comes very nicely at home, when he is busy with his canine friends and/or new acquaintances, he is not in the mood to listen to my pleas. It was freezing cold (something you Californians wouldn't be into) and my hand was practically frostbitten from cleaning up the hooligan's mess. Baron ran around with the puli (very cute), the vizula and an assortment of others. I called in my nicest voice. He ran straight toward me, gazed lovingly at me, and then continued on his way. This unfortunate glitch in dog obedience continued for several long frozen minutes, until my fellow dog owners took pity on me and tried to help. With the help of three people (and, I might add, no canines), we finally caught the runaway poodle. By this time I was absolutely frozen (did I mention the wind chill?) and, I must admit, rather grumpy. I was thinking of the joys of bichon ownership.
I know, you are still wondering where the range (as in cooking, not the deer and antelope part) comes in. I guess if we think of the dog park as a range, it is a double entendre. I arrived home at 1pm with only a half hour until my guests were to arrive. It occurred to me (a little late) that I didn't have the bridge stuff out (cards etc), the table set for bridge, the food out (you have to feed bridge players, though I have no idea why), and I had forgotten to eat lunch and I absolutely never miss a meal. I began to hurriedly make coffee, tea, put out food (beautifully placed on the plate Friday afternoon - not be me - I am domestically challenged), eat lunch, set the table etc. etc. etc. It is the part about the tea that brings us to our heroine's (that would be me) demise. I decided to put more water in the tea pot and by mistake the bottom of the already-warmed-up pot touched my partially frost-bitten (from the afore mentioned foray into the dog park) hand.
So dear cooks here is my big question: What do you put on a burn?
Anyway, the good news is that in my panic to get everything ready, I forgot about the burn and was able to have everything in place and pretend to be relaxed when my guests arrived. I remembered the burn this morning when I was in the shower and saw a brown mark on my hand. Word of warning: do not try to rub away a burn, it doesn't work.
Well, that's it. I guess I don't need my faithful sidekick (that would be Baron) to do myself in. Oh yes, Baron greeted my guests warmly - he barked growled, etc. Fortunately, "etc." does not include biting and snapping as his predecessor did. After 10 minutes he was comfortable with our guests. In fact he was so comfortable that he tried to get into the lap of the only non-dog-lover of the group. He did go from person to person trying to engage someone - anyone - in play. I had his leash on, and was reminded by an experienced dog-owner guest (you should see her poodle)that I should be doing an on-leash sit with Baron. I am happy to announce that it worked! I sat beautifully!!! After one hour he settled down, decided that bridge is not his game, and took a nap.
Enough about my day, I'm off to the dog park again - I hope I remember to bring Baron.
Botswain
February 22, 2009
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