Reform School

Hi All,
You have not heard from me in awhile because I have been busy researching canine reform schools. Yep - you got it - I am done with you-know-who. The latest is that while in the midst of a project on my computer, I naively left my eye glasses unattended on the table when I went to the kitchen. I heard my beloved spouse raising his voice (translation - yelling!!!); the next thing I knew, he came storming into the kitchen holding what was left of my glasses. One lens was in my beloved enraged spouse's hand (chomped on - the lens not the hand). The frame was not intact. I know this is hard to believe, but I was not in a good mood. These were my favorite prescription reading glasses - and they were brand new!!! I'm sure you already know who the culprit was - Baron (of course).
I don't care how warmly I am greeted at the optical shop - this has got to stop. Does anyone have any ideas as to how to stop this $$$$$ behavior? It occurred to me that Baron might need glasses, so I had his eyes checked. His eyes are fine. The recommendation was to get him his own pair of glasses so he will stop playing with mine. I doubt that will help, but I have searched the pet stores for "play" eyeglasses, just in case.
All for now, I have to retrieve the newspaper; I want to read it before Baron does.
Botswain

Imperfect

Hi All,
OK, I admit it - Baron is not perfect - I won't, however, admit how far from perfect he is. I caught him in the backyard trying to engage the gas company meter man in a playful game of "Pounce on the Meter Man." Baron thoroughly enjoyed it, the meter man looked exhausted (though not as exhausted as Baron's groomer).

Baron was particularly excited when my brother, Jon, came to visit. At first Baron greeted Jon by using his most ferocious growl. When this did not produce the intended result (my brother did not cower in a corner), Baron licked Jon's eye glasses, ears and sleeves. My brother commented that all he needed was a bar of soap to complete his "shower." Baron dislikes being groomed, and perhaps thought an effort at grooming my brother would scare him away. Is my brother brave or what?
All for now,
Botswain

I give up!

Hi All,
I know you are thinking this must be a slow news week at Poodle Place. Oh, that you were correct. No, it is not a slow news week. Jaws (aka Baron) has been quite busy. I have stopped taking him to dog parks (see previous 100 blog entries for information), so he has spent his time trying to engage his colleagues in play while we are on "quiet" walks. Of course, with Baron, no walk is quiet. He amuses himself by trying to catch squirrels or by trying to ingratiate himself or intimidate with his peers. So far, he is not successful at either venture.
I have to go, it is Baron's bedtime - thank goodness! More tomorrow.
Botswain

This Poodle Lover is Not Laughing

Hi All,

Things have gotten expensive here at Poodle Place. No, I am not referring to Baron's grooming, which, by the way, is no bargain. It seems that either poltergeist resides here (a curly haired 4 legged one) or Baron has been doing serious damage to our eye glasses and their cases. He has chosen a very expensive snack which does not have enough nutrients to sustain him.

I went to the Optical Shop to buy yet another pair of eye glasses. Baron went with me and was greeted warmly by the shop's owner. The owner adores Baron because he is good for business. Baron single handedly brings in customers in need of new glasses (that would be me - not to mention my husband). This is getting out of hand, and Baron will have to come up with a more appropriate snack. For now, he is basking in his new found popularity!

Botswain

A Walk in the Woods

Hi All,
Yesterday Baron and I took a walk in the forest preserve with my friend, Debbie, and her dog, Rex. Before you read further, you should know that Rex is a Jack Russell Terrier - enough said. Well, maybe I should elaborate. Jack Russell's are known to most as the dog on the TV show Frasier. They are small and kind of cute, but are aggressive and curmudgeonly. Rex, in particular, detests other dogs, including Baron (I know this is hard to believe). Fortunately, Rex has a touch of dementia and once we have started walking together, he forgets his hatred (I had a mother-in-law like that).
On this particular walk, Baron received compliments from numerous passerbys. Rex (and Debbie) started to feel badly. This ended when 5 women on horseback approached. They too complimented Baron until he lunged at one of the horses. They rode off rather quickly, the compliment truncated. I didn't get to explain that Baron, who has no concept of size (his or anyone else's) just wanted to play. He thought the horse was a large mastiff.
All for now,
Botswain

To Catch a Thief

Hi All,
It's been awhile since I last wrote. I have been busy with damage control here at Poodle Place. Someone is stealing from us. My husband's glasses (prescription) are missing, my make-up case was missing, toothpaste was missing - the list goes on.
A thorough search of the premises led to the discovery of the missing tooth paste (on the floor). The eye glasses have yet to be discovered. We only have one suspect in custody - Baron!!! He is at it again. He is proclaiming his innocence but we don't believe the wily critter.
All for now. I'll keep you posted
Botswain
PS
The observant reader may note that I have not mentioned the fate of my make-up case. That is because I found it in a cupboard which Baron can't reach. The culprit seems to be my own absentmindedness.

Temporarily Trainerless

Hi All,
This has been a hectic time here at Poodle Place. For reasons beyond my control I have been unable to schedule Denise (Baron's 5th Trainer). In her absence Baron has spent time snacking on my glasses case, helping himself to unattended sweet potatoes (cooked of course), and dreaming about his girlfriend, Lexi. He is still not allowed to get married (see previous entry). Oh, according to Baron, on the plus side, he has consistently helped empty the garbage - yep, one kleenex at a time. At least things aren't boring.
Botswain
PS
Baron insisted I inform my readers that he has successfully entered several stores (with me) and received numerous compliments - not on his behavior but on his personality and attractiveness. I, by the way, received no compliments. I did learn that when a store manager approaches you and asks if your dog is a seeing eye dog, it is not a good sign for his future in the store.