The Bank

Hi All,
In case, dear readers, you think the only place where Baron is popular is the Optical Shop (remember, he has boosted their sales) you are wrong!  He is also well-liked at our neighborhood bank, probably because he has not been implicated in the recent increase of bank robberies in our community (I kid you not - on both counts).  The bank tellers greet him by name, and the bank officers leave their desks to say "hello" (to Baron, not me). The tellers all know about Baron's allergies, and therefore don't offer him treats.  They are even considering investing in special dog treats that are Baron-friendly (duck and potato). The mailman also greets Baron warmly; he is probably happy to receive a nonviolent welcome from a large dog - or any dog, for that matter.

As a result of his popularity at the bank, Baron assumes all bank visitors are also delighted to see him.  Unfortunately this is not necessarily the case.  While Baron's loyal employee (that would be me) was writing a check, Baron quickly abandoned his "sit" command to greet a bank customer.  This particular customer was not, let me repeat, not a fan of Baron (or any dog - you know the type).  Hence, when Baron, in an effort to establish eye contact, gracefully rose to his hind legs (aka jumped), she was, well, appalled. Fortunately, Baron's brave handler (also me), responding quickly, glared at the startled woman and insisted that she greet Baron warmly and with proper etiquette.  I commented on her lack of empathy - I mean, imagine Baron's hurt feelings!  OK, I might be exaggerating.  I was lucky to grab the buoyant Baron before he have her a big hug.

Life is always interesting here at Poodle Place.  I have to take Baron for a walk, more later.
Botswain

Baron 75, Master 10

Hi All,
This has been a trying week at Poodle Place.  You may recall that Master selected Baron as our "bed pal".  After creating a "monster", so to speak, Master decided to move Baron to the "extra" bedroom, also known as the "kitchen".  Unfortunately, while Baron appears to be sleeping comfortably on his plush bed in the kitchen, he prefers our bed.
Last night, one of us (hopefully not me) failed to completely close the bedroom door.  Baron ended up in our bed, snugly sleeping in the "middle".  Master tried to move him over, and gently (or not so gently) kicked him.  The end result is that Baron is absolutely fine (thank goodness) but Master has a broken little toe (the kind of break where the toe is hanging at an angle).  Master is extremely uncomfortable, but Baron has no complaints.  Hence, the current score is: Baron 75, Master 10.  Actually, Master thinks Baron's score might actually be higher but can't bear to face defeat.
More Later,
Botswain

The Rally

Hi All,
OK - who has heard of Rally?  No not the kind where you support your favorite team, but the dog kind of rally.  Baron just had his 1st Rally class, which, unfortunately, involved me.  You (and your dog) complete a course where there are about 15 sets of instructions.  As you get to each number, you follow the instructions.  For the directionally challenged (me, not Baron) the 270 degree turn was bit of a setback.  The good news is that only one dog goes at a time.  Hence Baron does not have many opportunities to interact with his classmates;  this is a good thing, as Baron still doesn't play well with others.
Botswain

Should We?

Hi All,
Baron and I (mostly me) are considering taking a Rally class.  This is very brave of us for several reasons:
1) I am not sure what a Rally Class is.
2) We have not taken a class since May.
3) The trainer for his last class referred to Baron as "exuberant".  This is a euphemism for obedience-challenged.
I will keep you posted.
Botswain

Still Obedience-Challenged

Hi All,
Things have been hectic here at Poodle Place.  Baron's human siblings have left the doghouse, so to speak.  Hence, it is just myself, Master, and Baron left at home.   We are all sad, but Baron is handling it well.  During a search for his siblings, he made a valiant effort to squeeze under Young Master's door.  It didn't work.  He tried putting his rather large proboscis under the door - no luck.  When I showed him the empty room, he whimpered.  How sweet is that?
As for the Young Mistress, Baron was invited to ride in the car when I took her to the airport.  Hint: The invitation was not from me, although he behaved admirably   Baron propped himself up in "navigating" position, regardless of how many times I told him we have an actual navigator.  Although I got lost, we made it to the airport on time.  Baron was very proud of himself!

All for now.  Baron wants his bedtime story.
Botswain

A Party for Baron

Hi All,
There will be a party in Baron's honor at the Optical Shop in our neighhborhood.  Why is the Optical Shop giving Baron a party, you might ask?  BECAUSE, ONCE AGAIN, HE MUNCHED ON THE LENS IN MASTER'S EYE GLASSES!!!  Business had been slow, and the Optical Shop is grateful that Baron is doing his part to bolster the economy.
Botswain
PS
Master is not grateful!

Winnie the Poodle

Hi All,
While walking with Baron today, we ran into (not literally) an 11 week old standard poodle puppy, named Winnie the Poodle.  How cute is that?  She is black like Baron and jumps on me like Baron does (of course he is a little older - and bigger).  Her owner's only complaint is that she has a little trouble walking on the leash, as she prefers to be a follower.  She is probably less challenging than Alpha Boy.  She is absolutely adorable and is great in her crate, unlike a certain Baron.  Of course Baron's crate difficulties are the result of "Master's" not wanting to leave the little tyke in a cage, heaven forbid.
Even Master agreed that Winnie the Poodle is darling and a relative of hers might be a nice addition to the family.  Maybe I'll have to "borrow" Winnie to wile Master with her poodle ways.  I'm sure Baron would love to be a big brother. ha ha
All for now,
Botswain